How to Buy a Last-Minute Gift
Last-minute gifts don't have to be generic, expensive or even thoughtless, if you follow a few sensible guidelines.
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Things You'll Need
- Gift Ribbons
- Tissue Paper
- Leather Goods
- Gift Cards
- Palm Handheld Organizers
- Art
- Flowers
- Gift Bags
- Gift Baskets
- Gift Bows
- Wrapping Paper
- Wines
- Jewelry
- Mens' Watches
- Women's Watches
- Music
- Gift Certificates
- Spa Gift Certificates
- Stationery
- Tissue paper
Instructions
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Note interesting stores and unique galleries whenever you're out shopping (especially spots with extended and weekend hours). Also, bookmark Web sites that stock high-quality and reasonably priced goods, from cooking supplies to art.
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Maintain a mental inventory - or jot it down somewhere - of shops that do gift wrapping, personal shopping, engraving or alterations on-site. Also keep in mind places that have gift sets of interesting things: stationery needs, for example, or barbecue tools.
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Keep up with trends in toys, sporting goods, flowers and jewelry so you can make great choices without stopping for research on the latest items. Maybe beanbag toys are now old news.
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Select general but not generic gifts, with age, gender and relationship status in mind, when you don't know the recipient well. For example, a boss's 7-year-old will appreciate a book or art supplies no matter what his or her interests.
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Go online and order books, wine, food or flowers; then send an e-mail card to announce it, if you don't need to present a physical gift. If not, get a real card and give the recipient the URL of the site.
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Opt for useful gifts: stationery, address book, handheld electronic organizer, watch, pen, a fun key ring.
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Go for pampering gifts when the recipient is a friend or loved one: spa certificates, a year of flowers, tennis club memberships, books.
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Remember that gift certificates are easy and usually appreciated. Alternatively, hit the ATM and put $50 in a card and envelope for a truly last-minute gift; put the envelope in a bouquet of flowers, if you have the time.
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Try high-quality gift baskets if you know a person's general interests in food, bath items, wines, etc.
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Buy a gift bag and tissue paper if you can't get the present gift-wrapped.
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Smile and don't let them know you've been scrambling.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose the highest-quality gift you can comfortably afford.
Pick safe, neutral colors if you're buying leather goods, scarves, etc.
Resist the urge to recycle gifts. But if you do, be absolutely certain that the recipient wasn't also the gift giver the first time around.
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Comments
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CCrock
Dec 19, 2007
You can never go wrong with gift cards! It's a gift that gives twice, when it's recieved and again when it is spent. If it seems boring, check out my article "How to Give Money" for some creative ideas. -
CCrock
Dec 19, 2007
You can never go wrong with gift cards! It's a gift that gives twice, when it's recieved and again when it is spent. If it seems boring, check out my article "How to Give Money" for some creative ideas.
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Dec 08, 2005
I gave my mother and father a gift of Personal Chef sessions. I made all the arrangements and planned it all out. The chef went to their house, brought all the food and the tools she needed, she made everything from scratch, served it to them, and then cleaned the kitchen. Mom said she felt like a queen in her own house. Dad got to eat properly cooked fish for a change. I looked like a genius. It cost about $300, but I came off looking good all year. I'm doing it for my in-laws this year.
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Nov 22, 2005
Don't try to buy clothes for her at the last minute. You'll get the wrong size, a color that looks hideous on her or something not her style. Get a similar doll's garment & give her a voucher so she can choose the clothing herself. She'll appreciate this.
