Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea
From LoveToKnow Christmas
If you're in search of last minute Christmas gift ideas, you've come to the right place!
An Embarrassing Situation
There are many reasons you may be in search of last minute Christmas gift ideas. For example:
- You receive a lovely present from a neighbor, but didn't think to include her on your holiday shopping list.
- You get invited to a Christmas party and want to bring a small hostess gift.
- In your rush to finish your Christmas shopping, you simply forgot to pick up a gift for your cousin.
- Your child didn't tell you that he was supposed to bring a gift to school for the Secret Santa exchange.
Inexpensive Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas
Regardless of the reason why you're in need of last minute Christmas gift ideas, it's important not to panic. There are a few basic presents that are guaranteed to please almost anyone.
Good last minute gifts for women include:
- Candle and candle holder
- Pretty picture frame
- Scarf and mittens
- Stationary set
- Box of chocolates
Suggestions for men include:
- Set of screwdrivers
- Flashlight
- Car cleaning kit
- Can of mixed nuts
Depending upon the people in your social circle, lottery tickets or a bottle of wine may also be a useful last minute gift idea. For couples, pairing a box of microwave popcorn with a pretty bowl and a small gift certificate to a local video store is another good option to consider.
Last minute gift ideas for children include:
- Play-Doh
- Coloring books and crayons
- Wooden puzzles
- Board games, such as Monopoly or Battleship
- Copies of classic children's books, such as Black Beauty or The Secret Garden
Creating a Gift Closet
The best way to avoid having to make a frantic run to the mall right before Christmas is to create a gift closet filled with presents that you can use for occasions when you need a gift in a hurry. If you don't have a spare closet in your house, simply designate a large plastic storage container for this purpose.
Planning ahead is the key to successfully creating a gift closet. Keep your eyes peeled for inexpensive gifts. For example, if you remember to stock up on crayons and coloring books during the September back-to-school sales, you'll have enough presents for Christmas as well as birthday parties throughout the year. On a similar note, candles and picture frames can often be found for rock bottom prices shortly after Mother's Day.
To make your gift closet even more useful, visit your local dollar store for colorful gift bags, tissue paper, and an assortment of greeting cards. Then, whenever you need a last minute gift, you can simply go "shopping" in the comfort of your own home.
Charitable Donations as Last Minute Gifts
If you don't want to go through the trouble of creating a gift closet, or you're just fed up with the materialism surrounding the Christmas holiday, you may want to consider making charitable donations as a last minute gift idea. Donate a set amount of money in the recipient's name, then announce your gift with a beautiful greeting card. Since you can send the money after giving the card, this is the perfect way to avoid being caught empty-handed and in need of a Christmas gift.
The key to this approach to gift giving is to pick a charity that's as non-controversial as possible. As a general rule, try to stay away from organizations with a religious or political mission. Even if you agree with the charity's belief system, there is a good chance your gift recipient may feel otherwise. In comparison, a donation to a local food bank or a program to provide after school tutoring to inner city kids is unlikely to raise any objections.
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Comments
A great gift idea is The Picture Mug, which allows you to insert your own photo or artwork and change it anytime.
-- Contributed by: Randy
This page has been accessed 1,615 times. This page was last modified 23:50, 20 September 2008.
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