Ok, here’s the thing. Holidays can be unpredictable. Sometimes you receive a last-minute invitation to a holiday gathering and need to bring a thoughtful “thank you” to the host. Sometimes you spend too much time trying to find the perfect gift for the ones you love. And sometimes, despite your best intentions, you are 100% human and forget to put someone on your list. It happens. But we’re here to show you how to find the perfect last-minute gifts.
First, let’s talk mailing deadlines in case you want to send things through the mail. Postage is already expensive as it is, so if you get your items to USPS by December 17th, you can still choose ground service. The priority mail deadline is December 19th. And you’ll be shelling out the big bucks for express service if you mail things on the 23rd, for delivery on Christmas Eve. UPS and FEDEX have similar deadlines, so keep those in mind.
Our choice, however, is always to shop local and to try keep the carbon footprint as small as possible. Check out your local stores for things that might put a smile on your recipient’s face.
- For the wine aficionado, you can get their favorite vino and customize a label at Vistaprint.com. Include a photo on the label or commemorate a special occasion.
- Flowers don’t last long, so consider getting a plant instead. There are beautiful planters in all kinds of styles and plants range from easy-to-care-for succulents to beautiful tropical plants.
- Local games stores have fun recommendations for new board games or puzzles that will keep people together at the table sharing quality time.
- How about a charcuterie board? If you make a gift basket of all the fixings for the perfect board, you’ll probably be invited to come again!
- Bring more music into everyone’s life by gifting a portable speaker. Brands like Ultimate Ears and JBL have a variety of sizes and colors so that you can find the right one for everyone on your list.
- If you live in a cooler climate, think about warm slippers or a cozy fleece since you can never have too many of these.
- You can bake something sweet or cook a savory dish and gift the platter you use to deliver your homemade treats, so it’s like 2 gifts in 1.
- When all else fails, a gift card is the perfect way to allow your loved ones to choose what they want this year. You’ll spare them the trouble of making returns and will leave them with fun memories of a great holiday season.
It’s good to keep in mind that the whole point of the holidays is to share the love with those around you. In addition to gifts thoughtfully chosen for your favorite people, don’t forget to share some good food, good music and lots of laughter. Long after the gifts have been enjoyed, you will still feel the glow of time well spent. Wishing you a stress-free holiday season.