Refreshing your ideas with our gift guides is a good place to start, but with only five days left until Christmas Eve, options for ordering online with shipping guaranteed to make it in time is dwindling. Amazon Prime still gets you your two-day shipping but if you're running out of ideas, we have some out-of-the-box options that can be used even on Christmas Day!
1. Gifts of Memories (Experiences) - A perfect way to give without adding clutter is to gift an experience. One option is to give a fun event like a tickets to a concert or Broadway show, a hotel stay, or even a mini makeover (book one at your recipient's favorite make-up counter and include a certificate for a few new cosmetics of their choice). It gives the person something to look forward to long after the holidays are over.
Another option is to make that fun event a learning opportunity by giving a class. Our area has Paint and Sip classes that let people come learn how to paint while nibbling on yummy hor d'oeuvres and treats. It's an enjoyable way to discover you may be a little more artistically inclined than you thought (or not). Cooking classes are also a great option. In the Seattle area, try Hipcooks in South Lake Union or even Sur La Table, which offers classes almost daily at their Kirkland location (and around the country). If you've got a sporty girl on your list, a punch card for yoga, bar classes (the Bar Method has printable gift cards), or spinning is a very welcome gift (especially after the holidays).
Game plan: Purchase online and print off evidence of the experience to come. You can go an extra step and add a little items that associates with the experience (paint brush for the class, CD for a concert, etc.)
2. Gifts that Keep Giving (Subscriptions) - One of my favorite gifts we received for our wedding was a Costco membership. Why? It gave us a chance to have access to something we would use a lot but may not have been at the top of our list of things we wanted to spend money on. That's what makes subscriptions and memberships the perfect gifts. Go practical (Costco, Amazon Prime) or a little more fun (Hulu, Birchbox). Magazine subscriptions are also a great way to give an affordable gift that they'll enjoy all year (check out Amazon for great deals on wide variety of publications). Whatever way you go, you're giving a gift that will make them think of you each time they use it.
Game Plan: Purchase online or in store for proof of membership. You may need a few key details (address, etc.) depending on the membership/subscription.
3. Gifts from the Heart (DIY) - Homemade gifts can sometimes take a little more planning in gathering supplies but the end result is absolutely worth it. For ideas, check out our granola and ornament posts. We also love these bracelets, apron, and jar gift ideas. Not only can you customize each as you make them but you can package everything just the way you'd like.
Game Plan: Make a label or backdrop for your homemade goodies to make them look a little more professional. It'll help make your project look a little less DIY and more My Oh My!
4. Gifts that Guarantee Satisfaction (Gift Cards) - We think gift cards get an unfair bad rap. Sure, they may not be super-personal but the gift they end up buying is! When you can't find something specific but want to show someone you still know their style, give them a gift card from one of their favorite stores. As a bonus, they'll be able to use it after the holidays as stores pile on the deals to clear out inventory. Or they can save it to buy something they really want in the months to come. Restaurant and movie gift certificates are always good too! Our favorites are Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Amazon (books!!), Target, and iPic.
Game Plan: Gift cards are easy to grab from the gift card kiosks in grocery stores. Grab one or go to the store itself to get something more specialized. Depending on the store, you can even buy online and have the gift card emailed!
5. Gifts that Make a Difference (Charity) - We've started a tradition each year of gifting our families a goat or chickens to be given to families in a developing country. The gift is helping those you love help others. There's nothing better than spreading joy, especially at this time of year. We love finding a cause that matches the recipient's interests or passion and making a donation in their name. Giveback.org is a great place to start; it helps you find a charity based on location or interest.
You can also give charity on a more personal scale by offering free babysitting, housework, or any skill you have that your recipient will find helpful. These gifts don't typically cost much (if anything) but are often some of the most appreciated.
Game Plan: Make a donation in your gift recipient's name. Places like World Vision, Oxfam, and Baby Corner have the option to donate online and print a card that explains what the donation will be used for and the impact it will have. If you're giving service, print or make a coupon and follow up to make sure it gets used.
We're all feeling the last-minute scramble. But hopefully with these ideas, you can avoid the mayhem at the mall and still find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
What's your game plan for last-minute gifting? Share your tips!
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