Still scrambling to find just the right gift for pretty much everyone on your cobbled-together Christmas list?

Well, unfortunately you're not alone.

Stores everywhere will be packed with late-in-the-game gifters looking for the elusive Nintendo Wii for wee ones or sought-after sweets like Toblerone for stockings.

Expect lineups and stay calm by forming a gift-buying strategy before you head out, says Peggy McConnell, a personal shopper with Errand Girls in Vancouver.

Even though she has to buy about 50 gifts today for five different clients, she said, she isn't worried.

"Most people in the mall are just wandering around, eyes glazed over, and they don't know what they're looking for," said McConnell, who plans ahead. "I make lists."

She recommends getting up early -- many stores open at 8 a.m. and close around 6 p.m. today, even big box stores -- and heading to a mall, like Metrotown or Pacific Centre, where everything is close-at-hand. Bring snacks, dress comfortably and try to stay relaxed, she advised.

Last-minute shoppers need to embrace lineups, a good time to refer to their lists, she said, and they need to be flexible.

Give yourself a few options for each person, she said. That way, if there are no digital photo frames left, you can always go with an iPod Shuffle for your dad. And so forth.

"Try not to be aimless," she repeated. "Go out early. Look at your list."

We'll help.

Here's a gift-by-gift guide to help you go from Scrooge to St. Nick, without losing your cool. (If you're one of the smart people out there and you're done shopping, you can go back to bed.)

Remember, every second counts so be decisive and keep those gift receipts. Now go!!

Grandparents:

When you're last- minute shopping, it's a good idea to clump both grandparents in together. Take them out to dinner at their favourite restaurant. Buy a gift card and wrap it with a printout of the menu.

Deal: $50 White Spot gift card, Shopper's Drug Mart, 2302 West 4th Avenue. (Open 24/7)

The In-Laws:

Help curry favour with your in-laws with a gift that keeps on giving. Consider buying them tickets to a play or to a festival. This can usually be done online or by phone.

Deal: About $300, Wine of the Month Club includes two bottles a month for a year, www.wineofthemonthclub.com. (Open 24/7)

The Tykes:

Stuffed animals, Lego, books, DVDs, skateboards and even video games are tricky since they are very age specific. Be sure to get a gift receipt.

If the children in your life are sporty, take note. Buy them new equipment or spring for something like snowboarding lessons and a pass to a local mountain.

Deal: $425, 4-Day Junior Lesson Camp, lesson/lift/rentals, online at www.cypressmountain.com.

Teens:

Get whatever electronic item the teen in your life has been pining for, be it a new mobile phone or the must-have DVD. Just head out early, expect a lineup and be flexible about what you can find at the last minute. Hot items like Nintendo Wii consoles or Guitar Hero video games are hard to come by.

Deal: $89 iPod Shuffle, Best Buy, 2220 Cambie Street. (Open to 5 p.m.)

The Athlete:

Once you've narrowed down the athletic interests of this sporty character on your list, you'll be able to find a gift that fits. Consider purchasing a one-month yoga pass, fitness gear or even a good carry-all bag.

Deal: $69, Edge Pass for Whistler-Blackcomb, available at 7-11. (Open 24/7)

The Catsitter/Dogwalker

Gifts that say "slow down" are good for the important people on your list who are always on the go. Consider a spa gift certificate or movie tickets. An electronic pet that doesn't need to be taken outside in the rain is also a good option.

Deal: $14.95, Webkinz Chihuahua by Ganz, Chapters, 788 Robson Street. (Open to 6 p.m.)

Generic:

Have a few gift-wrapped boxes of chocolate, designer soaps, DVDs or candles ready. These inexpensive, generic gifts work in a pinch. Perfect ammunition against an unexpected gifter, you won't be left stammering and empty-handed.

Deal: $10 Starbucks Gift Card, Starbucks locations, (Open to 5 p.m.)

Time's Out?

*After 6 p.m., head to 7-11 Stores for gift cards and stocking stuffers or head to a 24-7 Shopper's Drug Mart, like 2302 West 4th Avenue, for last-second gifts. When all else fails, shop online. Print out your gift confirmation and wrap it up in a big box.

Last-minute gift ideas

If you've still got several Christmas gifts to buy, personal shopper

Peggy McConnell says making a list should be your first priority.

For Him:

Skip the clothing section and keep walking right past the socks and ties. Electronics are good but get a gift receipt since you might be buying something that he already has. Consider something a little more fun, like tickets to a hockey game or concert. These can be purchased online from home. Print off your tickets and wrap them up, along with some beer.

Deal: $62.88 to $241, Vancouver Canucks tickets, available at ticketmaster.ca. (Open 24/7)

For Her:

Think cozy, warm and luxurious. Look for oversized bathrobes, cashmere slippers and hand-knit blankets. If it feels soft, you're on the right track. Add some oomph by tucking some jewelry into the mix, along with a box of chocolates.

Deal: $24, down-filled booties from Restoration Hardware, 2555 Granville Street. (Open to 6 p.m.)

© The Vancouver Sun 2007