Monday, December 15, 2014

Countdown to Christmas: Last Minute Gift Shopping

December 15, 2014
It's hard to believe it is a mere ten days until Christmas. And as much as we all hate to admit it, this is when we start or finish buying gifts for our friends and family.  I am here with a little advice to find (or make) meaningful gifts so you don't look like the ungrateful sod who gave your mom a gift card for Christmas.

1. Assorted Sweets in a Basket
This one is super easy. You can buy everything at a convenience store like Walgreens or Target. Be warned, it relies on A LOT of presentation. So buy a nice basket and dress it up with ribbon, tissue paper, fake snow etc. Fill it up with some Christmas themed chocolates, candy canes, maybe throw in some instant hot cocoa packets. Top it off with a cute little stuffed animal like a polar bear and you're good to go.

2. Bath & Body Works Set
This is probably the only prepackaged gift set that I would accept because they are so darn cute. Sure people would think that you didn't put a lot of time and effort into getting it for them but you can add some extra by throwing in a candle (not literally) and cozy socks that Bath and Body Works sells to amp it up. Throw in a gift card for good measure. You know they'll use it!

3. Mason Jar Baking Mixes
These are all the rage on pinterest and perfect for the baker in your family. Also super inexpensive since you can buy mason jars for pretty cheap and all you need to do is add dry ingredients like sugar and flour. I would say make a couple different mixes (four is a good number) and dress it up with some ribbon and don't forget a recipe tag!

4. DIY Coffee Mugs
Also another pinterest favorite.  Sure coffee mugs are already a practical gift, but you can add a sentimental touch my customizing it with some sharpie art. Buy mugs from Goodwill (cheap ones are better because they have thinner glaze which helps the sharpie stay on) and decorate it with black,  gold or christmas colored sharpies and bake it in the oven. Polka dots, hearts, quotes, etc. are great ways to customize mugs for that special person in your life. Either give a set of four or fill one/two with coffee goods.

5. Manicure Kit
Another beauty idea. Girls can't get enough beauty products. Probably best to go higher end to compensate for the last-minuteness of your gift. A mini-set or a pair of full size Essie polishes for less than $20. Then throw in nail dividers, cotton pads, emery boards and nail polish remover to tie it all together.

So there are a few ideas to stay in good graces with your loved ones. And with all of them, take the time to hand-make your own Christmas card.  It will convey the feeling that you spent a lot of time in making said-gift. Plus, they are a lot more sentimental. Go to a craft store and buy paper, stickers and other add ons. Write a meaningful message from the heart.

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