Cutting it Close? Here are Some Last Minute Gift Ideas

Cutting it kinda close there, don’t you think? If you leave right now, you’ll have a lot of last-minute people just like you to fight over the last stocking stuffer or cheesy-last-minute-thing with. But, with any hope, you might just get lucky. Here are some ideas I found that might help you:

• Netbooks – The Acer Aspire One is on sale at Best Buy for $299. These are on sale until Saturday.
• Flowers – Say you decided not to exchange gifts this year. Flowers aren’t a gift, but you can show someone you love them anyway. Use FTD and they just might get them today, even if they are far away!
• Gift cards – OK, if you’re out of ideas you might be out of options too. If you can figure out their favorite store, or a store they could at least find something useful in, get a gift card. Be sure to let them know they need to use it immediately to retain the original value placed on the card. Nearly any store you walk into will have gift cards for other places including their own.
• MP3 players – be wary of the cheap ones; however, if you’re buying for an 8-year-old, a cheap one probably is a better idea than an iPod Classic. Use your best judgment – choose an age appropriate size and brand. Something like the iPod Shuffle is perfect for a stocking stuffer or a gift bag because of the size. The price doesn’t hurt, either.
• Cell phones – you can use one as a stocking stuffer outside of the box, or wrap the box and put it under the tree. Either way, it’s a great gift. If you’re getting your teenager their first cell phone, you might want to double your minutes and your text limits preemptively – you will be unpleasantly surprised at how fast they run through limits of your calling plan, so be sure to set some limits with them so they do not rack up high overage charges on your bill.
• Fruit baskets – you might be putting the basket together yourself this late in the game. Check your local grocery store to see if they have any – if not, choose appropriate fruit for your basket. You could even put a can of hot cocoa on the top with a bow. You don’t have to use fruit for just baskets – they are quite useful in stuffing stockings as well, especially if you are on a budget. Fruit is economical for the body and for the wallet, and will literally “fill” the stocking. If you’re lucky, your local Edible Arrangements might even be open.
• Stuffed animals – any size animal would make a great gift for children or for your girlfriend. Your mom… not so much – I’d probably pick something else. Small stuffed animals are great as a stocking stuffer, too. Not only do they take up space in the stocking, but they also have the “aww” effect (being a cute and tiny thing).
• Hot Wheels and Barbies – great choice for younger kids. The die cast cars are very inexpensive, and you can get smaller versions of Barbies or Bratz dolls (or other doll-type figure) that would be perfect for a stocking stuffer.
• Card games – you should try to keep the receiver in mind when purchasing, as a 6-year-old girl would be much happier with Old Maid than your 36-year-old brother; likewise I’m sure you don’t want your 10-year-old daughter to begin hosting the weekly poker game.
• Handheld electronic games – inexpensive and fun for everyone. Most of these you have a choice between stuffing them in the stocking or wrapping them up to place under the tree.

Did you remember to get gifts for your pets? Please remember the 4-legged family members too! Anything will do – treats, toys, sweaters – just be sure to show love to them as well. Pets are very perceptive to the things that go on around them and know when they are being left out.

Do you have other ideas? Quick, tell us – the time is running out!