TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — With Christmas Day just hours away, holiday procrastinators are everywhere. Stores are expecting a rush of last-minute shoppers.

Andy Hohwieler, owner of Rudy’s – A Cook’s Paradise, said it was a pretty busy weekend and the traffic won’t let up on Dec. 24.

“Christmas Eve is typically one of, if not the busiest shopping days of the year. So we see a lot of people waiting until the last minute to come pick them up for their loved ones,” Hohwieler said.

As Christmas Eve approaches, people are scrambling to cross all the last minute items off their lists. Twin Falls resident Elisa Manwaring said she does most of her shopping on Black Friday. She is looking for good deals to finish her shopping.

“I like to wait until things go on sale and spread out my paychecks to make sure I have everything,” Manwaring said.

Some wait until the last minute, having to scramble to find something. Burley resident Eric Juarez said he was trying to find gifts for his little sisters.

“Whatever it is, I mean, I don’t know, they probably want shoes here, but I can’t seem to find any,” Juarez said.

Buckle regional manager Steve Avalos said this was the busiest season they had had in seven years.

“I think that later week of Thanksgiving played a big role because all of a sudden you went from a usual five week period to now four weeks, three weeks right after, so here we go” , Avalos said.

People come in to pick up a variety of last minute items. Like those who are looking for kitchen utensils for their loved ones, food or spices for their meals.

“People show up last minute for cutlery, knife sets, cooking utensils and wine,” Hohwieler said.

Rachael Downing, executive director of the Twin Falls Zoo, said she’s seen more people come to see the animals and purchase season passes and other gifts.

“People come and look at all of our stuffed animals and see what kind of sales we’ve had,” Downing said.

Even at Claire’s, parents are looking for last-minute Christmas gifts.

“Lots of earrings, diaries, bows, Christmas decorations,” said Arial Frank, the store manager.

Come on Christmas Eve; many stores will be flooded with last minute shoppers. Store owners offer this piece of holiday etiquette.

“Be kind. If you’re going to go out in public, at least be nice to people, because we’re in trouble too,” Frank said.

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