Last minute holiday shoppers flock to Lincoln stores to purchase gifts for loved ones

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The clock is ticking for shoppers this holiday season, as Christmas fast approaches.

The owner of the From Nebraska gift shop, Barb Ballard, says she has seen her share of last-minute shoppers both online and in-store.

“We always ask at checkout, so, how far are you on your list, and some people say this is the first thing I bought, and some people say this is the last thing I need to buy,” she said.

From out-of-towners to locals, Ballard says it’s all hands on deck to ensure every request is accommodated.

She tells me that this close to Christmas, most people are shopping for small gifts, such as stocking stuffers.

“We had a huge stocking stuffer table,” she said. “We just did things that we would want in a stocking, and we had part-time people pick out their favorite things; and we just put it all on the table and put it all on sale. People really had fun with that this weekend.”

Her staff agrees that it hasn’t been too bad.

“It hasn’t been too chaotic; a lot of people have an idea of what they’re looking for,” said associate Benjamin Ballard.

“I think it’s busy, but not like, crunch time,” said associate Molly Silfer.

One customer says he’s had a pretty easy time getting everything done before the holiday.

“I’m pretty calm because my wife had done most of the shopping,” said Bill Strain.

He says he’s already purchased something for her, too, but when it comes to new additions to his list, he has a method.

“The secret is to keep it simple. I’ve been to this store before and knew they had what I needed;  I’m here to pick up pretty much and pay for it,” said Strain.

Jake Walsh had similar advice.

“This is my last stop, I got it all in under the wire, thankfully,” he said.

Walsh says you must find a place that can accommodate a wide range of interests.

“I have a family of five back home in Florida; My brothers are big sports fans, so Nebraska Huskers gear it is, and my mom and dad, big dog lovers, so I got them a lot of dog-centric stuff,” he said.

Now, he’s joining people like Chad Heer, who credits Black Friday deals with helping him wrap up his Christmas shopping list in November.

Heer says now he and his son, Camden, are stress-free heading into Christmas.

“Just hanging out and enjoying the holiday season,” said Heer.

Ballard says there’s still time to place your online orders; however, expecting delivery in time for Christmas may incur higher shipping fees.