With less than a week away from Christmas, I still have many friends who have yet to start their holiday shopping. I start my shopping in October because I can't handle the stress that comes with last-minute planning, the lines and praying whatever you wanted to get will still be in stock. Picking out the perfect gift tailored to the interests of each friend and family member is my absolute favorite part of the present-giving tradition, but there are apparently many out there who dread the very idea of making a purchase for someone else. Gift cards are too impersonal for loved ones, but you also don't want to buy something that will just sit on the shelf. For that, here is a quick and easy guide for last-minute gifts those nearest and dearest to you will be sure to love.
For Her
Bath and Body Works
Seriously, I don't know a single girl who doesn't love body mist and matching shower gel that smell wonderful. It's nearly impossible to go wrong at B&BW because all of their collections are simply amazing. Plus, all signature holiday collections are buy 3 get 3 free right now!
Scarves
Women love scarves. I don't know what it is about them since we've clearly moved away from their original purpose of warmth, but if we have a shirt that can be paired with a cute scarf, we'll pair it. If you're unsure of the giftee's pattern-style preferences, play it safe and go with a solid color knit or a complimenting plaid. Don't worry if they already have a shirt or dress to go with it. We're always looking for excuses to buy new clothes. Target always has cute scarves and it's the end of the season, so they'll likely be on sale!
LuLaRoe
I can't stress this one enough. If they're already LuLaAddicts, they'll thank you for adding to their collection. If they've never tried it before, they'll thank you for introducing them! This can't be found in stores, but a quick Facebook search in your area will hook you up with a local distributor. (Here's a Kansas City distributor for all you locals.) Play it safe and get some leggings -- they're all one size, so you don't have to play the guessing game. You don't even have to worry about them owning the piece already because patterns are always limited. Don't know which pair to get? Send the distributor to the giftee's social media page and they can find some in stock that match their style! Boys, I promise you, your girlfriend will love you for this.
For Him
Cologne
It sounds so generic, but cologne is a gift that keeps on giving. You get to pick out a scent that you enjoy -- that you'll have to smell every day -- and he gets to reap the benefits associated with wearing an attractive scent (let's not pretend a great cologne isn't a huge turn on, ladies). I bought my boyfriend this Gucci cologne a few years back and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Button-Up Shirt
There are few things more attractive than a well-dressed man. Even men who don't normally dress up have had a time in their lives -- probably recently -- where they needed something casually nice to wear but didn't have anything in their closet. I haven't figured out why, but many men refuse to buy themselves clothes; they're perfectly content with the same old rags they've worn for years. Do them a favor and get them something nice. I've slowly been restocking my dad and brother's closet one holiday at a time. Walk into literally any department store and you'll find something. Don't know their actual size? Play it safe and go with a Medium while keeping the gift receipt. If you get a small and they're too muscular for it, you could offend their masculinity. If you get a large and they're too skinny for it, well, you just told them you think they're overweight. Better to risk an exchange than make them feel inferior on Christmas.
Virtual Reality Headset
I think this one takes the cake for the best possible present of the year. This could work for ladies as well, but men always seem to appreciate techy gadgets the most. My family and I were literally in tears from laughing while watching each other use some of the apps. There may or may not be some videos floating around Facebook of me tripping in fear. It's a ton of fun and you may even score some embarrasing blackmail videos for later use! Amazon has quite a few for under $40. Order by Wednesday with Amazon Prime to get it before Christmas Eve! If you're not a Prime Member, I guarantee you know someone who is! Offer them cocoa in exchange for their login information!
