It always seems that they closer you get to the holidays, the more you are in need of a last minute gift. It is a side effect of those last minute parties, or school/work white elephant/secret Santa exchanges. Whether you are on a budget, or you have cash to spare, these presents will help you out when you're in a bind.
1. Gift Cards.
Gift cards are an easy present, and they can be purchased at any gas station or grocery store. They don't have to be fully loaded either; the great thing about gift cards is that any budget you have will work. Some of the better white elephant gifts I have gotten are $5-10 Starbucks cards, I mean come on, it's like someone else paying for your holiday drink. How great is that?!
2. Hot chocolate mug.
This present is fantastic because it can be made on the go. Go buy a mug on the way to the event ( I have been told Target sells very cute holiday mugs for a few dollars). Then you can stuff the mug with hot chocolate packets and candy canes; what makes this gift idea so simple is that you've probably got hot chocolate and candy canes at home so all you have to do is find a mug or tumbler to stuff it in. Slap a pretty bow on it and you're done, no wrapping required.
3. Cookies in a mug /jar /ornament /any container.
This one has been going around Pintrest for a while. You put the dry ingredients of cookie dough, and chocolate chips if that's what the recipe calls for, in a jar (or whatever container you please), and slap a label on it with the finishing directions. That's it. You can tie a pretty ribbon on the container to spruce it up, but it's that simple. If you don't want to make your own, you can stop into your local Walmart and pick one up for about $5.
4. A stuffed stocking.
Here's a present that is very flexible. Head to any store that sells stockings, get a stocking and stuff to fill it. This idea is great because it is so adaptable. If they like coffee or tea you can get a bag or box of that. Everyone needs fuzzy socks or regular fun socks. If you are buying for someone that likes makeup, go grab a lipstick or two. This is also easy for children, just throw in some small toys. There are the holiday candies too. If they are old enough you can even throw in a bottle of wine and/or lottery scratches. It is super simple and it can work for a budget too, just adjust what you put inside.
5. Books.
If you have a reader in your life, buy them a book. The key to making this one special is to have it be a book that you have read. Giving someone a book that you enjoyed will make it so much more personal, but if you just pick one up that looks pretty, read the book jacket really quick and fake it till you make it.
6. Movie basket.
You know the bin of movies at your grocery store that cost like $3 each? go and grab a few of those, throw it in a microwave popcorn bucket with a few $1 box candies, and you can have a great, quick, and inexpensive gift.
7. Soap.
Soap gets a bad wrap sometimes because there is a notion that soap is offensive. So long as the soap is pretty, it is a great gift. Grocery stores sell pretty and inexpensive soap that is just fine. If you are around a mall, Bath and Body Works has some fantastic Christmas scents that come in some cute packaging that wouldn't require much more than a bow. Another great place to go is Lush, if you can afford a decent sized wedge that is.
8. Baked goods.
Holiday time is almost a guarantee that there will be excess cookies in the house. If you've got a cookie tin, or even a plastic container and a bow, you can throw some cookies in there and bring it on over.
9. Blankets.
It's winter, and chances are it is cold outside. Blankets are a universal gift, who doesn't want a nice blanket? They are also easy for any budget; you can get a blanket from 5 Below for $5, or get a blanket from Target for $30. Sometimes the blanket comes wrapped nice in a little bow, and if it doesn't just grab a gift bag and you're set.
10. Wood and string art.
If you have some time, this is a great and fairly simple gift that is so personal. It has been all over Pinterest the past few months, and it is so cute. Get a wooden plaque (they are like $3), some linoleum nails ($2), and embroidery thread (not even $1). Hammer the nails in the plaque in any design, shape, or word you please. Then, wrap the thread from one nail to another in any pattern you please. The whole project takes about 45 minutes (if you have your plan). Put it in a box or a bag and you are golden.
The holidays do not have to be a stressful time, if you have a last minute occasion or a relative you forgot to get a gift for, don't freak out. Look around and I'm sure you can find a quick and great idea. Remember, it is the thought that counts.
