Consumer News: Holiday joy, holiday guilt: Why spending feels so complicated right now

Give a gift card, but with clear effort baked in

• The hack: do a gift card + inexpensiveuseful thing + a short note so it looks planned, not rushed

• 3 rules: pick a useful item (no filler), use a small box (not an envelope), add a 12 sentence note

• It stops last-minute overspending, and you keep 8090% of the budget on the gift card

Last-minute gift ideas are some of the hardest to come up with, and you often end up spending more on the person that you planned just to cross them off your list. If youre like me, you start grabbing random junk that looks fine just to get it done. Then to make matters worse, you spend $15 on a gift bag and card to complete the drill.

Heres the last-minute gift idea fix that works every single time, even when youre down to the wire.

The hack: make a gift card look like a real present

The problem with giving only a gift card is it doesnt show much effort. But if you can combine the boring gift card with one highly practical (yet inexpensive) item youre onto something.

Then you just have to pull it all together with a clever hand-written note. Believe me, it will reflect effort on your part, which is the overall goal for any procrastinator.

To clear things up, think of it like this:

• First, the gift card acts as the real gift.
• Second, think of the add-on item as your I actually thought about you part of the package.
• Lastly, the hand-written note you include is what pulls it all together and makes the whole thing feel personal.

This combo also has a sneaky bonus thats not to be underestimated. It stops you from wandering the aisles until you talk yourself into overspending on something youre not even sure theyll like.

Here are the 3 rules (so it doesnt look like you gave up)

Before we get into the ideas, follow these three simple rules:

Rule #1: The tiny item should be useful, not filler.

Skip the boring candle or scarf that will just be added to the pile. Try to think of something you know theyll get a kick out of and actually use.

Rule #2: Put the gift card in a box, NOT an envelope.

A small box will make it feel like a present. Theres something about ripping open a present that elevates it. Especially if you put a nice ribbon or bow on it. Sometimes its all about the presentation and thats true here.

Rule #3: Add a 12 sentence note. Always.

Dont write an entire paragraph that theyll end up awkwardly skimming. Just write a clever and clear purpose to the gift, it makes all the difference. It basically turns a I didnt know what to get you gift into a I know exactly what you like present.

10 last-minute gift card combos that are thoughtful

1. Coffee shop gift card + reusable cup (or a holiday mug)

Lets be honest here, this is the safest gift on earth. Almost everyone drinks something warm.

Make it feel premium:Consider a note like, Your next 5 lattes are on me.

Budget tip: The mug can come from a dollar spot or discount aisle at Ross or TJ Maxx. That way you can keep more money in the gift card which will be more appreciated.

2. Streaming gift card + popcorn + candy

Grab a gift card for Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ and create an instant movie night kit. Its fun and it totally looks like a planned gift.

Make it feel premium: Add a clever note: One weekend. Zero responsibilities.

3. Target/Walmart gift card + batteries

This sounds boring until you realize its the most young parent approved gift move of all time.

Make it feel premium: Attach the batteries with a note: For the toys youre about to assemble at 11 p.m.

4. Amazon gift card + charging cable (USB-C or Lightning)

This idea is useful, universally needed, and youll never order the wrong size.

Make it feel premium: Say something clever like, For the thing youll order at 2 a.m. when you cant sleep.

5. Gas station gift card + car air freshener + microfiber cloth

Its practical as we all need to gas up. It will also be weirdly appreciated as the air freshener and cloth are things we are usually hesitant to spend money on. Its also super-fast to assemble.

Make it feel premium: Say something like, A little less pain at the pump.

6. Grocery store gift card + fancy chocolate or snacks

This is the perfect last-minute gift for a young adult when you dont know what they want. But youre 100% certain they eat and the cost of groceries is ridiculous right now.

Make it feel premium: Come up with something like, Dinners on you, groceries are on me.

7. Bookstore gift card + bookmark + nice pen

If you still have a Barnes & Noble in your town, this gift idea will read as a very thoughtful, not last-minute, gift.

Make it feel premium: Heres a fun idea, Because doomscrolling needs a rival.

8. Ulta/Sephora/CVS gift card + travel-size hand cream

Make a fun self-care vibe gift that requires zero guessing on shade, favorite color, or skin tone.

Make it feel premium: Try this, Spend it on you, not on errands.

9. Pet store gift card + chew toy or treats

For friends and family who own pets, this gift idea is basically guaranteed joy.

Make it feel premium: Include a note like, For your pets next unnecessary but completely adorable purchase.

10. Home improvement store gift card + mini tape measure

This is the perfect dad or uncle gift. Id even call it a cheat code, especially for the dude who seems to already own everything. Not only is it highly useful and funny, but it comes with zero clutter.

Make it feel premium: Add a note saying, For the next DIY project you swear will be quick.

Make it even cheaper with one smart trick

If you want this tip to stay frugal, flip your spending priorities:

• Spend 8090% of your budget on the card.
• Spend 1020% on the tiny item + packaging.

Most people end up doing the exact opposite. They buy a $30 gift and toss in a $10 gift card as an afterthought. Thats how you end up basically giving clutter in the form of a gift.

Lets say your budget is $50, heres a strong version to consider:

• $40 gift card
• $5$8 small item
• $2$5 packaging

It looks like a gift set, but you didnt pay gift-set prices and you know it will be used and appreciated.

The it still feels personal upgrade worth considering

If you want this to feel really custom without any extra effort, make the note specific to the persons current reality.

Here are some fun examples to think about:

• New parent: For your next we survived today Walmart run.
• Stressed friend: This is for a coffee and 10 minutes of peace.
• Teen: Buy something fun and dont overthink it.
• Host/hostess: Thank you for feeding us like were family that wont leave.

Think of it this way, the card gives flexibility, and the note gives meaning. The bottom-line is to have fun with it and let your creativity flow, if you do that, your last-minute gift will surely be a hit.

Find open restaurants and essentials before you leave the couch

• Some restaurants + a few select location chains stay open onChristmas Day. Check OpenTable/Resy fast, and still call ahead

• Essentials: Walgreens/CVS + 7-Eleven/Circle K/ampm can cover basics in a pinch (pharmacy hours vary by location)

• Dont waste a trip: Most grocery stores + Walmart/Target/Costco are typically closedcheck the store locator before you drive

Christmas Day can easily turn into a scavenger hunt if you find yourself missing one key ingredient or youre phone charger died while you were wrapping presents at 11pm.

But I have some good news for you. You can still find food and essentials on Christmas Day, but you need to know where to look. Many big-name stores and restaurants close their doors completely or have reduced hours.

Restaurants open on Christmas Day

If cooking is not happening (or youre tapped out), Christmas Day dining is usually a mix of classic diners, some chain restaurants, and some spots that take reservations.

• Diners/breakfast:
  • Dennys
  • Dunkin (6am 2pm)
  • IHOP
  • Starbucks (many close by noon)
  • Waffle House
• Sit-down chain restaurants:
  • Applebees (select locations)
  • Benihana
  • Buca di Beppo
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Fogo de Cho
  • P.F. Changs
  • Marie Callenders (takeout only)
  • Red Lobster
  • Romanos Macaroni Grill
  • Shoneys
• High-end restaurants (reservations recommended):
  • Mortons
  • Ruths Chris
  • STK
  • Legal Sea Foods
• Fast food:
  • McDonalds (some locations)
  • Wendys (some locations)
  • Burger King (some locations)
  • Sonic Drive-In (some locations)

Pro tip: For sit-down dining, your fastest whats actually open near me answer is usually a reservations platform like OpenTable or Resy.

Your best bet for groceries: think essentials, not full grocery run

If you need basics (milk, ice, batteries, medicine, paper towels, snacks), the most reliable places to check are pharmacies and convenience stores.

Pharmacies:

• Walgreens:Stores are open on Christmas Day, but pharmacy hours can vary by location, so check the store locator before you drive.
• CVS: Expect location-by-location variation (some open, some reduced hours, some may close), so the safest move is to confirm your specific stores hours.

Convenience stores:

• 7-Eleven: Many locations keep their normal schedule (including 24/7 stores), but franchise locations can vary, so double-check your closest one.
• Circle K: They also keep their regular schedule of being open 24/7.
• AM/PM: Same, theyll be open all day on Christmas.

Grocery stores:

The vast majority of grocery stores will be closed on Christmas Day.

The only grocery store that I could find that is open on Christmas is Albertsons. And not every location will be open, so be sure to check store hours if you have an Albertsons in your neck of the woods.

Whats always closed (so you dont waste a trip)

A few big names are clear about being shut down for Christmas Day:

• Whole Foods Market
• Olive Garden
• Cracker Barrel
• Chipotle
• Subway
• Taco Bell
• Outback
• Texas Roadhouse
• Walmart
• Target
• Costco

The 60-second dont get burned checklist

• Its a good rule of thumb to always check the store locator before you leave as holiday hours can differ by location.
• Definitely call ahead if its a long drive or youre hunting for something specific.
• Aim for pharmacies and convenience stores for your quick essentials. Restaurants, not grocery stores, will be your best bet if you need an actual meal.

From twinkling lights to busy kitchens, an expert shares simple ways to avoid common holiday hazards

• From overloaded outlets and unattended cooking to dry live trees and fireplaces, small seasonal habits can quickly turn into major safety risks.

• Inspect cords and lights, keep trees watered and away from heat, unplug decorations at night, and never leave flames or cooking unattended.

• Having working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher something 15% of households still lack can make a critical difference when seconds count.

The holidays are supposed to be about comfort and celebration not burnt outlets, smoking ovens, or last-minute calls to the fire department.

But with extra decorations, crowded kitchens, and open flames everywhere you look, this time of year also brings a spike in preventable home accidents.

Thats why a little planning can go a long way. From how many lights you plug in to where you place your tree, small choices can make the difference between a joyful season and an unexpected mess.

To help homeowners and renters stay ahead of the most common holiday risks, ConsumerAffairs interviewed Larry Kissel, AVP of Property for Personal Insurance at Travelers, to learn more about the practical safety reminders for the holiday season based on what goes wrong most often this time of year.

The biggest holiday safety risks

Kissel shared the most common safety risks to be aware of this holiday season:

• Fire safety. Fireplace incidents are a common cause of insurance claims during the holiday season. Ensure your chimney, fireplace, wood, or pellet stove is inspected and cleaned by a licensed chimney specialist for safe and efficient operation. Always allow ashes to cool completely before disposal, as they can take several days to cool. Never empty ashes directly into a trash can; instead, use a covered metal container placed at least 10 feet away from your home and other structures.

• Electrical safety. Avoid overloading electrical outlets, as this is a common cause of fires especially with the extra lights and gadgets often used during the holidays. Ensure that cords are kept out of reach of children and away from water. Turn off or unplug all holiday lights before leaving home or going to sleep. This not only prevents fires but also conserves energy.

• Live Christmas trees. Live trees can be a powerful fuel source (and fire risk) especially when dry. Ensure your tree is safe and well-maintained. Start by giving your live tree a fresh cut off the bottom to improve water absorption, and water it daily to keep it from drying out. Use only approved Christmas tree lights, inspect them for damage, and avoid overloading electrical connections. Place your tree away from heat sources, including fireplaces and stairs, where fire can quickly travel to bedrooms.

Prioritizing safety around the house

On top of these common safety risks, Kissel shared more ways for consumers to prioritize safety around their homes this holiday season.

• Have a fire extinguisher at home. A recent Travelers survey indicated that 15% of consumers still don't have a working fire extinguisher on premises, highlighting a critical gap in home safety and preparedness. Having a multipurpose fire extinguisher on hand and knowing how to properly use one is essential and can enhance safety for both people and property.

• What to know about holiday inflatables. When setting up holiday inflatables, make sure they're anchored securely and keep electrical cords away from water and walkways. It's best to use them in calm weather to avoid any issues. Place them on a flat surface away from roads and sharp objects and try to keep kids and pets from playing too close to them to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.

• Stay safe in the kitchen. Staying focused on safe cooking habits is key when the kitchen is crowded and distractions are high, which is often the case during holiday gatherings. Never leave the stove or cooktop unattended. If you need to step away, turn it off. Keep the cooking area clean and clear of combustible items like food packaging, oven mitts or towels, and promptly clean up grease splatters, which can easily ignite. Avoid storing items in the oven that could be forgotten during preheating. Always let hot grease cool completely before disposing of it in a non-combustible container. Finally, keep the right type of fire extinguisher within reach and know how to use it so you are prepared to act quickly if a small fire occurs. If a large fire takes place, clear the home and dial 911 immediately.

Consumers may see the earliest results in emergency response

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A new federal strategy could bring air taxis, medical transport aircraft and cargo drones into everyday use, with the Department of Transportation laying out a national roadmap to safely integrate advanced air mobility into U.S. airspace.

• Consumers may see the earliest benefits in emergency response, healthcare access and faster deliveries, especially in rural and underserved areas where short-range automated aircraft could fill transportation gaps.

• Safety, community input and gradual rollout are central to the plan, with federal agencies coordinating with states, local governments and industry to introduce the technology in phases rather than all at once.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has unveiled a new national strategy that could change how Americans travel, receive emergency care and get goods delivered not on highways, but in the air just above them.

Transportation Secretary SeanDuffy has announced the nations first Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Strategy, a roadmap designed to bring highly automated aircraft including electric air taxis and cargo drones safely into everyday use across the country.

These advanced air mobility vehicles will benefit the American people, Duffy said, noting they could transform travel, emergency response and access to healthcare. We have a bold strategy to unlock the future of our skies and unleash this next chapter of aviation safely and efficiently.

What is advanced air mobility?

Advanced air mobility refers to a new generation of aircraft that typically fly below 5,000 feet and rely heavily on automation. Unlike traditional airplanes, these vehicles are designed for short trips such as flying patients to hospitals, delivering time-sensitive cargo or transporting passengers across congested cities or remote rural areas.

Federal officials say AAM could help close transportation gaps in underserved communities, speed up first-responder response times and reduce congestion on roads, all while maintaining strict safety standards.

The strategy lays out 40 recommendations across six key areas, including airspace management, infrastructure, security, workforce training and community engagement. A companion implementation plan outlines how federal agencies will work with state governments, local communities and private companies to gradually introduce these aircraft.

Importantly for consumers, the plan emphasizes public acceptance and local planning signaling that new air services wont simply appear overnight without input from the communities below them.

Economic impact and jobs

Todays aviation industry already supports about $1.8 trillion in economic activity and accounts for roughly 4% of U.S. GDP. Federal officials say advanced air mobility could add new jobs, boost domestic manufacturing and keep the U.S. competitive as other countries race to develop similar technologies.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr said the strategy reflects a commitment to innovation while protecting the public interest.

From electric aircraft to AI-powered air traffic systems, this strategy reflects Americas commitment to lead in next-gen aerospace innovation, Carr said. The FCC looks forward to continued collaboration with DOT to make this important vision a reality.

What consumers may notice first

While flying taxis grabbing commuters from rooftops may still be years away, consumers are more likely to see early AAM uses in medical transport, cargo delivery and regional travel. Rural communities could see faster access to hospitals, while businesses may use automated aircraft to move goods more efficiently.

Federal officials stress that widespread deployment will only happen once safety, infrastructure and regulatory requirements are fully met a process expected to unfold in stages over the coming years.

For now, the new strategy signals that the federal government is preparing for a future where the sky just above American neighborhoods becomes a new transportation frontier one designed, officials say, with safety and public benefit at the forefront.