Last Minute Gift Ideas for Christmas

Last minute gift ideas for Christmas are essential for many of us who were housebound because of the snow storm east coast and state of emergency. If you're like me, you still have Christmas shopping to do. Here are some last minute gift ideas that won't send you all over town or break your budget:

1. One of my favorite last minute gift ideas is a photo frame filled with heartwarming pics. You can purchase photo frames at Rite Aid, CVS or your local dollar store. Buy the type with several photo holders to create a Christmas Collage.

2. Last minute gift ideas might be lurking in your cabinets and drawers. If you collect soaps, candles, candy or other goodies, take inventory. Unopened treasures transform into last minute gift ideas for Christmas.

3. Put your personal talents and the talents of your children to good use for last minute gift ideas. Have your kids draw pictures, paint figurines or make cards. Cotton balls glued to cardboard make beautiful winter snow scenes. If you sew, draw or write, share your talents and frame them to make your gift more special.

4. Another one of my tried-and-true last minute gift ideas for Christmas is baking. Pillsbury makes refrigerator dough in all flavors and designs. Betty Crocker has great cookie mixes. Even if you're not talented in the kitchen, you can bake yummy goodies and wrap them in colorful cellophane with holiday ribbons and bows. Check out this easy recipe from Gatherer Lee P. for Peanut Butter Fudge with just two simple ingredients! Everyone can be a last minute star in the kitchen with the right recipes!

5. I visit feed stores, florists and grocery stores to find discounted poinsettias as last minute gift ideas for Christmas. When it is just a couple of days before Christmas, these plants start to get marked down drastically. One year I bought a dozen poinsettias for under $15 with tax on Christmas Eve. Everyone in my husband's large family got a gift and we didn't go broke!

6. Did you check out CVS this holiday season? They have several great last minute gift ideas including a soft robe by the beauty section for just $10. With one size fits all, what woman on your list would not like this lovely gift?

7. Another great place to visit for last minute gift ideas for Christmas is a Hallmark Store. It's one-stop shopping with gift wrap, gift bags, cards and adorable last minute gift ideas. Hallmark Christmas ornaments are a classic gift people of all ages enjoy. I picked up great ones at the Hallmark Holiday Open House.

8. When in doubt, go to the local dollar store. I love the Dollar Tree because they have everything from toiletries to gloves to mugs to gift wrap. You can get all your essentials for less at the Dollar Tree. There are literally hundreds of last minute gift ideas for just $1 including toys, stuffed animals and games for the kids.

9. Online gift certificates are great last minute gift ideas. You can order them and have them sent right to you or the recipients online. Check out websites such as Restaurant.com where you can order a $25 gift certificate for just $10.

10. Last minute gift ideas are lurking on a rack at your local grocery store or pharmacy. CVS, Rite Aid and major grocery stores all have gift cards to various major merchants including Macy's and Chili's. In just a few minutes, you'll have gift cards for everyone on your list.

Good luck with your last minute gift ideas for Christmas!