Last-Minute Gift Ideas

Easy and quick gifts to grab before Christmas

It’s a countdown to Christmas. Three days to go. Next will be Kwanzaa and then New Year’s Eve. 2021 will be history in a little over a week from now.

But you’re not thinking about next week. You’re thinking about December 25th. You haven't done much holiday shopping and you’re starting to panic.

Fear not! You still have time to get that perfect gift for a friend or family member. And the first place to start is within your own home.

I know most people have mixed feelings when regifting items. But sometimes what doesn’t work for you may just well work for someone else.

Do you have a piece of jewelry, clothing, or sneakers that don’t wow you anymore? Clean them up and give them to someone who will love them.

Have some plates, glasses, or tableware that isn't your style? Perfect items to give to someone else who needs them. Think of friends who just moved into a new apartment or house.

Another idea would be to make something. If you are crafty, you can create something in just a few hours or less. Handmade bracelets take about thirty minutes. A drawing or painting can be done within 30 minutes to an hour. If you knit or crochet, you can have a hat, scarf, or blanket created in under three hours. Handmade gifts really bring a personal touch to gift-giving.

If you’re not crafty, there is always the tried and true method of giving gift cards. Every major retailer has a gift card. If your friend or family member is into Target, Walmart, or Costco, there’s a gift card for them. If they’re into Barnes & Noble, Macy’s, or Crate and Barrel, there’s a gift card for them. If you’re not sure what they might want, you can also purchase a general Visa or Mastercard gift card and load some money onto it.

The great thing about gift cards is that you can purchase them just about anywhere. They’re at CVS, Walgreens, StopnShop, Staples, and just about any other retailer. They’re also something you can purchase up to the last minute. You can even buy e-gift cards on Christmas Day.

As someone who has a variety of interests, I find that gift cards work best for me. If you know me, you’ll know which stores I frequent. A gift card to Barnes and Noble or Target will definitely put a smile on my face!

So get out there and get those last-minute gifts! Happy Holidays!