Whether you like it or not, the Christmas shopping season will be coming to a close in a few short days. If you’re not someone who subscribes to getting your Christmas shopping done early then you’re likely in the camp of those looking for last minute Christmas ideas. The problem with many of those ideas, is that most of them are no good! Well, fear no more as hopefully this will help the creative juices flowing so your Christmas gift is not yawned over.
Gift Cards are Always a Good Christmas Idea
Most people seem to feel one of two ways with gift cards – they either love them or hate them. Assuming you’re shopping for someone that loves them, then a gift card is a great last minute Christmas idea. Virtually all stores offer them nowadays and allows the person to get what they want. Just make sure that you include the receipt so that the recipient will still be able to use your gift, even in the off chance that they lose the card. Also remember that if it’s Christmas Eve and you are scrambling for a gift, many grocery stores offer dozens of different gift cards to choose from. Or, for even more convenience, head to GiftCardMall to shop for tons of different gift cards, including ones you can send via email. Doesn’t get any easier!
Give the Gift of Amazon
Who doesn’t love Amazon? I know I do as you can buy virtually anything you could want from them. You have several options for a last minute Christmas idea with Amazon as you could go the gift card route to them or cards for other merchants they sell. You could also buy the recipient a year subscription to Amazon’s Prime service, or buy them a season of their favorite television show or latest book from their favorite author.
Homemade Coupons
I have several friends that have either given or received homemade coupons and they’re always a big hit. What I like about them is you can see the thought and time put into them. The beauty of homemade coupons is you can tailor it to the recipient. They can be such things as:
- Free babysitting for a date night
- Movie night to go see a new release movie
- Lunch out every month for three months
These are just a few of the possibilities and really depend on who is receiving them as to what you may want to give.
Create Your Own Gift Basket
This last minute Christmas idea is along the same lines of homemade coupons in that you create something on your own that the recipient would like. The basket can be as extravagant or as frugal as you like. Seeing as this is a personal finance blog, we’ll go with the more frugal approach. 🙂 You can go to the dollar store and buy a basket for a few dollars and fill it with something the person would like. It could be the makings for a movie night at home or the theatre, the makings for a nice meal at home or souvenirs from their favorite sports team – the idea is up to you!
Are you done with your Christmas shopping yet? What last minute Christmas ideas have you found to be popular?
Image by Alliecreative/ Flickr
I am just about done my holiday shopping. Luckily for me I just have to get a giftcard. Giftcards are great if you know the person will use them. My last minute gift ideas are lottery cards and a box of chocolate or cookies. Everyone dreams of winning millions and everyone enjoys treats.
That’s good Jen, I’m thankfully done with mine as well. Those are great last minute ideas, especially if it turns out to be a winner. 🙂
I wouldn’t mind getting any of these. I think they’re applicable to anyone.
I’d agree Stefanie! Finding gifts that can work for pretty much anyone is definitely a bonus.