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De-stress Last Minute Shopping by Creating A 'Gift Closet'

A spur of the moment party. An unexpected guest for the holidays. Or someone you just forgot on your list. Every year it’s the same … no matter how much you’ve planned to avoid it, you find yourself racing through the mall at the 11th hour shopping for last minute gifts. And regardless of how much you enjoy giving, last-minute shopping can really be stressful.

“Part of what’s stressful is that feeling of being overwhelmed -- there’s so much to do in such a short time,” says Dr. James Maddux, a professor of psychology at George Mason University.

Here are three easy steps you can take to reduce stress and increase your enjoyment of the Holidays.

1. Create a “Gift Closet.” -- What’s a gift closet? It’s a closet in your home where you can store a small assortment of gifts for those last-minute occasions. It’s a closet mainly for what some term as “outer circle” gifts. People in your “outer circle” include neighbors, work associates, hostess gifts, teachers, and service/delivery professionals (i.e. mail carrier, newspaper carrier, lawn service, housecleaner, etc.), among others.

2.Come up with gift ideas with broad appeal that can work in a variety of situations. Some of the most popular gifts are specialty candles. According to Bob Nelson, president of the National Candle Association, scented candles are the perfect choice. “Both men and women consider candles to be an always-acceptable and highly appreciated gift for a wide variety of occasions,” he says. “Research suggests over 90 percent of people think candles make appropriate gifts for the holidays, or any time of year. And every time the candles are used -- it will bring back positive memories of both the gift-giver and the occasion."

3. Shop around to find gifts that meet your budget and stock-up … so you’re ready at a moment’s notice. Many people recommend spending $15 to $25 on an “outer circle” gift. Anything less may send the wrong message … and there is no reason to spend more to get a great gift.

“I think the concept of a gift closet is very appealing,” says Rick Ruffolo, senior vice president of brand, marketing and innovation at Yankee Candle and the company’s chief scent officer. “It is important to make sure the gifts you select have wide appeal, are from a well-recognized gift brand, come from a home specialty or gift store with an open return policy, and would be something you would have in your own home.”

Scented candles make a great choice for the holidays. Terry Molnar, executive director of the Sense of Smell Institute in New York City, reinforces this observation. “Fragrance memory trumps reality,” she says, so that for many people, “having the right scent completes their picture of the perfect Christmas.”

“Most of our fond memories of Christmas are directly connected with particular holiday scents,” Ruffolo explains. “Scents like Yankee Candle’s Christmas Cookie, Balsam & Cedar, and Home for the Holidays instantly bring back nostalgic memories of baking cookies, tree trimming, and decorating your home with your family.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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