It’s Official! Last-Minute Shopping is Here!
Some years ago, before the age of computers, I was in so much pain from my juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, I had to get a cortisone injection in my ankle to go Christmas shopping. Unfortunately, the injection didn’t work and I was left with going Christmas shopping in extreme pain. That is definitely not a time that I want to re-live.
The wonderful thing we have today is technology. Hooray! We can shop for gifts from the comfort of our own home at any time of the day! I love it!
So, for those of you with arthritis that have been putting off buying Christmas presents due to flare-ups, pain, stiffness, or just plain procrastination, never fear…online last minute-options are here.
Purchase gifts online and choose overnight shipping
According to USPS, the last day to ship via overnight Express Mail shipping is December 23rd by 5pm. Your package will arrive on Christmas Eve. Now, this option is still a bit risky considering your merchant has to ship it by the deadline.
Purchase online and pick-up at local store
Some stores (such as Best Buy) offer the option of purchasing your items online and picking them up at their local brick-and-mortar location. Your order is ready to go when you pick it up. No shoving your way through the crowds and aisles to find that must have product. It’s great!
A word of caution though: make sure you check the policy of the pick-up service first. Some stores prepare your order within 24 hours; however, others can take 2-3 days. Make sure you know before you purchase.
According to BestBuy.com, you can order online up until Christmas Eve at 3pm for in-store pick up. You may even be lucky enough to live close to a Best Buy with reserved parking spaces for order pick-ups! What a bonus!
Purchase gift cards that can be sent via e-mail
Some online stores (such as Amazon.com and HomeDepot.com) offer the option of sending gift cards via e-mail. No shipping necessary! You can even select the date you want the recipient to receive the e-mail. HomeDepot even allows the recipient to print the gift card e-mail out and use it in the brick-and-mortar store or it can be used online.
If you’re not sure what type of store to get a gift card at for that special someone, then go to GiftCertificates.com. They offer the e-SuperCertificate. The recipient receives it via e-mail and can redeem it for a gift card of their choice. For instance, I receive a $25 e-SuperCertificate. I can redeem it for a $25 Macy’s gift card. It’s that easy.
Purchase Visa gift cards from your local participating bank
Some banks offer a Visa gift card. Just go to your local bank to purchase. This is an easy way to get your gift and have the recipient choose where to spend it. It’s a win-win!
What are you waiting for? Get comfortable, get your fingers limber and finish that shopping!
Merry Christmas to all!
All I Want for Christmas is…
Have you thought about what you want for Christmas yet? If not, you better get a move on!
I have some ideas of what I want this Christmas. Of course, some are serious and some are for fun. I hope you enjoy it.
All I want for Christmas is:
-a reasonable price for arthritis medications
-reasonable cost for health insurance coverage
-an understanding and knowledgeable rheumatologist
-for disability insurance companies to recognize arthritis as a debilitating disease
-an assistant to wrap Christmas presents
-no morning stiffness
-fingers that cooperate
-my ankle replacement to provide bionic super strength
-no-pain injectable medicines
-to walk as fast as mall-walkers
-to open a jar without it being a main event
-a personal butler for my every need
-a secret Santa to keep the Lexington, KY Arthritis Foundation branch open
-of course, a cure for the many forms of arthritis
Well, that’s my list. What’s on your list? Let’s hear it.
Black Friday Deals Start Mon, Nov 23rd!
Buying Christmas presents does not have to drain you physically. Instead, save your arthritic body from the pain, limping, swelling and stiffness, by shopping for gifts online. It is so much easier to click your way through the deals than fighting the crowds, especially on Black Friday!
If you are an avid Black Friday shopper, then get ready to shop now! No waiting for Black Friday to arrive. Amazon starts their Black Friday deals on Monday, November 23rd. Each day brings new deals!
Some of Monday’s deals include a KitchenAid Pro 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixer for 40% off and a LG 37LH55 37-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV for 54% off!
Check out Amazon’s Deal Calendar for a glimpse of this week’s specials. You won’t want to miss out!
Since quantities may be limited, get to the sale quick! Have fun shopping!