10 Last Minute Holiday Gifts

The holiday season is here. Let's admit it, we all have those gifts that we need to run out and grab at the last minute. Maybe your child has just told you he needs a gift for an exchange that he is just now mentioning. It could be that you forgot to add Aunt Margaret to your list. You may have received a gift from a co-worker you weren't expecting to get and now have to return the favor. No matter what the reason is, we all have gifts that we have to run out and purchase at the last minute.

Here is my list of 10 great last minute holiday gift ideas -

#1 Gift Cards for Restaurants

This idea works especially well for those people that you know what their favorite restaurants are. For example, my mother loves Outback. A nice gift for her would be a gift card for Outback. There are also now cards for family of restaurants. Take for example Landry's. They own Landry's, Rainforest Café, The Crab House and many more. You can purchase one card that is good at all of these locations. It will give your recipient more variety.

#2 Flowers

Everyone likes flowers. You can even order online for many of the larger companies, such as 1-800-flowers, ProFlowers and FTD. Most can be delivered within 24 to 48 hours. If you have someone that you know doesn't like cut flowers, they also offer a variety of potted plants as well. Explore these websites and see the variety of gift ideas they have available that you can have delivered straight to the door of your recipient.

#3 A time of pampering

This is one gift that women love to receive, and even some men on your list may enjoy this as well. Contact the establishment that they use to get their haircut or nails done. Have money put on account for them. They can then go in and has their grooming done, or maybe an extra and not be charged. Take this a step further if they use a full service salon and spring for the price of a facial or a massage. These could be great for the person receiving them to get rid of holiday stress.

#4 Chocolates, coffee and sweets

Who on your list doesn't like one of these items? There are plenty of holiday wrapped treats to be found. You may even luck out and be able to purchase these while shopping for groceries or your local drug store. Nice varieties of flavored coffees or fancy teas may be just what they were wanting. Make sure that your recipient likes these. You don't want to buy nuts for a person who is allergic.

#5 Car Maintenance

This may be a wonderful gift for those single moms, older couples or just that person who is busy. You can purchase gift cards for an oil change or a season maintenance check for their car. Offer to take it in for them, if they are hesitant about having this done. If you know anything about cars offer to look over the mechanics recommendations and work. This is a great presents itself. Car washes offer gift packages as well.

#6 Magazine Subscriptions

Everyone has favorite magazines or newspapers they enjoy reading. A subscription or a renewal would make a wonderful gift. You may have to ask them what they read if you don't know. You can also purchase these online at places such as Amazon.com, BAMM.com and BN.com.

#7 Gift of the Month Clubs

There have been many jokes about gift of the months. They make nice wedding presents, but also Christmas gifts for that last minute gift of that person that is hard to buy. They come in a wide variety. You can get gift of the month for fruit, flowers, chocolates and even books. This can all be done online and a nice card or email will be sent to the recipient to notify them that they will be receiving them.

#8 Cold Weather Gear

January will soon be approaching, and while it is not very glamorous, gifts of hats, scarves, mittens and gloves are very much appreciated. While we may have them, we all know that a second pair to have on hand can come in handy. These are great gifts for children as well. When you are 10 you can never have too many pairs of mittens and gloves. Scarves are great gifts for women as well. They come in every color and texture and can be coordinated with all their outfits.

#9 Desserts

A stop at your local bakery can yield you with many great gifts. Cakes, tarts, pies and cookies all make wonderful gifts. If you have the time and the talent, you can make these home made as well. They will be appreciated either way. Place in a fancy box tied up with a bow and you have a wonderful gift that will disappear before your eyes.

#10 The most obvious last minute gift

While some may think it is in bad taste, cash will always be appreciated. Think about how it may come in handy for that college student, that working mom or that single guy. Cash around the holidays can be the favorite gift. Enclose in a pretty holiday card and you really are giving them the gift of choice.

Whatever you decide to get as a last minute gift, always keep in mind that it is the thought that counts. It is not the cost that makes the gift more valuable, but the idea that you think enough to purchase them a gift. Put a bit of thought into it, make the wrapping special and you will have a great last minute holiday gift.