Thoughtful Last-Minute Gifts for Christmas
Introduction
If you’re like me, you’ve been waiting until the last minute to do everything and anything. And while the holidays are no exception, there is still time to give your friends and family thoughtful gifts that remind them how much they mean to you. Here are some last-minute ideas that can be put together in minutes (or less):
Treat your friends to an after-dinner coffee.
- Give a gift card to a coffee shop.
- Make a homemade coffee mug with a funny saying.
- Send one in the mail!
- Buy some small bags of beans and include an electric grinder that can be used at home or on the go (we love this one). Then, bundle it up in an adorable basket with some mugs and K-cups for good measure.
Make something special for the hostess.
- Make a gift basket. Fill a basket with your hostess’s favorite snacks, treats, and festive holiday decorations.
- Personalize a gift card for her. Get creative with the design of your own homemade gift card by printing out an image onto cardstock paper and cutting it into the shape of a present box, then personalizing it with messages from you and your family members!
- Write out thank-you notes in advance. A handwritten note is always appreciated–even more so when it comes early! Please write an email or letter to each person who hosted you during this holiday season so they’ll know how much their hospitality meant to you without having to wait until after Christmas has passed by.* Create some custom ornaments together as a family activity before heading home for Christmas break.*
Wrap up a gift for your mail carrier.
Wrapping a gift for your mail carrier is a great way to show them you appreciate the service they provide. Remember, there are lots of options for wrapping paper and bows! You could even use one of those DIY kits that comes with everything you need. But if you’re short on time or want to make things easy (and cute), check out Etsy’s excellent selection of handmade wrapping paper patterns.
Once you’ve got your paper picked out, think about what would be helpful for them in their everyday life–for example:
- A gift card from their favorite store
- A gift card from their favorite restaurant or coffee shop (or both!)
- A movie ticket package
Surprise someone with a holiday card–and candy!
- Surprise someone with a holiday card–and candy!
- Write a personal note on the inside of your card.
- Make it fun and colorful!
Deliver a unique treat to the office.
Deliver a unique treat to the office. Everyone loves getting something special in their mail, so why not give them something they can share with their co-workers? You can order something online or create a DIY (do it yourself ) gift by putting together some homemade cookies or candy. If you’re going to deliver food, make sure it’s something that isn’t expected and won’t spoil before Christmas day (no perishable items). Wrap up your gift in some wrapping paper and include a card with a message on how much you appreciate them!
Give a cookie platter to someone who brings you Christmas cookies every year.
- Give a cookie platter to someone who brings you Christmas cookies every year.
- You can pick one up at any grocery store or online.
- Remember the card!
- Remember the ribbon!
- Remember the bow!
Make a card for random strangers in need of some cheer.
- Make a card for a stranger.
- Write a message to the person on the card, and include anything else you think will make them happy (e.g., “Merry Christmas!”).
- Give it to someone who can deliver it before Christmas Day arrives.
Make sure your neighbors feel welcome this season.
- Be inclusive and friendly.
- Pay attention to your neighbors, even if they seem different from you.
- Be bold and ask them if they need help or if there is anything you can do for them this season.
- Invite them for a meal or dessert so they feel included in the holiday festivities and know that someone cares about their well-being–and also because food is excellent!
It’s never too late or too soon to show someone you care.
It’s never too late or too soon to show someone you care. If you’ve got a loved one on your list and are wondering what to get them, don’t stress! It’s the thought that counts–and while it may be tempting to give a gift card (they’re convenient), they have a different impact than something handmade by you.
The best gifts are meaningful ones that come from the heart–but if all else fails, here are some ideas:
- Give something that represents your relationship with them. For example, if it’s an anniversary or birthday present for someone close to me who loves coffee and baking as much as I do–I could make them cookies! Or if someone knows how much I love books but doesn’t know what kind would be best suited for their personality…I could give them one of my favorites so they can see what all this “reading” stuff is about!
