With the Christmas season fast approaching, many are in turmoil about what to get their close friends and relatives for the holidays.  Ideas float through minds then are quickly rejected.  The perfect gift idea continues to evade searching minds as December 25 looms closer.  Stress begins to build and the want-to-be giver frantically reaches into the innermost recesses of their minds to produce a fresh gift, one that will impress and yet still hold a sentimental value.  For those of you in this same state of mind, here are a few shopping tips to take the edge off of this stressful decision.

1)      Avoid waiting until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping.

2)      Prepare a list of the gifts you intend to purchase and who will receive these gifts.

3)      Put thought into each gift; a personal gift will be more appreciated than a last-minute purchase.

4)      Expensive gifts are not always better.  Time and thought put into a gift will be better received than a quick, impersonal gift.

5)      Do not take the easy way out by getting the typical everyday present.  If you would not want to receive a particular gift, this is a good indicator that the person you’re buying for will not enjoy it either.

 Another question that always arises is where do I shop? For those people on your shopping list that seem to have everything, the perfect gift is out there. Before you have a panic attack, here is good news. The ideal gift can be found around here at an affordable price!

 If you’re shopping for dear ol’ dad, grandpa, boyfriend, or any other male genders, here are some stores and ideas for gifts that can be found in West Plains.

1)      Monty’s: From fishing to hunting, they have just about anything that men would enjoy.  There are fishing lures, worms, and rods for the men that enjoy the water.  On the flip side, for the men who enjoy putting on the camo and carrying a gun or bow, there are gun scopes, traps, and hunting vests.

2)      Wal Mart: Filled with just about anything and everything for both male and female, Wal Mart is the one stop place.

 Now if you’re in search of a gift for your sweet mother, grandma, girlfriend, or any other female in your life, here are stores in West Plains that can help you out.

1)      JcPennys: From coats to sweaters, this store is full of current winter fashion. They also have an exquisite selection of jewelry and purses.

2)      Stage: This store also has the new winter trends and a great selection of name brand perfumes. 

3)      Maurices: The hip teen fashion can be found in this store.  From cute stilettos to fashionable jewelry and jeans, this store is the perfect place to shop for young adults.

 Yet, for some you may have to dig a little deeper than just going to these common shopping stores.  If you ask someone what they want for Christmas and they answer you with, “I want a portable hot tub,” like Coach Pitts, then you may have to search around for a good deal. Then for some like Mrs. Griffith who would enjoy receiving, “…a new computer tower because mine died, an Elliptical, or just any typical girl gift,” you may have to do some research.  Start searching now, and find good sales and deals for this Christmas.

By: Cassandra Hutchins and Maegan Bell