Don't panic, but after Thanksgiving, there are only 28 shopping days until Christmas. Being on the road and five states away from family and friends can make getting holiday shopping done a challenge. It takes planning and more than a little luck to find just the right things while putting in long hours behind the wheel.

That's where getting organized helps. So you won't be paying off Christmas in July, set a budget. Start by listing each person you buy for and setting a maximum you'll spend for that gift. Then list beside each name possible gifts (or, better yet, what he or she has asked for.) Then make a commitment to stick to your list and to your budget.

Slow - Shopping Zone Ahead

Since most malls frown on big rigs crowding their parking lots at this busy time of year, drivers have to be creative. Picking up T-shirts, caps and other small items at truck stop stores is a possibility. And stops at state visitor centers sometimes can yield locally made crafts or commemoratives such as collectible spoons, patches and pins. Gift certificates are always a good option.

A laptop computer and Internet connection can be a driver's most important gift-buying tool. Use it to search reputable sites for specific gifts as well as coupons and promotions that can be used on the 'net and in bricks-and-mortar stores. Start with site aggregators like Bizrate.com or Yahoo! Shopping at www.shopping.yahoo.com. Through them, you can see hundreds of merchants across dozens of categories and you can provide the best price at a glance.

Comparison-shopping is a must, even on the Web, and checking clearance merchandise can yield good bargains. So start each Internet shopping trip at the clearance page and make notes about where the best buys can be found. Be sure to check shipping and related charges that can cost more than the item you're buying. Double check delivery schedules and only use your credit card if the site's shopping cart is secure. When in doubt, place orders using the toll-free number. For security's sake, arrange with a family member or friend for your orders to be delivered to their home.

Hitting the Stores

If you have to devote a day at home to shopping, get organized. Plan to get out early and at non-peak time, if possible, such as Tuesday morning or Wednesday after lunch. Then map out your route so you don't have to backtrack. When in doubt, call ahead to confirm the store has what you want and in the size you need. Then ask the store to hold the item for you.

Once you've found what you're looking for, double-check the size. If you need a box and tissue paper, get it before you leave the store. And needless to say, if there's free gift-wrapping, take advantage of it. You'll save yourself time and hassle.

Finally, save all sales slips and price tags. No matter how careful you are, there's always an item or two that needs returning. To make that easy, write the item and the recipient on the back of each receipt, put them in an envelope and store the envelope with your financial records.

To Get You Started

Here are some gift ideas for the hard-to-shop-for on your list

Future Hunters

The new Henry Big Boy .44 Magnum, left, features an octagon barrel and American walnut stock. For a free Henry catalog, write to Henry Repeating Arms at 110 8th St., Brooklyn, N.Y., 11215, call (718) 499-5600 or go online to www.henryrepeating.com.

Glamour Girls

Here's a gift that's perfect for any woman on your list, from pre-teen daughters to octogenarian great-aunts: A gift certificate to the beauty products store Sephora. It's like having access to a department store with over 200 cosmetics counters, selling all the best-known brand name makeup, bath products and perfumes. There are more than 75 stores nationwide, or you can buy online at www.sephora.com.

Gadget Gurus

Ever wonder what Scruffy's trying to tell you? Apparently the folks at the Sharper Image think you do. They're selling a Dog Translator, right, which straps onto your dog's collar. The battery-run device picks up your pet's barks and matches them against thousands of prerecorded sounds, then translates them into 200 English expressions. Hmm…I can save you the $99.95 and guess that most of the time, Scruffy's saying, "Feed me," or "I want out." Available at Sharper Image stores, or online at www.sharperimage.com.