GorillaOffTopic, Everything But Gorilla Trades

Still have some holiday shopping left to do? If you are like the Gorilla, and about half of the population who waits until the last minute, you are not alone. Many of us have gifts to buy and it can be very stressful. The traffic, the limited parking situations, the lines, the crowds! Who needs that aggravation?
 
But shop you must or you will let your loved ones down. However, last minute shopping doesn’t have to be quite so harried, so here are a few tips from the Gorilla to help quell the stress: To start with, why not try shopping online instead of running around all creation to get your gifts? Each and every major chain store has online shopping available to all and yes, there is a God because you can request express shipping and have it sent either to you, or (as the Gorilla has in the past) directly to the recipient. And here’s the very best part: they will wrap it for you! Talk about a stress-free way to beat the crowds!
 
Another suggestion from the expert (otherwise known as the Gorilla) is to shop at stores that are less-likely to be crowded. You may ask what the heck the Gorilla is referring to since almost ALL stores are crowded this time of year, however, that is not necessarily true. For instance, if you know someone who loves to paint, shop at an art store. Or you may try one of those smaller specialty stores that is family owned or one of a kind. The Gorilla went to one of those just today and it was not busy at all and there were virtually no crowds! Antique stores are a great idea as well. They often have much more than just antiques and the gifts are less typical, and certainly more original than what all the big chain stores are offering.
 
The Gorilla also knows that you may have teenagers or those who follow the trends and you really can’t get away with avoiding the mall or large retail chains any way you look at it. So with that in mind, here’s a little hint: These stores are now offering extended hours up until the holiday with some even opening their doors at 7 or 8 A.M. This is the very best way to get in and avoid the crowds and filled parking lots. Yes, there are usually a few people in the stores, but not nearly as many as one would think, so it’s a great time to shop before the crowds hit.
 
Okay, you’ve got the tips, now get out there and spend some money (if you can) and don’t worry so much. Use these helpful tips and you are sure to feel a bit more “jolly” this holiday season. Yes, you can just call him “Santa Gorilla” and no thanks are required. It’s just the kind of primate he is!