So you’re looking at your calendar and all of a sudden it’s the day before the big holiday. You also see you have not started your shopping, again! Now panic starts to set in as you envision the morning of and there are no gifts from you to be given.
I know, I’ve been there; its become an annual event for me. 😉
BUT fear not, here is a simple and compiled list of 50 last minute gift ideas for you to save and whip out when that day comes around. You won’t have to worry about what to give this year!
I have bought almost every single one of these items when I was in a crunch for time. It is perfect for when you have no brain power for thinking of a show stopper gift, save that fun for next year!
Practical– Applies to anyone, may not be the most unique gift, but they’ll be grateful you gave it to them when they use it everyday
- Socks
- Swiss army knife/ pocket knife
- New headphones
- Travel size containers
- Premade gift bag: Bath & Body Works, Hallmark, Walmart, etc. (This ideal for on the way to the Christmas party and have nothing to give for a white elephant.)
- Outdated item for a new use. Test your creativity 🙂
- Tide-To-Go pen
- Mini sewing kit
- Screen protector
- Keychain
Universal– Gender neutral, you cannot fail with these types of gifts
- Money
- Visa gift card
- Surprise trip (if you have $$$) Check out this post: Go on vacation instead of buying presents
- A book (motivational/inspirational quote books are always winners)
- Coupon book
- A picture (a simple family picture can be an easy and thoughtful)
- Baked goods
- Fandango card
- Free night for overnight sitter (pet or kid)
- iTunes gift card
Personal– These take a little bit of thought, easy to do for close friends and family
- Heartfelt note
- Personal coupon book: do a chore, take to lunch, shoulder massage, etc. (my favorite to give a family member, especially if you’re saving on gift money)
- Favorite candy/treat
- Handmade card from grandkid
- School made craft
- Gift card to favorite store/restaurant
- Favorite movie memorabilia
- Personal assistant for 1 week
- Gift certificate for salon/massage/facial
- Favorite sports team swag
Funny– Find humor in the fact that you waited until the last minute to get a gift
- I owe you card
- Hand-me-downs (This is what we are doing this year to save money on gifts, same idea as re-gifting)
- Regift
- Box of surprise, for you too! (I’ve always wanted to this; have a friend fill a box with random items, wrap it, then give the box to recipient)
- Favorite “thing” in toy form (This is a joke in our house. My husband works with cars and he will forever always get a Hot Wheels car for Christmas from my family…)
- Interpretive dance (If someone does this a video is a must!)
- Most random dollar store find
- Exotic fruit
- Nerf gun + official declaration for dual
- Gag gift
Seasonal– The easiest gift to find because seasonal items are EVERYWHERE this time of year
- Ornament
- Seasonal clothing
- Poinsettia
- Holiday quote in frame
- Reindeer stuffed animal
- Snowman figurine
- Tickets to The Nutcracker (ps-this one might be a harder to find if you wait until the very last minute)
- Ugly sweater
- Homemade ornaments
- A picture of kids or yourself with Santa
Let us know in the comments if you use any of these gift ideas, be sure to share if this list helped make your shopping a little easier!
