(ARA) - Even though the holiday shopping boom of Black Friday is over, there's still time left in the season to wrap up holiday gift buying for that long list of friends and loved ones.

Steve Kemble, "America's Sassiest Lifestyle Guru" and General Growth Properties (GGP) gift-giving expert, offers these tips to keep your shopping strategy sharp and savings high as the countdown to the holidays continues:

Tip 1: Make a list and check it twice. It's easy for budget-busting holiday gifts to sneak into your arms when you're just browsing stores for last-minute ideas. So, write out a specific list of gift ideas before you even leave the house to shop, and stick to the list at all costs.

Tip 2: Avoid expensive "pressure" purchases. As the end of the season nears, shoppers can become more and more desperate to find an important gift for a loved one, leading them to splurge on an item that's outside of their budget range. But, you don't need to break the bank to get out of gift-giving jams. Try to start shopping as early as possible, and focus exclusively on purchasing items that give you the greatest bang for your buck. A gift doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful. So, save your cash, and put more effort into the thought behind what you're gifting.

Tip 3: Seek out late-season specials. Black Friday has come and gone, but there are still great deals to be had this season. GGP malls all over the country are hosting special offers this December, like the Shop 'Til You Drop event through Dec. 12 that offers shoppers who spend $75 or more a $15 Salon Wish gift card, courtesy of "Cosmopolitan" magazine. Visit www.Cosmopromo.com for additional program details. Plus, look for in-mall hot sheets listing all of the special retailer sales and deals at your local GGP mall through Dec. 26. Visit www.MerryGiving.com to find a participating mall near you.

Tip 4: Buy in person. When the holidays are days away, shop in person at a local mall to avoid incurring expensive overnight shipping fees from online retailers. Plus, you can use that opportunity to look over your gift ideas and ensure they're exactly what the loved one on your list wants this year.

To learn more ways to tackle your late-season holiday shopping, visit www.MerryGiving.com where you can explore details of exclusive GGP mall shopping events, retailer sales and register to win a Martha Stewart Living Ultimate Party for up to 30 guests, valued at $5,000.

Courtesy of ARAcontent