Last-minute Christmas shopping in Bannock County

Christmas Eve is usually a time spent with family and friends. But recently, more and more people have been spending the day shopping.

Finding that perfect gift can be difficult, but sometimes good things come to those who wait. Like Louise Riggs, who buys gifts for her loved ones ahead of time.

“I start shopping Christmas Eve Day for next year,” she explained.

Her reasoning? The savings.

“Buy one, get one free. 50 percent off. Yeah, 60 to 70 percent off yeah,” Riggs says. “Big difference.”

It’s a tradition of hers that helps avoid the stress of holiday shopping.

“I can come out here Christmas Eve Day, in the bustle and enjoy it and have fun,” she said. “And know that I’m not gonna be stressing going home and getting it wrapped.”

And then there are those like Austin Staas, who love the reduced prices

“It’s like that last-minute deal that you have to get,” he said.

These deals are especially helpful when you realize you didn’t check someone off your list.

“It’s like “oh crap! I forgot like my grandma,” and I’m like uh oh, kinda thing, so it’s like oh dang,” Staas explained.

But don’t worry grandma, Austin didn’t forget you.

“I was getting a sweater…and this necklace. Pretty dope,” he exclaimed.

In the end, last minute shopping is something that both Austin and Louise plan to keep doing for the foreseeable future.

“Oh yeah! However many I got left,” Riggs said.