I am in the camp of those who look up on December 24 and say, “Oh, snap. That’s TOMORROW?” If this is you as well, here are some thoughtful gifts that you can get when you don’t have much time.
1. Pictures in frames
Your loved ones love pictures of your kids! Get those school pictures you ordered or get your phone out, make copies, and get a decorative frame to put them in. Grandma will melt.
2. Classes
Buying a cool class for your loved ones shows that you have thought about their interests and want them to pursue them! Think music or art classes. Register online, print out the confirmation, put it in a card, and you’re done!
3. Thoughtful gift cards
Not everyone is into gift cards, but some of us love them, because it allows the recipient to buy what they really like (without having to worry about returns or exchanges) and it may encourage them to buy a treat they may not normally get for themselves.
4. Personalized Clear Ornaments
Get clear ornaments and a few colors of paint then go to town. And if you have little kids and they make wonky ones, ask your kid to name them (like maybe they call a colorful one “Hurricane”), and write in the note that it’s a personal masterpiece.
5. Hot chocolate or candy
Think homemade edible gifts! Both this DIY hot chocolate kit and saltine toffee cookie recipe are inexpensive to make and are great if you have a large extended family because you can make them in bulk. You might even have some of these ingredients at home already.
Saltine Toffee Cookies from AllRecipes.com
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix from EasyBudgetRecipes.com
6. Dinner out at a later time
Do you have friends who you haven’t seen in awhile, but know that you are both swamped until January? Schedule a time to take them out for a meal at a place they love.
7. Cool socks
‘Tis the season for cold feet, so unique socks are a welcome treat. You can find cool ones (think cozy and fluffy or ones with cool sayings) at most stores, including in the checkout aisle at craft stores. Get them while you are buying the ornaments from Tip #4 above.
8. Books and Stuff from Barnes and Noble
Barnes and Noble has ALL kinds of stuff, including books, calendars and puzzles. AND they are open on Christmas Eve.
9. Thoughtful gifts from Hallmark
Your local Hallmark store has more than just cards: they have ornaments, figurines, and little books of wise sayings. My late grandmother LOVED that stuff, and you probably know someone who does, too.
10. A song
Do you have a friend (or child) who sings? Have them call your loved one and sing their favorite song and tell them it’s from you. It’s a thoughtful, memorable gift and great for family who may be distant.
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