Ever find yourself in the holiday hustle, trying to juggle parties, work, and regular life, only to suddenly realize you forgot a gift for someone special? It happens! Christmas is less than two weeks away, you’re almost done with all your holiday tasks, enjoying your peppermint drinks, and wrapping gifts late into the night, when, uh-oh, you realize you missed someone on your list.
But don’t worry! In those last few days before a holiday party or Christmas, I’ve got some quick and easy gift ideas to save the day. Whether it’s a surprise gathering or the big day itself, we’ve got thoughtful presents that’ll make your loved ones happy. So, take a break, relax, and read on for some great last-minute gift ideas that will bring joy even when time is running out!
Classes Based on Their Interests
The first last-minute gift you can find for everyone on your list is a class to sign them up for. You can get gift certificates for many different types of classes, which not only makes it easy to find them a gift and many you can buy online, but it also helps the recipient feel special because you know their interests.
Maybe you have a friend who keeps talking about wanting to learn photography, or your sister has always wanted to take an art class. You can give a couple in your life a certificate for cooking classes as an easy couple gift. This goes beyond just a regular gift card and is more meaningful but as easy.
Put Together a Personalized Gift Basket
This might seem like a lot of work, but it actually works great as a last-minute gift. All you have to do is think of a special interest someone in your life has, then pick up a few items related to it and put it all together in a basket, bucket, or container of your choosing.
The reason this works great is because not only is it a personal gift, but you can have fun with it. When you forget to get your mom a gift and don’t have time to go to the mall to find the perfect gift, you can go to a nearby nursery with gardening supplies and assemble a gardening gift basket for her. I bet you can even call them up and ask if they have sets or suggestions!
Self-Care Gifts
Consider self-care gifts for the women in your life who just aren’t sure what to get. This works great for just about anyone in your life and is another gift that doesn’t take much time or effort. Many gifts help people pamper themselves and practice self-care, such as face masks and skincare items, a new set of nail polish, shower steamers, scented candles, and other pampering items. Walmart and Target also offer pre-packaged sets; get one and their favorite bottle of wine or sparkling cider, and you’re good to go! Lastly, if it’s within budget, you can get them a gift card to their local spa for a massage!
Plants and Succulents
In a hurry and the only store near you is a home improvement store with a garden center? That’s perfect! You can get a last-minute gift for someone in your life right there in the garden center by picking up a potted or succulent plant. This is an inexpensive gift that is also really meaningful and different from traditional gifts.
Consider the person and their interests when choosing the perfect plant, from people who don’t have time to care for plants and would love a succulent to someone in your life who has a favorite plant or flower they would love. Don’t forget, Aldi and Trader Joe’s are also great places to look for plants!
Memorable Memories
For more of a meaningful gift for someone in your life, consider a keepsake that will remind your loved one of childhood memories. For example, this is a great idea for a parent, where you simply need to print some photos (or upload and order a photo book online) and then create a little photo book or put them in a picture frame. This doesn’t take much time at all, and they will cherish it.
Digital Subscriptions
When you are completely out of time, the best thing you can do is buy a digital subscription for someone. Yes, gift cards are another great option, but if you want to do something a little different, consider this a simple alternative.
Get an Audible membership for your friend who loves to read or a subscription to a streaming service so your mom can watch all her favorite movies. Have a crafter in your life who follows someone on Patreon? Gift them a few months of membership to connect with their influencer! Other options include Spotify or Apple Music, both popular and the monthly subscriptions are very useful for people who use these services
So, as you navigate the final days leading up to your celebrations, armed with the perfect presents, remember that the spirit of giving is what truly counts. Enjoy the festivities, and revel in the warmth of the season. After all, even the eleventh hour can be filled with thoughtful gestures and heartfelt surprises.
