The holiday season is almost upon us! It’s time to start planning for the busy weeks ahead – coordinating dinner menus, planning get-togethers, and putting the finishing touches on those holiday decorations.
With so much going on, it’s easy to forget about one of the biggest parts of the holiday season – the annual gift swap. Exchanging presents with friends and family is one of the most cherished Christmas rituals, but it can easily go south if you show up without a present or gift something that doesn’t quite meet expectations. If you have plenty of time to plan ahead, you can carefully select gifts you know will please everyone – but what if you’re stuck scrambling at the last minute?
Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. While it might be too late to personalize a custom gift or whip up something from scratch, there are plenty of great last-minute Christmas gift ideas your friends and family definitely won’t be disappointed to receive. Not sure what those look like? Here are a few of my go-to options for last-minute holiday gifts:
A SMART HOME DEVICE
For the perfect combination of fun and practical, help your friends and family upgrade their homes and fast track to the future with a smart home device. Gift a smart speaker or tablet-style device, like the Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show 8, or choose an in-demand smart security system like Ring or smart thermostat like Nest. They’ve even got smart plugs that transform any outlet in your home into something you can control with the touch of a button from across the room.
A SUBSCRIPTION BOX
Want to give ‘em a gift that will keep on giving? Consider gifting them a subscription box! Most subscription boxes come with gift options for one-month, three-month, or one-year subscriptions, and you can find boxes that suit virtually every lifestyle, age group, interest, and more. Consider these fun options:
- Foodies and travelers alike will love the Universal Yums box. Each month’s box features a collection of sweets and snacks from a different part of the world!
- Gift the children in your life the gift of wonder and excitement with KiwiCo, a kid-friendly subscription box filled with activities and projects.
- Dog moms (and dads) will appreciate a subscription to the well-loved BarkBox, which sends a monthly shipment filled with treats, toys, and other surprises for pups.
SOMETHING TO EAT OR DRINK
Who can say no to a sweet treat or savory indulgence? A box of gourmet chocolates or handmade pastries, a carefully-curated cheese and charcuterie board, or a basket filled with an assortment of wine, cheeses, and crackers can be a wonderful way to show your appreciation and give them a little something they can use to celebrate the season with!
While leaving your holiday shopping to the last minute is never ideal, there are definitely ways to gift meaningful gifts your recipients will truly appreciate, even when you’re in a pinch! If you’re feeling stuck, know you won’t go wrong with one of these suggestions!
