Between dirty Santa, secret Santa, cookie swaps, and white elephant gift exchanges, the most wonderful time of the year can quickly turn out to be the most hectic as well. With your social calendar filling up quicker than you can say “Happy Holidays,” someone on your Christmas list is bound to fall through the cracks. No need to panic, here are a few quick and simple gift ideas to get you through that last minute crunch time!
A Nice Candle. Okay, okay, at first this sounds pretty generic; however, a fancy candle is something that people seldom buy for themselves, but enjoy having. Plus, if you know where to look, there are plenty of fun and unique candles to be found. Anthropologie has a decorative and classy looking selection. But, if you’re looking for a less expensive option, stores such as Steinhart and TJ Maxx/HomeGoods usually carry fun designs and shapes, like martini glass candles, for instance. Even Target is currently carrying a beer glass candle for just $9.99. For yummy scents, Yankee Candle takes the cake for having the most variety despite their simplistic packaging. Considering that candles are sold just about everywhere, the best thing about this gift is that it’s easy to run to the store and pick up if you have limited time.
Coffee Table Books. As a kid, I was a present shaker. I always felt a pang of disappointment when I came across a small rectangular package that either had an indention on the side where the hardcover ended and pages began, or one that was just too bendy to be anything other than a book. But hear me out on this one, I’m not suggesting that romance novels or murder mysteries are suddenly the hot gift of the season. However, I will say, it’s not a bad idea to head over to Urban Outfitters and pick up a book or two that is witty, clever, and looks perfect sitting on the coffee table, waiting to be thumbed through every now and again. Some of their products are a little bit raunchy, but most are hilarious, inspiring, and unique. If Urban Outfitters is too inaccessible, bookstores such as Barnes and Noble or Borders typically have tables or displays set up towards the entrance of the store containing giftable books as well.
DIY Sugar Scrub. Homemade gifts are always so thoughtful and, in this case, easy to whip up. Nobody likes the dry, leathery, crocodile skin that winter gives us, but not everyone can afford a trip to the spa, which is exactly why sugar scrubs are so handy. The instructions are simple: in a bowl, mix together ¼ cup of coarse brown sugar, ¼ cup salt, and ¼ cup of oil. You can use any type of oil that you fancy: almond, flaxseed, or even olive oil will work just fine. Then, stir in any essential oil—or combination of oils—you like until your satisfied with the fragrance. Pour your concoction in a jar, wrap it up with a ribbon, and you have yourself a lovely gift.
A Cozy Blanket. When the weather gets a little nippy, who doesn’t like to snuggle up and watch a movie or read a book? Conveniently, a blanket is another gift that can be purchased just about anywhere for a wide range of prices depending on your budget. Additionally, most people don’t think to give a fuzzy throw in a gift exchange, so your present is likely to be original.
Stationary. Everyone can use a new set of stationary. If you have time, monogrammed notecards are a quality classy choice. But if monograms seem too cliché, cute and funky varieties can usually be found at superstores, such as Target, or at smaller specialty stores, like Hallmark.
Giving gifts this time of year is supposed to be fun, not stressful! To eliminate the frantic scurrying to pick up last minute gifts, I sometimes purchase little trinkets when I come across them while I’m out shopping. These simple items go into my “present box,” and I save them until I need a last minute gift on a whim. However, sometimes when the inventory in the present box gets low, these simple last minute gift ideas are lifesavers.