How to Come Up with Last-Minute Christmas Gifts

Despite all your advanced planning, it’s hard to avoid having to come up with at least one last minute Christmas gift. Whether it’s a the sudden decision that a gift exchange will be a new feature at the office holiday party or your niece’s new boyfriend who will be coming for Christmas dinner, it seems like there’s always just one more gift to buy. Fortunately, there are plenty of possibilities for easy-to-come-by--and perfectly acceptable--gifts at the eleventh hour.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Stop by any business supply store for a variety of gifts for all ages. Pick out a few packages of flower-bordered computer paper (or other appropriate border), some matching envelopes, and an attractive pen, which you can tie onto the outside of the package. For a child, load a bright-colored cardboard file box with an assortment of markers, notepads, and stickers. Other possibilities include an electric pencil sharpener with a box of pencils or a calendar for the new year.

2. Find dozens of gift possibilities at your local supermarket. Ready-made fruit baskets wrapped in cellophane make great gifts, but you can also bring your own basket and fill it with a custom-made selection of fruit. Pick up a Christmas gift bag and fill it to the top with an assortment of nuts in their shells; use colorful ribbon to tie on a nutcracker—which you will find in the household items aisle. Stop in the baby food aisle where you can grab a handful of small baby toys; wrap one toy in tissue, place another toy on top and wrap it all up in more tissue—keep going and you’ll give baby a delightful unwrapping game along with the toys. Go green; buy one of those recyclable shopping bags they sell everywhere now and fill it with organic and ecologically safe products. Fill a gift bag or basket with an assortment of coffees or teas.

3. Count on any drugstore to carry an assortment of personal products and other items nice enough to give as gifts. Pick out three different bottles of hand lotion and tie together with a wide ribbon. Cologne samplers give the recipient an opportunity to try a variety of scents. Put together a gift bag with foot cream and various pedicure items. Check out the candy section for all kinds of possibilities—from the universally loved Whitman’s Sampler to a selection of gummy candies (worms, bears, etc.), which you can bag up to the delight of any child.

4. Hit Target or similar stores at the last minute for gifts as well as instant wrapping materials in the form of gift bags and printed boxes. You’ll find a large assortment of attractive wooden or metal frames as well as specialty frames, perhaps a pink or blue one for the new grandparent. Scarves—either a fashion accessory or the warm winter kind—are always readily available. Check out the book department for general interest books such as humor or scenic photographs.

5. Give a Christmas Bouquet. Count on one of the next-day florists to deliver a bouquet on Christmas Eve or even Christmas Day. Be sure to read their guarantees carefully. See links below. You might even find a local florist who can fit in one more delivery.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your last minute shopping early in the morning or late at night to avoid long lines at the checkout.

Resources

• ProFlowers
• Dot Flowers

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Surprise Friends Near and Far with Fresh Teleflora Flowers. Save 15% & Same-Day Delivery Available.

[Hode]

on 12/23/2008 Nice ideas.