Countdown 'til Christmas: last-minute gifts

In case you haven’t noticed, Christmas is exactly a week away. And because stores close super-early on Christmas Eve (usually around 6 p.m.), that means you have less than a week to get all of your shopping finished.

What’s that, you say? You haven’t even started? Well, you’re in luck. We're smart enough to know that some people are really busy (or just natural procrastinators), which is why we’ve compiled this trusty list of last-minute gift ideas.

The easiest, simplest way to get your shopping done as quickly as possible is to do it online, as we’ve mentioned before. Many websites offer free shipping, and can get your items to you within three days. Some sites even have a “gift wrapping” option.

If you’re stubborn or otherwise completely opposed to the whole idea of shopping online, here are some ideas for you to consider.

Cash
This is a popular gift with everyone, regardless of their age or background. It always feels good to have an extra-crisp $20 (or 2) in your wallet. Because this isn’t exactly the most personalized gift, be sure to dress up the packaging so it looks like you spent some time on it. Get a cute money-holder card and tuck it into a tiny gift back with some tissue paper.

Gift Cards
Some of these actually require that you purchase them from the store during business hours, but some websites offer the option of purchasing gift cards online. You have some options, here: you can choose a restaurant, beauty salon, clothing store or specialty shop that you know your recipient frequents often. Or you can go the more universal route with a VISA gift card, which is accepted almost everywhere.

Holiday Treats
If you know someone with a sweet tooth, why not gift them with a variety of homemade treats and snacks? Sure, it’s easier to pick up a package of cookies from a bakery, but freshly-baked, homemade goods taste the best. They’re also more personal. You can have some fun packaging these – simply line a tin with waxed paper, tie with some ribbon and add a gift tag.

In addition to the traditional treat fare of cookies and fudge, why not mix it up a little bit? You could consider a classic like Chex Mix, caramel popcorn or “Puppy Chow,” (http://www.firelandschristmas.com/recipes/puppy-chow-people) or you could bake some cute miniature loaves of holiday breads (such as cranberry-nut or pumpkin spice, for example).

Firelands Christmas has great recipes for some treats that make great gifts. Why not try some Macaroon Marshmallows, Peppermint Bark, Salted Caramel Popcorn or Simple Truffles?

Gift Baskets
If you’re willing to spend a little extra time to make the gift a little personal, consider putting together a cute gift basket. Most craft stores like Pat Catans and Jo Ann Fabrics offer many different-sized baskets for a good price – it’s likely you could find a smaller selection in the craft section at Wal-Mart, too. If baskets aren’t your fancy, consider a decorative tin, nice box or gift bag – you could even use a stocking, if you wanted.

Choose several small gifts that match the recipient’s interests – for example, pencils, pastels or paintbrushes for an artist, specialty spices for someone who likes to cook, fabric for a quilter and so on. Small items such as lip balm or gloss, nail polish, an iTunes gift card, small candles, pens or pencils are good choices, too.

If you don’t have time to personally fill a gift basket, there are many pre-packaged ones in stores. The only problem with these is that they’re usually heavy on aesthetics and light on content. When considering a commercial gift basket, be sure to read the label to see exactly what (and how much of it) you’re getting.

Gift of Time
Sometimes, this can be the best gift. Consider creating a gift certificate by hand or on the computer, good for a ballgame, a concert or a trip to the zoo. For busy parents, a free night (or two) of babysitting is usually welcome. If you know someone has an interest in a hobby such as archery, cake decorating or woodworking, offer to pay for instructional classes.

If you’re giving a gift to the elderly, think about taking them on a monthly outing, or stopping over to help with housework, grocery shopping or other errands. Chances are, they sometimes need help – and they’ll enjoy having special time with you.

The important thing to remember about these gifts is that they are a promise. You have to be committed enough to ensure that the promise is kept – that means following through and reminding them, even if they don’t approach you first.