Great (Easy) Last Minute Gift Ideas
If you need some inspiration for some last minute gift ideas, you’re sure to find it here. All of these ideas are quick and easy, so even if you thought you had all your shopping done, and suddenly remember someone else, you don’t need to panic!
The Gift of a Night In
Shopping malls and shops are going to be packed. Instead of battling the crowds, stop by your local video store and give the gift of a night in. Wrap up items such a DVD or a gift card for a movie rental, some popcorn, a bottle of his or her favourite beverage – whatever things you know they will enjoy. (This gift also works well for new parents).
The Gift of Time
Create a lovely voucher – handwritten or use your computer and printer – and offer your services. Walking dogs, babysitting, taking kids out for an hour or two, cooking meals, fixing a computer, doing accounts, clearing snow, washing cars, ….. the list is endless. It costs you nothing except your time, and you can be sure your gifts will be appreciated!
Make Great Candles
Beeswax candles are safe and natural (unlike normal candles which are made from petroleum). They are easy to make yourself because they can be easily moulded. Use a cookie cutter to make uniquely shaped candles as gifts. (Kids love creating them too).
Choose cookie cutter shapes that can stand up (like the Christmas trees shown here). Buy several sheets of beeswax (normally available in craft shops). You’ll need 10 identical cut-outs per candle. Stack 5 on top of each other, then add a wick, starting at the bottom and extending it beyond the top by about an inch. Add the remaining 5 cut-outs and press them gently together. (Use a hair dryer on Low to warm them slightly if they don’t stick together). Stand your candle upright and voilà!
Gift Cards
Gift cards are eco friendly because you know that the recipient will buy something they genuinely want, rather than you buying them something that they might never use (and thus wasting resources).
Vast numbers of places offer gift cards in various amounts, including Amazon. They come in a gift box or a greeting card (some have free one-day shipping too!) or they can be delivered via email. See what’s available Huge range of gift cards
Old Sweaters
Practice the Reduce, Re-use, Recycle mantra. Re-use old sweaters – they can become the most surprising new gifts!
The trick is to first “felt” the fabric – shrink the wool until it’s thick and ravel-proof. Simply wash the sweater in hot water and dry it on high heat. Repeat, if necessary, so that the fabric’s weave is tight enough to be cut without fraying.
Once felted, you can use the material to make bracelets, bags, purses, eyeglass cases, mittens, doll clothes, or even a fuzzy collar for your dog. Here are two examples.
Bracelets: Cut loops from the sweater’s cuffs and arms. Next, decorate the bangles by using embroidery floss to sew on buttons, felt shapes, paper flowers, and more. Tip: If the diameter of a loop is too big, cut it open, trim the excess length, then overlap the edges and secure them by sewing on embellishments.
These mittens are soft, toasty and colourful.
- Trace around one of your (or your child’s) mittens, leaving an extra inch or so around the edge for sewing.
- Pin the template onto the felted fabric, then cut out four matching mitten shapes.
- Pin two of the mitten sides together.
- Using a contrasting colour of yarn, stitch around the edges (a blanket stitch, as used here, looks especially nice).
A Gift for a Coffee Lover
If you need a last-minute gift for a coffee lover, consider giving a coffee bar at home. Start by picking up some different flavours of coffee beans – some normal, and some unusual or new ones. Then pick up some different flavours of sugars. If your friend likes flavoured syrups, you can buy some from a coffee shop or grocery store. Package them nicely and voilà.
Re-Use an old scarf
If you or the kids have an old scarf that not worn any more, re-purpose it into an attractive bolster pillow – perfect for winter!
It’s very simple to make. Cut a densely woven or fleece scarf in two, as shown. Use a simple running stitch to sew the long sides together, forming a fabric tube.
Wrap a hair elastic around the tube, a few inches from one end. Stuff the tube with fibrefill or with grains or seeds that are too old to use for food, then clinch and close the other end with a second hair elastic.
A Gift for your Pet?
Finally, are you thinking of getting a gift for your pet? They don’t understand the concept of Christmas gift giving. If you want to buy a gift, make sure it’s something useful and practical, not frivolous. And remember, the best thing you can give your pet this holiday season is your time, attention and love.
Last Thought…..
Actually, that’s true for all of us. What most people want from us is our time and appreciation. If it’s all possible this Christmas, spend time with the people you care about.
Happy Christmas!
If you enjoyed this article, please Like or Share it – thank you!
With thanks to Spoonful for some of the ideas
Lots of great gift ideas – where do you get them all??
(Smile) lots of research and cogitation!