Christmas is just around the corner. And it only means one thing — shopping for gifts! This task can be exciting but is also associated with last-minute buying and panicking. And with lots of parties going on before the actual Christmas, it's hard to squeeze in enough time to shop for gifts.

If you dread crowded malls, scarce parking spaces, lengthy lines at the cash register, and settling for alternatives when certain items are sold out, you are not alone! But don't worry because your trusted Robinsons Malls gives simple tips to beat the holiday rush so you can enjoy your shopping and still remember the joy of giving.

Start early

Nothing beats starting early, even in shopping. You can avail of grand sales and discounts even if you shop ahead of time. And, you'll have more options as compared to shopping last minute.

Avoid mall peak hours

Even if many people work from home these days, malls can get crowded, especially on weekends or the day right after payday. When you go gift shopping, avoid the malls during their peak hours (between noon and 2 p.m., with another spike in foot traffic between 4 p.m. and closing). There will be less stress for you to shop when fewer people are shopping with you. Plus, you lessen your risk of catching a virus as you search for the perfect gift. Simply put, enjoy hassle-free shopping during off-peak hours.

Create a list and never miss a thing

Don't underestimate the power of a list. By having a To Buy list, you can avoid forgetting what you need and going back and forth to a store. You can also estimate the time you need to shop because you already know what to purchase and the store you need to go to.