Five for Friday: Last-Minute Gift Ideas

I realize there are people who really get into the holiday shopping season. I am not one of those people. That’s why I do the vast majority of my shopping online, so I can avoid the holiday crush altogether. But it’s also why I sometimes find myself needing a last-minute gift, since I tend to take a minimalist approach to drawing up my list.

If, in these final days leading up to Christmas, you find yourself in need of a quick gift purchase, never fear. Here are five suggestions for last-minute gifts that are actually thoughtful, if not foresightful.

Something Handmade

While it’s way too late to start most projects, something small and simple–like this awesome map artwork to commemorate a significant road trip–is an excellent way to be specific about the important moments in your relationship. Homemade sugar scrubs are another simple option.  I always appreciate handmade gifts because I know they take more time than, say, clicking Buy on a website.

Something Edible

This could easily fall into the handmade category as well. And who doesn’t love a batch of homemade cookies or a loaf of banana bread? This sort of gift is all the more appreciated if the person you’re baking for has food allergies that you’ve taken the time to accommodate. Those of us with food sensitivities spend a lot of time denying ourselves the goodies that others enjoy over the holidays.

A Basket of Adorables

What does your giftee adore–manicures? Movies? Animals? Whatever it is, find a basket (the size is your choice) and fill it up with stuff focused around the object of their affection. Again, the point here is to let someone know you’ve thought about them in some specific way.  And gift baskets almost always look more substantial than the sum of their parts–especially if you take the time to dress them up a bit with a bow and tissue paper.

An Occasion

Reserve two seats at a wine-tasting event at a local liquor store, or buy tickets for a movie your friend has been wanting to see. You could also combine an occasion with the Basket of Adorables mentioned above and design a “night in” together–a movie night, a girls’ night, whatever occasion suits the relationship.

Gift Cards

I know, I know. Gift cards are the epitome of “I couldn’t think of anything to get you, so here’s my money–buy yourself something.” But if you’ve purchased a gift card for a restaurant you know someone likes, or a store they’ve mentioned often, you can point this out when the gift exchange takes place. That makes it clear you actually did put some thought into the gift you’re giving.

 

In a perfect world, each of us would have the perfect gift for the people we love. But in the imperfect and very human world we all share, a thoughtful gift is really what’s most important, whether you bought it two days or two months before the holiday.