It’s almost Christmas, and we’re in the home stretch to catch those last-minute shoppers, diners, and spenders. But how do you do it without sounding desperate?

One word—help. 

No, we’re not talking about you bringing in more help (that’s a you question). We’re noting that people who aren’t finished with their lists are now feeling the panic. And that’s when you can step in and make their lives easier. 

They’ll be relieved and will also remember how helpful you were when they were in the weeds.

Plus, last-minute shoppers aren’t browsing. They’re mission-driven. They want fast wins and clear choices. If you can provide those, you’ve got the sale. 

If you meet them where they are, this week can quietly become one of your most profitable of the season.

Here’s how to make the most of it without adding chaos to your already full days.

Start with Gifts That Remove Decision Fatigue

Last-minute shoppers don’t want options. That’s sooo November. They want answers.

Create a short list of “grab-and-go” gifts that require no customization and minimal explanation. Think bestsellers, crowd-pleasers, or services that solve a real problem. Put them front and center in your space, both physically and online.

If you can name it, price it, and say who it’s perfect for in one sentence, you’ve done your job.

•    “This is our most popular gift for teachers.”

•    “This is a safe and thoughtful choice.”

•    “This is a TikTok fave.” 

Clarity sells faster than creativity this week.

Bundle What You Already Have

You don’t need new inventory to create something that feels new.

Bundles work because they do the thinking for the customer and increase your average sale. Pair complementary items. Add a small bonus that costs you little but feels intentional. Give it a name that makes sense in five seconds.

The key is not perfection. It’s momentum.

Thrive Causemetics does a great job of this on its social media ads. They package three products (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow—which they call Eye Brightener™) under the “3-Step Signature Eye.  3 minutes. 3 products. 1 lifted eye look.”  It reassures shoppers they can achieve a polished look quickly and have everything they need in just three products.

Please remember this when you put together your packages. You’re not curating a museum exhibit. You’re helping someone finish their list and get home.

Lean into Gift Cards, but Elevate Them

Gift cards are last-minute saves, but only if they don’t feel like a cop-out. Many shoppers view gift cards as impersonal. If you can make them think otherwise, you can win big.

If you sell gift cards, could you pair them with a simple suggestion? A card that says, “Perfect for a January reset” or “Best used on a day you need a break” instantly reframes it as thoughtful rather than rushed.

You can even post a funny sign like “Get a gift card. No one wants to look like a ‘pink nightmare.’ ” Or, “It’s not a Jelly of the Month Club membership. They’ll actually appreciate this.” (Hat tip to those two classic Christmas movies.)

Let's offer a small incentive. A bonus value. A future perk. A gorgeous box or card. Even a handwritten note option goes a long way.

You’re not selling plastic or a digital code. You’re selling relief and giving the recipient something they really want, even if they’re probably getting a lot they don’t.

Create Urgency Without Panic

Last-minute shoppers already feel behind. You don’t need flashing red lights.

What you do need is precise timing.

•    “This is available through December 24.”

•    “Order by Thursday for pickup.”

•    “Last chance before we close for the holidays.”

When people know the rules, they move faster. Uncertainty slows everything down.

If you have extended hours, special pickup windows, or same-day availability, say it everywhere. In your window. At checkout. On social. In person.

Make it easy for them to say yes now?

Offer Experience-Based Gifts

Stuff is easy. Experiences feel meaningful.

If your business can offer lessons, sessions, tastings, classes, consultations, or events, this is your moment. These gifts work beautifully for people who already “have everything” and for shoppers who ran out of time but still want to show intention.

You can simply package the experience. Clear description. Clear value. Clear next step.

Bonus: experiences often deliver revenue now and fulfillment later. That’s a January gift to yourself.

Don’t Forget the People in Front of You

One of the most overlooked revenue opportunities is the customer who is already standing in front of you.

Train yourself and your team to mention relevant add-ons, upcoming specials, or gift options during checkout. Not as a pitch. As a reminder.

“You know, a lot of people are grabbing one of these as a gift too.”

“If you still need one more thing, this has been popular this week.”

Your loyal customers already trust you. Help them solve one more problem while they’re there.

Use Social Media Like a Signpost, not a Scrapbook

This is not the week for poetic captions or long origin stories.

Use your platforms to point clearly to what’s available right now. Show the product. Show the bundle. Show the gift card. Show the hours. Show the process.

Short videos, quick photos, simple captions. Repetition is your friend.

If someone scrolls past your post, they should instantly know:

•    What you sell.

•    Why it works as a gift.

•    How fast they can get it.

That’s it.

Add a Small “Thank You” Incentive

A modest, well-timed incentive can tip a hesitant shopper into action.

This doesn’t have to be a deep discount and probably shouldn’t be. Think small but specific. A bonus item. A future discount. A complimentary upgrade. Something that feels like appreciation, not clearance.

Frame it as gratitude for shopping local and supporting a small business during the holidays. People want to feel good about where they spend their money. Let them.

Remember, Last-Minute Doesn’t Mean Low Value

These shoppers aren’t cheap. They’re busy.

They’re willing to spend for convenience, clarity, and confidence. If you respect their time and remove friction, they’ll reward you for it.

Take them out of the scramble mindset and simplify things. Make the path obvious. Make the choices easy. Make the experience calm.

Help them finish strong, and you will too.