Ten Great Emergency Gifts for Thoughtful Adults

What is an emergency gift? You might have heard the term emergency gift during a discussion about an upcoming holiday season and wondered, "Do I need to have a few emergency gift items handy for unexpected guests and well wishers?" The reason for an emergency gift is your own personal comfort, not necessarily that of the one who receives the present. Few people honestly give a gift in the expectation of something in return, especially when they simply drop in unexpectedly, but it might be a good idea to stock up on a few emergency gift items for any "just in case" situation.

1. Cookies or candies in a decorative tin are a great gift for non-diabetic friends and family. Either bake your own or purchase ready-baked treats. Few can say "no" to delicious edibles. For the diabetic or for those who are watching their weight, consider the gift of tasty canned nuts or salted snacks.

2. Hot chocolate baskets are always gifts in great taste. Take a nice basket, two brand new mugs, a box of gourmet hot chocolate, a bag of white marshmallows, and a handful of peppermint candy canes to decorate the gift. Wrap in white tulle with a red and green curled ribbon and bow, and voila a thoughtful surprise.

3. Picture frames are great emergency gifts because just about everyone out there loves photographs. High end boxed photo frames made of solid wood are probably the most neutral variety, so it will go well in any house or apartment. For an added touch, include a disposable camera so the perfect picture can be captured and developed at a later date.

4. Mini Maglite® and Maglite® solitary are handy, and they make excellent gifts. Maglites are well known for durability, strength, dependability, and versatility. Giving the gift of a Maglite® is giving the gift of a highly-regarded safety item that has been the symbol of quality lighting since the 1950's. With prices from $7.50 to $15.99 (average price about $10.00), maglite makes an excellent emergency gift.

5. Gas gift cards are a great gesture in this time of high gas prices, especially since holidays often require quite a deal of travel. To package the card thoughtfully, include it taped to a die-cast car and wrapped in festive holiday paper. Include the following poem:
Gas prices have been lofty,
A sad fact, but it's true. . .
So here's a little break to say.
That I'm thinking of you.

6. Pocket two-year planner calendars are gifts that will see a lot of use in the purses and briefcases of recipients in the twenty-four months to come. The good thing is, these calendars are compact and easy to wrap. They take up little space in your emergency gift box, and you can buy them reasonably. The problem is; they are relatively inexpensive. Taping a candy cane to the wrapper might be a great way to decorate the gift, but you might want to package them with a pen, address book, and notepad so they are more of a gift.

7. A box of Hershey's chocolates is a universal treat that's perfect for giving to anyone who is not diabetic or watching their weight. These chocolates come in three varieties, retail under ten dollars, and are a nice amount of chocolate for your money. Sometimes you can find them on sale for half price during deep discount holiday sales, so they are not a complicated gift. Turtles and the classic Whitman's sampler in the yellow box are both additionally well-received. Be sure to choose a non-decorated box; if you do not give them as a holiday gift, you will have the chocolates available and ready to give for Valentines' day.

8. A toad clock or similar novelty gift available from Café Press not only provides the perfect opportunity to support a self-representing artist, it is also a wonderful way to come up with a truly unique gift that you likely won't find in stores. Many Café Press items are fairly reasonable at under $15 each. The toad clock is $11.50.

9. Bits and Pieces offers several wooden brain teaser puzzles under $15. Some are as low as $4.99. Puzzles, games, and Sudoku games are also great emergency gifts that you can keep handy for surprise visitors.

10. Fleece throw blankets can be found on sale for under $10 at most retail and discount stores. They come in a variety of neutral patterns and they are so soft that the entire gift exudes comfort. Other fleece emergency gifts include unisex hats, gloves, and scarves, all of which are thoughtful options in cold climate areas.

If you don't have a budget that allows you to purchase many extra gifts, consider homemade gifts like jars of cookie mix, handcrafted ornaments, and homemade cookies or candy. Just purchase plenty of gift boxes and be sure to leave the "TO" section on the tag blank. Keep your emergency gifts in a back room so you can discreetly label the gifts as needed, and be sure to use neutral wrapping paper so that the gifts can go to either a male or female recipient. Remember, the reason for emergency gifts is so that you do not feel uncomfortable when someone gives you an unexpected present. Emergency gifts are great to have around for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. They are like insurance for the festive; you may never need them, but at least you know they're there if you do.