Ideas for Thoughtful Last Minute Holiday Gifts

If you are like most people - during the holiday season you may need to buy some last minute holiday gifts. Sometimes work or family obligations become too overwhelming or you just don't have the time (or inner strength) to face going to the mall yet another time when you realize you have forgotten to get someone a gift. Fortunately there are plenty of gift ideas that are thoughtful and will be sure to please anyone on your list.

Gift Card. This is an excellent gift that many people enjoy getting. At this point literally every large store gives out gift cards, and if they don't offer gift cards, they offer gift certificates. You can also purchase gift cards from a number of chain drugstores, I know that CVS carries gift cards for a number of stores - and they carry these year round.

Cash. If you aren't able to get out and get a gift card, giving someone cash is certainly an equal alternative. And cash, quite frankly, you can spend anywhere. Just about anyone would be thrilled to receive cash as a gift.

Magazine Subscription. This is a nice, fairly inexpensive gift. To give a magazine subscription - go out and buy a copy of the magazine and gift wrap it for your friend or family member. Then write in the card that you are giving them a year of this magazine as a gift. Then order the magazine for them. There are plenty of websites that you can order magazines from online, do a google search for "magazine subscription" and literally hundreds will pop up. Another great choice is to buy the magazine subscription at ebay, where you can find excellent prices for many popular magazines.

Restaurant Gift Certificate. While the stores are overcrowded with shoppers, restaurants may be busy - but getting a gift certificate at a restaurant may certainly be a lot easier. Most restaurants offer gift certificates. This is a wonderful treat to give anyone, who wouldn't enjoy knowing that they have an evening off where they don't have to cook?

Entertainment Book. This book offers year-round savings on movies, attractions, entertainment, and much more. This is a great gift to give just about anyone. A great idea is to give someone the Entertainment Book for an area that they visit frequently, such as the Florida book for seniors who live there for half of the year, or the book for a different area of the country if they have grandchildren they visit frequently. You can learn more about the book, or order books at http://www.entertainment.com/discount/home.shtml.

Massage or Spa Services. This is a great, and very indulgent gift to give someone. Get someone you love the gift of a massage or a facial or a pedicure. Many spas now have a listing of their services online so you can select the service that you would like and then go pick up the gift certificate.

Gourmet Coffee or Sweets. Just about everyone has a favorite treat, and if you get it for them, this is a gift that is sure to please. If they are a coffee drinker, then head to Starbucks or another favorite coffee place. If they love tea then select some great herbal teas and large mug for them to drink it out of. If they are a chocolate lover, then pick up a box of chocolate truffles or maybe some gourmet hot chocolate. There are so many choices. Lots of large grocery stores are even carrying more gourmet style items, there are even fancier grocery stores, such as the very healthy Whole Foods that has lots of healthy treats you can select from.

Donation to A Charity. This is a great gift for someone with a big heart. You can make a donation to this person's favorite charity. Give them a card saying that a donation has been made in their name to the charity. The charity will more than likely send out a card to them as well telling them that the donation has been made.