Smart Last Minute Christmas Gifts

At this time of the year, everything you want to buy is going to be too expensive, the wrong size or have any number of other things wrong with it, but there are a few last minute gifts that don't look cheap or thoughtless. 

You have a fashionista on your list and you just aren’t sure what to get someone with a penchant for designer clothing. You know you can’t even afford to walk into a place like that and don’t even want to attempt it. Good news! We live in Minnesota. It’s winter. It’s cold. Get some cute cold weather accessories. That’s what I did for my sister last year. She had a new coat that was in a very unique color and I didn’t want to go with the traditional black or brown. I went to On a Lark in St. Joseph and found mittens that were made out of recycled wool sweaters. All of the pairs were different. Different patterns, different colors and just overall different. It was a different gift that she remembers she got from me and she uses them every day in the winter.

An experience gift is something that’s sure to be appreciated. Not saying you have to get home plate box seats for the Minnesota Twins or 50 yard line tickets for the Minnesota Vikings, but gift cards for the movies is always a cool and different thing to give. It’s a way they can treat themselves to something they enjoy doing and at the Marcus/Parkwood Cinema in Waite Park, they have gift cards and you get a gift card to their concession stand with every $25 in movie gift cards purchased. Zaffiro’s Pizzeria is now open out there, so do a double whammy and give the gift of dinner and a movie. It’s perfect for parents. They can take their kids, or take themselves out on a date. Throw in a “coupon” for babysitting services.

One thing I love to buy for my best friend is a Christmas ornament. I usually give it a little ahead of Christmas so she can enjoy it. Hallmark is a great place to find ornaments. They have their keepsake collection and I love browsing through those. It’s something she can use time and time again and think of you every time she hangs it on the tree. Candle holders also can go a long way. I love to find cute winter themed candle holders that can be used for months. My mother gave me a candle holder trio and the candle goes on top, so I can change it season to season. Right now there is evergreen inside. For spring time, I put in pastel Easter eggs. After Easter is over, decorative river rock goes in for summer. In the fall, I put in fake leaves and vegetables. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving.

A subscription to something is always a great idea. Know someone who loves pop culture? Try People Magazine. Fashionista? Try InStyle. Outdoorsy type? Give Field & Stream. Foodie? Taste of Home. I gave myself the gift of Good Housekeeping. A wine of the month club is always fun for the wine lover on your list. A subscription gift is kind of odd to give, but if you just wrap up the magazine’s issue and write a note telling them that you sent in the subscription card for the magazine for a year’s subscription.

If all else fails, cash works. It’s always the right color and it always fits!