OH dear, you’ve not left the Christmas shopping to the last minute again, have you?

And to think you said you would never do it again after last year’s Christmas Eve bunfight.

It’s time to make the most of what little time you have left – here are our top 5 tips for making last minute shopping a success.

Make a list

It sounds simple but before you rush out and hit the shops, make sure you have at least some idea of who you need to buy for and what sort of thing you’re after. Even a lengthy session spent considering your option is worthwhile – and it warm and you can drink tea and eat biscuits. Fail to plan and plan to fail, isn’t that what they say?

Pick up a couple of spare presents

Just in case the shopping fever grips you and you wind up forgetting someone or, worse yet, you get an unexpected guest on Christmas day. Little knick knacks like toiletry sets (Boots 3 for 2 is ALWAYS a winner), diaries or boxes of chocolates are safe bets.

Stay calm

So there’s a pensioner shuffling along in front of you, kids running into your knees, abandoned trolleys blocking your aisle and just general overcrowding, noise and unpleasantness - but breathe.

A calm shopper is a good shopper. The more you try to enjoy it, the more you just might.

Get off the beaten track

Oxford Street is great but not for hassle-free, efficient shopping. Avoid the crowds and stay closer to home – the likes of Gravesend High Street, Orpington High Street and the Nugent, and Lewisham Shopping Centre, have all of the big hitters and department stores you need.

And department stores are your friend.

Check the papers

Ok, so you’re sort of already doing that – but they’re stuffed with ads that will give you great inspiration and, in all likelihood money off.

Head to newsshopper.co.uk/Christmas to see our gift guides.