Christmas Shopping Best Gift Ideas

Christmas Day is approaching in less than two days. If you’re swamped with tasks other than picking out gifts for family and friends and are unsure what you could possibly get at the last minute.

Buy local

Shopping locally can be a great way to support the community while also stocking up on last-minute gifts. These gifts range from collectibles and novelty items to cheese, candy, and clothing. It’s a great way to find something extra special for someone when you’re out of ideas or time.

Debit/Credit

Everyone can use gift cards and gas cards. Don’t buy a gift card for a store or restaurant that you know the recipient will never visit. A positive shopping or dining experience that the gift recipient has shared with you in person or via word of mouth. Cash or a Visa christmas gift card that works like cash are always good options. How about a little extra cash? This ensures the gift recipient gets exactly what they want. They just need to do some footwork. It’s better than a gift they’ll return or regift.

Buy in bulk and give more

You can get bulk candy, nuts, and popcorn at Sam’s Club or Costco, and Ball jars at Target or Walmart. You can mix and match the items, put them in the Ball jars, tie a bow and you’re done. To make a gift basket, buy a basket from Target or Walmart and fill it with jars of various flavors.

Monthly Gift

This may not be ideal if you were hoping to use a large end-of-year bonus to build a pool and instead received a gift of the month club subscription. For others, it may be “the gift that keeps on giving all year,” as Cousin Eddie says in “Christmas Vacation.” So many options. A quick internet search revealed monthly snack, mustard, olive, soup, pickle, and yes, jelly clubs. A wine and cheese club. Want something less tasty? Socks, cosmetics, or books? Online, there are endless possibilities.

Invest in local media

Giving the gift of local news is another option. Local newspapers are said to be full of information about local and state government, local entertainment, and high school and college sports teams. There are also puzzles and comics, and ads for businesses that are offering deals on their goods and services. No time for the paper? There are subscriptions for just the online features, which give access to old stories, interactive features to help understand current events, and more.

Give to a charity

Donating is a great idea for someone who doesn’t want “stuff.” Most charities have easy-to-use websites where you can donate money. Find a cause that the gift recipient supports, go to their website, find the donate button or link, and enter your PayPal or credit card information. Then print the receipt and put it in a card or envelope. Save the card and envelope, and text the receipt to a friend or relative on Christmas. Many charities now have an Amazon wish list. Their websites usually link to it. Click the link, pick your items from the list, and pay. Amazon will ship the items to the charity, and they will have supplies in a few days.

Give your time

This could be to a charity, but we’re thinking more of offering to help someone in the coming year. Offer to mow someone’s lawn or help them with a home improvement project. Take someone who has trouble getting around on their own out for a day or evening of fun.

This one’s for the kids. They could create “coupons” for chores or time with Mom or Dad that the kid thinks is boring but isn’t.

Send flowers

In Michigan, the weather can be a bit drab at this time of year, and nothing like a bouquet of flowers to brighten a gray, winter day. However, grocery stores often have cut flowers or even potted plants available while florists are busy. There are alternatives to flowers. A bouquet of cookies or other sweets can be presented in a pre-made gift bag or basket.

Win a scratch

Running late or working odd hours? Lottery tickets are usually sold at late-night convenience stores. If you win a big prize, make sure the recipient agrees to split it with you.

Christmas Best Last-minute Gift for Women – (shoppingfinder.net)

Running out of time for Christmas shopping? Consider these gift ideas (lenconnect.com)