"For many stores, such as 7-Eleven, Christmas Day is the busiest day of the year," NACS wrote in introduction [image-nocss] to this list of 10 popular gift ideas in convenience stores this holiday season.
10. Interactive candy: Is it candy or is it a toy? It's both, and it remains one of the fastest-growing categories in the candy business.
9. Chocolate: While kids may like sour or "gross" candy, chocolate is still everyone's favorite. More than 40% of all candy sales in convenience stores are chocolate, and the holiday season is behind only Halloween and Easter for candy sales at stores.
8. Batteries: Batteries are a must, whether for videogame controllers, handheld toys or MP3 players, and, of course, cameras to capture all of the holiday memories.
7. Ice Scrapers: Who says gift giving can't be practical? Most convenience stores have products to help winter drivers stay safe on icy and snowy roads, including wiper fluid and, in case you left home without them, hats, gloves, sunglasses or maps.
6. Magazines: With many magazines now featuring "Best of" issues celebrating the year or decade in review, you're sure to find a magazine of interest for even the person who never seems to like anything.
5. Lottery Tickets: How about giving the chance for a big payoff? As of Dec. 21, the multi-state Mega Millions jackpot was more than $160 million, and Powerball was more than $100 million. Whether scratch-off tickets or regular drawings, convenience stores sell most of the lottery tickets in the United States.
4. Phone cards: Whether gifts for college students or business travelers, phone cards and even cell phones with no annual fees allow friends and family to stay in touch and share the holiday cheer. You won't be alone if you buy them; convenience stores sell more phone cards in December than any other month.
3. Gift cards: Gasoline? Sandwiches? Car wash? Gift cards from convenience stores are the ultimate in convenience.
2. Refill mugs for beverages: Stumped for your office grab bag? Give coworkers refillable mugs good for discounted refills of coffee or sodaor even cappuccino gift packs. Have even more fun and fill the mugs with holiday candy!
1. Coffee: Before you open your presents, pick up a fresh cup of coffee and relax. Most convenience stores will be open Christmas Day and can provide you with hot coffee and even coffee beans by the pound. And don't forget the hot chocolate for the little ones.
As busy as the holidays can get, NACS summarized, convenience stores offer a convenient and efficient way to purchase stocking stuffers and gifts for everyone on your shopping list.
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