Blogmas Day 14: Meaningful Last Minute Gifts

If you’re reading this 12/14 or later, and you still haven’t done your Christmas shopping, you’re a last minute gifter. I hope I’m not the first to tell you! And though you have dropped the ball (my professional title is literally Planner), there’s still time to give a meaningful gift!

1. I really wish I could take credit for this one, but it comes from the mind of my best friend, and it’s great - gift someone an online subscription to New York Times. Idk about you, but I’m obsessed with Wordle and Connections. Give the gift of unlimited nerdy word games or explore other subscription options here.

   

2. Make a charitable donation in your giftee’s name. There are so many avenues for this, and I’ve outlined a few of my favorites here.

3. If you’re good at follow through (and I’m really going out on a limb here, since you’re obviously a procrastinator 😉) gift them a future experience! I know it’s difficult to assume anyone can get time off, afford travel, etc., but a handmade coupon to the tune of “IOU a concert date night! Redeemable up to $100” is thoughtful and open ended enough to be low pressure for your recipient.

4. Printable gifts are great in general, but really superb when you’re short on time. Etsy has TONS of printable gifts, ranging from art prints to customizable games (like this Guess Who board I’m obsessed with) and many sellers offer instant download after purchase.

   

5. A “treat yourself” Venmo payment! Over the years I’ve been sent and have sent a few of these, and while I’m sure it’s something the older crowd might call tacky, it’s no tackier than a gift card, which is a perfectly acceptable gift! That said, Venmo offers gifts cards as well, so that’s an option, too! 

6. Gift someone a meal. If you’re anything like me, going to the grocery store is the hardest part. Obviously there are gift card options for the big names like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh, but I’ve actually found a few businesses that allow you to gift an actual meal and even have the option to let the recipient choose their meal! Check out Instead of Flowers here. This is (obviously) also a lovely gift idea for someone who is ill or as condolences instead of flowers, but a meal is a nice gift always!

7. Last, but most certainly not least, a tried and true goody basket or bag, tailor made for your giftee. Wahhh, I told you I was short on time, cried the procrastinators. I hear you, but all the ingredients for a good gift basket can easily be found at your local grocery or drugstore. Know someone who loves movie nights at home? Assorted popcorn, candy, and a small selection of specialty sodas! A makeup/travel junkie? A fun array of travel size goodies! The options are endless!

Listen, I know I gave you a pretty hard time, I’m sorry. You are certainly in good company with gazillions of people who have not yet started their Christmas shopping. And when all else fails? Your loved ones would probably just like to spend some time with you, gifts or no gifts. 

Currently listening to: “Here It Is Christmastime” by Kevin Bacon and the Old 97’s

xoxo LA