There are three types of Christmas shoppers: those who start on Dec. 26 for the following year, those who start the day after Thanksgiving, and those who start (and finish) on Dec. 24.

This column goes out to those last-minute shoppers.

I’m a procrastinator – just ask my editor. But when it comes to giftgiving, I’ve found that she who shops last loses. And so do the recipients, as anyone who has ever received a Chia Pet can attest.

For me, giving is intensely personal, so unless it’s a stocking stuffer, a gift card won’t do. I’m not finished yet, but I’m ahead of the game. I travel all over the state for my job, so I’ve found many great shopping destinations in Bangor and beyond. I’ve scoured the circulars for sales. I’ve comparison-shopped. I’ve surfed the Web. I started early so you don’t have to.

What follows is a “best of” ShopGirl, so you can wrap your gifts, stuff your stockings, trim your trees and make everyone on your list smile. Because giving should be a happy thing, not a last-minute stress-fueled marathon.

. Best wrapping paper – Hands down, the best wrapping paper I’ve seen so far this season is the Martha Stewart line at Kmart. It’s gorgeous, it’s fun, it’s cheap, and of course, it’s all coordinated. The best deals on wrapping paper, big bags of bows, and gift bags can be found at Marden’s in Brewer. If it’s gift bags you need, check out the selection at Dollar Queen or any of the area’s dollar stores. The best wrap for the money is brown kraft paper or a roll of white paper, jazzed up with funky ribbons, drawings, string or ornaments.

. Best in-house wrapping – Molly’s in Winterport wins the title. They’ll wrap everything from $5 lip gloss to $100 sweaters. The service is free, the look is simple and elegant, and your gifts will be the prettiest ones under the tree. The Grasshopper Shops in Ellsworth and Bangor also do a beautiful, free wrapping job with a selection of festive papers and bows. And if you’re in the Portland area, Dunne Roman wraps its gifts in pretty tissue paper accented with sprigs of juniper – very nice.

. Best Christmas cards – For the best prices, shop T.J. Maxx ‘n More in Bangor. If you only need to buy one or two cards, try Borders Books Music and Cafe in Bangor. My favorite holiday cards are made by Saturn Press on Swans Island and sold at BookMarc’s in Bangor. And for selection, The Store Ampersand in Orono can’t be beat.

. Best stocking stuffers – Last Christmas, almost all of ShopGuy’s stocking stuffers came from Cadillac Mountain Sports in Bangor and Ellsworth. They were practical and affordable, and the staff is always friendly, knowledgeable and courteous. This year, I’ve picked up unusual goodies at the Farnsworth Art Museum shop, including a set of paintbrushes and a notepad that looks like an oversized matchbook. Reny’s in Camden, Ellsworth and Belfast have a bunch of treats, including candy, costume jewelry and glittery makeup, that won’t break the bank. Bed Bath & Beyond in Bangor has a mind-boggling assortment of wee gifties – I picked up a foot massager, a pack of Powerpuff Girls candies, and stylish Umbra playing cards there. Office supply stores are often unexpected places to find a trove of small, useful gifts, too.

. Best tree trimmings – The Store Ampersand in Orono has a wonderful selection of ornaments, and best of all, they’re inexpensive. World Over Imports in Bangor is just packed with glittery, beautiful ornaments, beaded garlands, nutcrackers and all the trimmings. And Ingrid’s German Shop in Bangor (next to Sunnyside Florist) imports hand-blown glass ornaments from around the world – the back room is enough to make even the Grinch love Christmas.

. Best holiday sales – This varies from week to week, but I’m convinced that Filene’s weekly coupons are the best deal in town. You have to pay attention, but if you hit it right, you can get high-end gifts for low-end prices. I have. The Gap is having a preholiday sweater sale, with women’s styles starting at $19.99. Not bad.

. Best times to shop – Bull Moose Music in Bangor is open until midnight, so you don’t have to brave the daytime mall crowds (plus, their prices are among the best in town). T.J. Maxx ‘n More has extended its holiday hours and will be open until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 p.m. Sunday through Christmas Eve. Filene’s is open until midnight on select sale nights – check the newspaper for details.

. Best online shopping – Try oldnavy.com for fun holiday items, including the cutest pajamas around, and great prices. Target.com makes it affordable and simple to shop for the hipsters on your list. The Lands’ End Web site is among the most comprehensive, easy-to-navigate sites I’ve seen. I just picked up a few goodies at crateandbarrel.com and potterybarn.com, both of which are having pre-Christmas sales right now. And if you’re buying for the outdoorsy type, try sierratradingpost.com.

. Best bets for “gifts” – After my father went into Rebecca’s in Bangor for the first time, he said, “If you can’t find a gift in there, you have problems.” I agree. Frankie’s in Ellsworth (which leads a double life as a fabulous cafe), has great, unusual goodies, as does Monroe Salt Works in Ellsworth. Boysenberries in Brewer and Orono both have a great selection of gifts, candles, Boyds Bears and the like. And Chez Renee in Bangor has wonderfully eclectic gifts for the home.

You still have 11 good shopping days left to figure out the rest of your list, but this should get you started. Best of luck, happy shopping, and Merry Christmas!

ShopGirl would love to hear from you. Send questions, comments and suggestions by mail to Kristen Andresen, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329.

, or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.