R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press On Friday, Sara and Mark Wilson had done what Sara referred to as “not enough” Christmas shopping. The couple from Munising, seen at L&M Fleet Supply in Escanaba, are not alone in last-minute errands.

ESCANABA — Time is ticking for those yet to finish their Christmas shopping, but it isn’t all panic and stress in the aisles.

Mark and Sara Wilson of Munising were in high spirits at L&M Fleet Supply in Escanaba. Despite having only completed what Mark estimated to be about an eighth of their shopping, they were pretty sure they’d find enough gifts for everyone on their list.

On Friday, the Wilsons were shopping for “nieces, nephews, 14-year-old son, brother-in-law, sister, mom, dad,” Mark said. Of those, one had requested specific items, but for the others, the couple was implementing a tried-and-true tactic.

“Wandering aimlessly,” Mark announced. “Luckily, I practice that.”

At Hobby Lobby, Jesse and Jacob Plunger were utilizing the same method to shop for their mother. They said they didn’t have a particular idea in mind, but were finding things — the cart had a few items in it, and the craft store was only their first stop.

It can be tough to find the right gift. Donny Peterson — along with Nora, age five, and Aria, who is seven but almost eight — was shopping for one person in particular. They hadn’t had any luck yet for that one last soul when the Press spoke with them at L&M on Friday, but the girls said they enjoyed shopping. They did buy rawhide bones for their two dogs, who will get to unwrap them on Christmas. The dogs may or may not be surprised, though; Nora said they have good noses and it’s hard to hide toys from them.

One empty-handed shopper said she had bought “exactly zero” gifts and was looking for baking ingredients.

“I’ve been abstaining from Christmas shopping, partially intentionally, partially just because time gets away from you — work and life are busy and stressful,” said Rebecca Canon. “I don’t want to buy people stuff that’s going to take up space just for the sake of it. But on the other hand, there are good people in my life who deserve nice things.”

Whether it’s loved ones known well or acquaintances in a gift exchange, there can be both fun aspects and difficulties in tracking down the right presents.

“In the back of the mind is the 14-year-old,” said Mark, referring to his son. “Most stuff we already have for the kid, but I still don’t think we have that signature thing. And that’s — it used to be easy.”

At Pam’s Petals, floral designer and delivery driver Clarissa Groleau said she expects to be kept busy for a little while longer.

“People are pretty last-minute about ordering flowers sometimes,” she said. “Usually right before Christmas there’s a lot of orders.”

Groleau said she hoped walk-in traffic would bring people shopping from the cooler, where arrangements are already prepared. Saturday is the last day Pam’s Petals will be open before the holiday; as like some other businesses, they close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so employees can relax and spend time with family.