Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas for Anyone in Your Life

So there you are, days away from Christmas and you think you have it all covered. Presents purchased and wrapped for everyone on your list, right? Then you remember.... the mailman, Sunday School teacher, Great Aunt Carol that you rarely see, the babysitter or the boy who delivers your newspaper. Or, you get invited to a party and need a hostess gift at the last minute. Or a friend calls you up and wants to meet for coffee because she has a present for you but you don't have one for her. What to do! You could rush to the mall and spend a ton of money on a very quick shopping spree and end up with something they probably will never use, or you can take a minute to think and come up with a fabulous gift that will not cost an arm and a leg and will truly be appreciated!

When you are buying presents for the people in your life that you know well, it is easy to come up with a personalized gift that is just right for them. However, these are generally not the people that you are buying last minute gifts for! Their gifts are already under the tree, wrapped and waiting for Christmas morning. So, what do you buy for that teenager, teacher or Great Aunt Carol who you don't really know that well? Believe me, I have searched and struggled more than once in this exact predicament! My daughter's bus driver, my husband's best friend who decided to come visit at the last minute, the unexpected acquaintances with presents to exchange when you least expect it.... yes, I've been there! Here are some ideas to get you out of a bind and keep you in the Christmas spirit!

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Teens - Babysitters, The Children of Friends, etc

Let's be honest, teens love money. Money or Gift Cards. That's just the way it is! The easiest thing for any teen is a holiday card with money or a Gift Card to a local restaurant or store. If you are not comfortable with giving money or feel that this is too impersonal, let me reassure you, most teens would gladly trade the very personal gift of a crocheted sweater or a book of poetry for a $20 bill. If you still feel bad about it, try giving the gift of time. Print out a quick Gift Certificate that entitles the teen to a day of your time doing an activity of their choice - they will probably want to go shopping.

I have given several teenagers an empty CD case with a $20 bill in it and a note to buy some great tunes! Wrap it up and they think it is a CD (and are groaning in their head over the "classic" music they think you picked out!) then when they unwrap it they get a great big smile on their faces!

Another gift for a teen girl might be a "spa in a can". Take a paint can that has been cleaned well and fill with the basics for a manicure and spa night! A loofah sponge, some nail polish and bath salts, a scented body splash and maybe some new hair scrunchies! Pop the top on and then label with a to and from label and wrap with a bow.

For a teen boy you can try a "car basket". If they have their own vehicle they can usually never have enough rags for washing, cleaners or even air freshener! It may seem mundane, but boys love to work on their cars and wash them!

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Teachers

I'll be honest, while I love my child's teachers, they are usually at the bottom of my list of people to buy for. However, a gift of appreciation for a teacher or bus driver who has helped your child is a wonderful thing to do! If your child comes home and asks what they are giving to Mrs. Smith for Christmas and you are stuck, you can never, ever go wrong with a Gift Card. Teachers spend a lot of their own money buying school supplies and special items for their classes. A nice card with a personal note inside thanking the teacher for their time and effort is wonderful! Combine that with a $10 or $20 GC to Walmart or Office Depot and they will thank you!

Generally, try not to give baked goods. Usually, either a teacher will not eat the item because they are not sure of the ingredients or they have already gotten about ten boxes of candy and twenty bags of cookies! Instead of a baked good, how about a brand new pen? Combine that pen with a nice journal or some writing paper and a book of stamps and you have a thoughtful and unique gift for that special teacher.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Acquaintances - Not Close Relatives, Hostess Gifts, Mailmen, etc.

The ever popular cookie platter, goodie bag or banana bread is a sure fire and easy last minute gift for hostesses, mailmen and others. An attractive disposable platter, a cheery printed bag or other container filled with some fresh baked treats is appreciated by all.

A unique hostess gift that is thoughtful and easy to put together is an "after party" relaxation basket. Pick up a small basket (either wicker or plastic) and fill with some relaxation goodies such as: bath salts or bubble bath, massage oil or lotion, a couple of scented candles and a bottle of wine or other beverage that they might enjoy. Top that off with a quick Thank You card and wrap in cellophane or even plastic wrap! Tie or tape a ribbon tot he top and you have a sweet little gift that will help your host or hostess to wind down after the big party.

One of my favorite things to give is a "cake in a cup". There are numerous recipes all over the web for these cute little goodies. Find or buy an inexpensive, large coffee cup and attach the ingredients for the "cake in a cup". Place them in a bag inside the cup and tie instructions to the handle. Combine this with a pack or two of hot chocolate mix or some gourmet coffee or tea and you have a cute little gift that anyone would enjoy!

A food basket is an easy and quick gift as well! Stop at the grocery store or your local gourmet foods store and pick up some special foods. Maybe do an Italian basket and include some fresh or gourmet pasta, a special sauce, some fresh Parmesan cheese, a bottle of wine and a loaf of a good Italian bread. Add anything else that strikes you and top off with a few candles and a romantic music CD if you would like. This is a great gift for new parents or the couple who rarely take time for themselves as it becomes a "date in a basket".

For any basket that you plan, you can buy items, make them yourself or even buy a pre-made basket. The great thing about basket gifts is that they tend to be easy but are viewed as being thoughtful and elaborate no matter how quickly they were put together. As a person unwraps them and starts to pull out what they have, they see more and more and while you may have only spent anywhere from $5 - $30 on the contents, to them it feels like an extra special gift and is fast and easy for you!

So, no matter who you have to buy that last minute gift for, you can always find something that will not break the bank and make you tear your hair out. Just take a deep breath and remember that the Spirit of Christmas is alive and well in everything that you gift!