Help, Help, (insert Female Name) is Coming for Christmas and I Didn't Know!!

Worse yet it is only one or two days until Christmas. When you are suddenly placed in the position of having to find one or more Christmas presents unexpectedly, it can be a real struggle. It is especially bad since the stores are packed and driving, much less parking can be difficult. Here are some ideas that might save you from the stress of the crowds at department stores.

The big trick to last minute shopping is finding the empty stores Almost no one shops for Christmas at the hardware store. Lowes and Home Depot both have wonderful things for Christmas. An amaryllis is a beautiful gift for almost any age lady and is beautiful in February when everything seems so gray. You might decide to get an assortment of small tools and a toolbox which can be personalized by writing her name on it with a Sharpie when you get home. That way she would have her own tools all in one place where she can find them.

Another store that is usually not too busy just before Christmas is the office supply store. You could pick up a special daily calendar. You might be able to find one that fits her interests or sense of humor. You can usually find a nice desk container to use as a basket to hold an amazing selection of things. A small desk lamp or pencil sharpener might be nice. Different stores have different things available to fill the basket.

The closer to Christmas the emptier a fabric store will be. The customers who are there are usually getting something that they need to finish a project. Pick out some fleece in a pattern or print that you think she would like. Buy 1/8th of a yard. When you get home you might have to even up the sides, but you have a nice, inexpensive scarf that was indeed purchased just for her.. If you have time you can cut fringe on each end, about 3 inches long. If you have lots of time and can sew, get 1/3 of a yard instead of 1/8th Fold it in half lengthwise and sew for 8 inches down from the fold on one side. Now you have an elegant looking hood. If you are really ambitious you can crochet or do a blanket stitch around it. But then it isn't a last minute gift.

While you are at the fabric store you might want to make up a basket. It might be centered around embroidery and include a made up kit or aida cloth, needles, floss and a book of patterns. A knitting basket might include some knitting needles, yarn and a book about how to knit. The basket can be fluffed up with some goodies from the grocery store. If you don't have a basket at home to fill you can get one there. At the JoAnns that I visit there are all kind of little things by the check out counter so be sure to look there.

The store with the most possibilities is the grocery store. Somehow I always have to go there to pick up the things I forgot as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. So far we have avoided the busy stores, but the grocery store will be a nightmare, unless you get yourself there really early in the day. To make a really nice basket Start with a bottle of real vanilla and some special seasonings or sauces that you know are good, or fill it with special treats to eat. Some fancy jelly or jam, as well as some specialty coffee or cocoa, cookies from the bakery section some crackers and chocolate, make a basket that everyone will enjoy. Try to buy things that she will love, but wouldn't buy on her own.

When you get your things home you can wrap none, some, or all of the items depending on how much time you have. Put them together in a basket, pull tissue paper up around it and add a large bow. If you have an extra, small Christmas ornament it can be tied into the bow and will look especially nice. Your surprise guest will think that you had planned on her being there the whole time.

While those gifts work well if you have a day or two of notice, but what if she is coming in a half hour or worse is at the door!! What do you have on hand? Is there anything in that box of presents that you received but didn't want? Did you get a box of candy at work that can be regifted? Do you have some home made jam, bread, candy or cookies that you could give her. People think home made food is wonderful. I keep tin boxes on hand for cookies and candy. Wrap it up if you have time or just stick a bow on it. Pretend you were expecting her and enjoy her visit. The time that you spend with your guest should mean more to both of you than any gift.