Merry Christmas everyone!
If you've opened up all of your gifts and emptied out your stocking, but felt there was still something missing, then check out our entire 2007 gift guide. Trade in those fluffy puppy slippers for something a little more chic and sleek. From engraved bottles to fancy olive oil, you'll find great ideas for those gift cards you received.
Yikes! It's Christmas Eve! If there's someone on your list that you just plumb forgot, these suggestions for last-minute, easily obtained gifts in this last of my holiday gift guides just might save your butt.
Fandango Bucks are super easy to get ahold of — you just purchase them online and you can either print them out immediately to slip into a stocking, or send them via email. A lot of folks like to go to the movies during this last week of December, and Fandango Bucks make moviegoing extremely easy.
Netflix has a similar way to give a last-minute gift. You can buy a gift subscription online and then print out (or email) the confirmation to wrap up in a box (or a few boxes to make it look like a huge gift!) and give to your loved ones (who you forgot).
For the music lovers in your life, consider giving a gift certificate to iTunes. These can also be emailed or printed out, though you can also "gift" specific albums (or movies, or TV shows) to other iTunes members.
Magazine subscriptions (like one to Entertainment Weekly) are a nice way to quickly give a gift that keeps on giving. Plus, choosing a specific magazine you know your friend will enjoy proves that you put at least some thought into it. If you manage to get out to a newsstand today, grab one issue of the magazine and wrap it up with a note that says they'll receive the next one in 6-8 weeks.
For a more open-ended way to cover your hide, Amazon.com gift certificates pretty much guarantee that your forgotten friend or family member will be able to buy exactly the book/DVD/album he/she has been craving! These gift cards can be mailed, emailed or sent along with a festive e-card.
It's the last day before Christmas, and if you've finished shopping, congratulations—you're one of those enviably organized people that everyone else secretly resents just a tiny bit. Kidding, kidding. But if you still have a few folks left on your list, don't panic—I've got a few last-minute gift ideas that don't cost a fortune. Better yet, you won't need to deal with crowds to pull it all together.
It almost goes without saying, but a spa or salon gift certificate is an easy choice. Local spas and salons can whip up a certificate for you on the spot, and some can even e-mail a certificate. Check out my shopping guide so you avoid any faux pas in giving such a gift.
For four quick and simple suggestions that cost less than $20, read more
Snap out of it Mama! Santa Claus is on his way! Rather than rushing around like a mad woman for those last minute gifts, fill your stockings and stuff some envelopes with a treat that everyone can use – gift cards!
To see more gift card ideas, read more
If you've forgotten a few folks on your list, don't fear there's still time. You can always rely on gift cards, but there are still a few things that might be a little more suitable. The whatever-of-the-month club is always a great idea. From bacon to wine, it seems like there's a club for every kind of food out there. My personal favorite is the new Pie-Tini of the Month Club from the folks at The Grateful Palate. Each month members will receive a handmade pie, along with an original cocktail recipe inspired by the pie, and an exclusive Rossini Pie Server (a pie server with a cocktail strainer on the other end). It's so kitsch it's fantastic. However you'll have to act fast, the club is limited to 75 members only.
If pies and cocktails aren't their thing, there are plenty of other last minute options. Wrap a copy of their favorite food magazine and present them with a subscription. Or opt for something that will arrive in their email inbox. For more ideas, scroll through below.
It's down to the wire and you still haven't found gifts for your close circle. Panic not — there are plenty of last minute goodies that will make your loved ones equally excited. Let's explore the options . . .
To see more last minute gift ideas, read more
If you've been reading our holiday gift guides and are still stumped over what to buy for your friends and family, or you're just getting down to the wire, a gift card is the next best thing. I don't mean a prepaid Visa gift card or an envelope with a few bucks slipped in (although I wouldn't complain about that). Go for a gift card to one of the sweetest shops around. A gift that says, "I may have dropped the ball a bit, but I do want the best for you and your home." Or "I love this store! Have fun with this!" I've rounded up a handful of choices, and you choose the price point!
It looks like Juicy isn't the only trendy human brand that's created a line of luxurious pet body products. I was doing some shopping for my nonfurry friends and noticed that Kiehl's has a whole selection of cleansers specially formulated for dogs.
Apparently the line was created to remove dirt, debris, and odor, but is soap free, which means it's perfect for pups with sensitive fur. It has a faint lavender and chamomile scent.
The woman at the counter informed me it works for big and small, long-or short-haired dogs. Looks like my nonfurry friends are gonna be jealous when I give their pups their presents this year!
You've only got two more days until Christmas and hopefully you're done with all of your Christmas shopping. If none of my fabulous gift ideas worked for anyone on your list then how about a gift card? Gift cards make great stocking stuffers and easy gift ideas for anyone on your list who's already healthy, or who is looking to get healthy in 2008.
If you don't have the time — or energy — to come up with the perfect gift for those last few folks on your list, then go ahead and get them a gift card. It may seem like a cop-out gift, but it's easy on you and they'll be guaranteed to get something they want. For a food-oriented person you can get them a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant or grocery store. You might also consider their favorite kitchen gadget place. Sur La Table gift cards actually come in several different themes. If they're a baker, get one with a rolling pin on it; if they're a cook get them one with copper pots.
If you're pressed for time, don't forget, a lot of major grocery stores carry many different gift card options ranging from major restaurant chains to online vendors. Grab a few when you're picking up your last minute ingredients. This way you'll have some on hand in case an unexpected guest stops by — just be sure it's somewhere you'd like too!
For a few gift card ideas, scroll through below.
