So! You have procrastinated once again, and now you are burdened with a long list and a short amount of time to cross off all the names on your list.

Not many people realize that one of the quickest and most convenient places to buy gifts can be right under your nose… the grocery store, pharmacy, or gas station.

According to Josh Le, manager for Rite Aid on Minot Avenue in Auburn, the store will be open until 11 p.m. for 10 days prior to Christmas and until 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

“Our store, as well as other, select stores will even be open on Christmas from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” said Le, “and it’s the perfect place to do your last-minute shopping.”

The pharmacy has a seasonal section containing a variety of stocking stuffers and gift sets for anyone on your list.

“We have small electronics, appliances, and housewares, too,” explained Le, “and there are themed gift sets including liquor, candy, and chocolate.”

The toy aisle is a child’s dream, including a large variety of toys, plush animals, remote controlled choppers, games, activities books, and crayons.

“We have the very popular Pillow Pets,” said Le.

The drug stores also carry all types of pampering items, such as massaging slippers, bath oils, aftershaves, Fushigi balls, and electric razors.

While picking up last-minute food articles, look beyond the food and look for items that can be turned into great gifts. For example, head to the magazine aisle for the reader in your life. You will find books, crosswords, and magazines for every hobbyist. Bookmarks can add a personal touch. You can even add a funky mug filled with decadent hot cocoa, chocolates, or fuzzy socks.

Flowers can be used as a quick hostess gift as can a couple bottles of wine. Need a bigger gift? Add fancy wine stoppers, assorted crackers, and cheese spreads. You could even add a cheese slicer, grapes, and assorted cashews for a beautiful presentation.

For the cook in your life, the grocery store has all kinds of kitchen gadgets… and who doesn’t like kitchen gadgets? Many grocery stores have decorative mixing bowls, kitchen towels, and oven mitts. Fill the mixing bowl with wooden spoons, spatulas, cookie mixes, and all the fixings for decorating.

For the guys, consider a beer sampler by grabbing assorted beers they may have not tried and include BBQ sauces, meat rubs, wooden skewers, and a BBQ brush.

For a shut-in, head to the card aisle and fill a box with assorted gift cards, including sympathy, birthday, and anniversary cards. You can add pens, notepads, and stamps so that they can keep in touch with their loved ones.

Grocery stores have plenty of items for our favorite little elves as well. There are stuffed animals, sippy cups, and teething rings. For older kids, load up with decks of cards, toys, and games.

Don’t forget that Christmas Eve shopping at Shaw’s will end at 6 p.m. and Hannaford will end at 7 p.m.

If you are traveling, the airport can be a last-minute helper as well. There’s always candy and books, but great gifts from the airport include t-shirts, stuffed animals, and gadgets with Maine written all over them.

Everything closed and you are desperate? Try a gas station or convenience store. Most gas marts stock small toys, such as Hot Wheels and bottles of bubbles. Gas cards are always a pleaser and don’t forget the much-loved lottery tickets.

The ultimate last-minute gift is the one you need when an unexpected guest shows up carrying gifts in hand. Use gift bags and fill with non-perishable items such as wine, candles, aftershaves, and candy. Keep the bags in a back room with a pen for adding their name. If you don’t need to use all these gifts during the holiday, you get to eat the candy and drink the wine.

Last-minute shopping doesn’t have to be stressful – just use your imagination wherever you decide to shop. You will be surprised at how quickly you can cross those names off that list and receive thankful smiles at how creative you have become.