Christmas is just a few days away.
So...have you finished shopping for presents?
It's zany out there right now. I do NOT enjoy being pushed, shoved and standing in line...and I'm betting you don't, either. I'm also guessing that your budget is a tad limited, at this point.
Some possibilities:
*'Shop' off your own shelves. Pasta, jarred sauce and a can of fruit make a nice meal, tucked in a basket with napkins and tissue paper. (If you don't have an extra package of napkins, make your own from fabric scraps, quickly hemmed by machine.) Have a bottle of lotion or shower gel you haven't used? Add an unused towel and bar of decorative soap. A mug you picked up goes well with tea bags or envelopes of hot chocolate, and a small package of cookies. Imported items have a "I had to search for this" appeal; I generally pick them up on clearance or at Denver's Friday/Saturday salvage store. (The latter closes in a week, sadly.)
*Regift things you've gotten in the past, and not used. At this point, you probably won't use them in the long run. So why not send them to someone who can?
*Make it homemade. Cookies, bread and cakes are surprisingly easy to make. Include a coupon for a future meal, to make your present even more appreciated.
Or consider gifting soup. One Hundred Dollars A Month does a tomato bisque that's not only fast and frugal, but tastes amazing.
*Consider the grocery store. Fresh fruit and favorite snacks, accompanied by a bottle of wine, a six-pack of beer or soda, not only make great gifts -- but can be adapted for your own use, instead.
*Or the thrift shop. You can often find gift sets, appliances and brand-new household goods still in their original wrappers for much less. Grab a sackful of books or videos for your fanatic; they'll enjoy reading and watching, and won't feel as guilty about discarding (or donating back) what they don't want to keep.
*If you must go out, choose a store that offers a variety of options -- clothing, food, housewares, tools, etc. If one idea doesn't pan out, you can explore others without trudging miles. (This really pays off in late afternoon, when you're tired and Sick of It All. Store possibilities: Menard's, Home Depot, Lowe's, Target and the ubiquitous Wal-Mart.
*Give a movie that covers the rushed, too-busy parts of Christmas -- or one that's Christmas...but not. Our favorites: Die Hard 1 and 2, Trading Places, Homeless for the Holidays, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation...or a new/old favorite: Jingle All the Way. The latter is only $3.74 on Amazon right now.
*A subscription could be just what your recipient would love. This includes not just magazines, but Netflix, Amazon Prime and similar streaming apps. One of our parents' most-appreciated gifts was a year's worth of cable tv. Our dad was in the last stages of cancer. The Mama was exhausted, caring for him. Cable gave them all sorts of viewing possibilities, and let them keep up with the news -- which was important to them.)
It's very easy to set this up online, even at the very last minute. You may also be able to take advantage of a free month or so on on your subscription.
*Gift cards are a possibility. Pair them with a small stocking gift, if you feel they're too impersonal.
*Then again, there's always CASH.
*Stocking stuffers make fine small gifts.
Thistlewood Farms has a 20-item list of stocking stuffers $5 and under; take a look. I've also done posts on the subject that may be helpful -- here's a general list. Another list is here. Bored Panda also has some good ideas. If your budget is severely limited, The Prudent Homemaker has some particularly good suggestions, including gifts using items you already have on hand.
One final quickie present that should please all sorts of people: several candy bars (the same brand, or an assortment) wrapped round with a fiver or multiple dollar bills, and tied with a ribbon.
You can gift me that anytime.
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