Holiday Stress Melts Away for Savvy Last-Minute Shoppers

Chicago, IL, December 19, 2007 --(PR.com)-- According to the forecasters at the National Federation of Retailers, $474.5 billion will be spent this holiday season, but consumers need not face crowded malls or long lines that typify the holiday shopping experience. Once only available to the elite set, an “experience gift” from Signature Days is now not only attainable, but also available for procrastinators who wait until the 11th hour. The company makes it possible to unwrap a dream, like an opportunity to learn from a world championship poker expert, adopt an olive tree in Italy or become a fashionista with the help of a personal stylist.

Experience gifts represent a 10 percent share of the $250 billion gift market, according to forecasters at Unity Marketing Research. Signature Days offers more than 3,500 experiences nationwide, as well as gift cards redeemable for nationwide experiences which never sell out and have no expiration date. By selecting the e-mail delivery option Signature Days can provide the consumer with an instant and personalized e-mail notification, eliminating the need to allow for shipping time.

“Many last-minute shoppers – crunched for money, creativity, and time – can wind up feeling dissatisfied with their purchases,” said Andrew Playford CEO and Founder of Signature Days. “At Signature Days, we want to not only provide the most pleasurable experience possible for the receiver, but the giver as well.”

The idea of giving a gift that can’t be wrapped is catching on. For the first time in 2006, gift cards rose above toys, games, music, and movies, rivaling even the perennial favorite, apparel, as the gift to give and get during the holiday season, according to an American Express Gift Card Survey.

One option for consumers is to buy a specific experience to give as a gift. The experience can then be traded if the gift recipient prefers a different experience. Or, shoppers can purchase a gift card that lets the recipient choose from among a wide range of experiences that match their personality, preferences and budget, with some experiences starting at $50.00. Signature Days experiences range from adrenaline charged adventures like shark diving to educational excursions like a sunset ecotour, and opportunities to live one’s greatest ambitions, like golfing with a professional and being a fashion stylist for a day.

“A gift from Signature Days gives twice,” said President and Co-Founder of Signature Days Chris Widdess. “Of course, to the delighted recipients, but also to the givers, who feel the joy of high-impact, thoughtful gift-giving combined with a low-stress, time-saving shopping experience.”

Experiences are available online at www.SignatureDays.com or in the gift card section of Costco, CVS, Wal-Mart and other chain stores nationwide.

Note to Editors:
Interviews can be arranged in person or by phone. Please contact Adele R. Cehrs for more information at 202-379-2860 or via e-mail at adele@epicmediarelations.com.

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Contact: Adele R. Cehrs
Epic Media Relations, LLC
202-379-2860
adele@epicmediarelations.com