Last-Minute Gifts that Won’t Break the Bank
It can happen to even the most organized shopper. You make your list and check it twice. You shop carefully and diligently. Then it happens. Just when you think your Christmas shopping is done and you can relax, you suddenly remember that one person whose name wasn’t on your list but should have been.
That person could be your babysitter, your child’s teacher or maybe the neighbor who shares her children’s hand-me-downs with you. Whoever it is, you mentally kick yourself for forgetting and frantically wonder what kind of gift you can come up with at this late date.
When faced with this embarrassing oversight, the temptation is to rush out and buy anything you can find, regardless of the cost. However, this hastiness can definitely take a bite out of your bank account. Instead of breaking the bank just to save face, why not consider some of these low-cost, last minute gift ideas that you can pull together quickly and easily?
1. Dollar store gift bag or basket – Dollar stores are great for last-minute gift giving. imply choose a theme and pick out a variety of items related to that theme. If you know the recipient could use some pampering, choose a few bottles of bubble bath, some body lotion, a scented candle and a loofah sponge. If the person enjoys cooking, choose some potholders, utensils, assorted spices, and perhaps a cookbook. If you have time and an extra basket around the house, arrange your items attractively inside to create a gift basket. If not, a festive gift bag will do just fine.
2. Homemade food goodies – Who can resist yummy homebaked treats? A batch of homemade cookies or brownies on a decorative plate makes a great quickie gift, especially for that person who doesn’t have time to bake for herself. Making something totally from scratch is admirable, but if the gift is truly last minute, buy a boxed mix or a stick of refrigerated cookie dough to keep the prep time down to an hour or less. If you are extremely short on time, place goodies from your grocer’s bakery on your own decorative plate, and then top it with plastic wrap and a pretty bow.
3. Gift certificate – Gift cards and certificates are the ultimate last-minute gift, although they are generally not low-cost by nature. Obviously, a 10 dollar gift card to a fancy restaurant wouldn’t go far. However, a 10 dollar gift card from Starbucks would treat the recipient to three or four cups of his favorite brew. Ten dollars would also buy Baskin Robbins ice cream cones for a family of four or pay for a couple of movie rentals from Blockbuster Video.
4. Homemade gift certificate – Another option is to make your own gift certificate for a service you can provide. Using a desktop publishing or graphics program, create your own version of a store-bought certificate. On it, write that the bearer of this certificate will receive one night of free babysitting, one car wash, one afternoon of housecleaning—whatever you can do that would be meaningful and appreciated by the recipient. When you give this gift, remember that it may be difficult for your friend to actually take you up on your offer. Therefore, be assertive about following up and arranging a convenient time for you to perform your gift of service.
5. Letter of appreciation – Words are powerful, particularly when those words express praise and appreciation. This gift idea won’t cost you a dime, but it will take some thought on your part. Sit down and write a heartfelt letter of thanks to the recipient for the role she plays in your life. Tell her what you admire about her, what you appreciate most, what memories stand out in your mind. Write or print out your letter on fancy stationery; attach a tiny bow to the envelope. Don’t underestimate the value of such a letter. A thoughtful token like this may very well be the recipient’s favorite gift this year!
