How To Find A Perfect Last Minute Gift

Face it, Christmas arrives before you even realize it's coming up. I start planning for Christmas months early but there are always a couple of last minute gifts to get. The gifts I"m talking about here are more "a 'week before Christmas" rather than "a day before Christmas" ideas.

1. Buy tickets. This can be for almost anyone on your list. Remembert to buy two tickets though. He or she will want to go with someone! Unless you know this person's schedule though, make sure you book it for at least a month after Christmas, so he or she can book it off work or change plans if necessary. It works great for a boyfriend, giflriend, spouse, parent, or sibling.

2. Donate to charity. Giving $30 - $50 to a charity in someone's name is especially nice. You can often give specific gifts which are lots of fun. I donated a goat from CHF to my parents one year. It is nice to pair this with a small gift as well (so the receiver actually gets something). But it is a perfect gift for someone who has everything they need, like parents!

3. Purchase a spa kit. Spa kits are very popular around Christmas time and you can get them in most department stores. Everything is prepackaged and put together so you don't have to do any work. It is a great gift for almost any female.

4. Gift a bottle of wine. Or another type of alcohol that is preferred (maybe your dad loves Crown Royal? maybe your sister loves Jack Daniels?). Go for that. Wine is a safe bet though because, even if the receiver doesn't like that wine, it is still good for guests and dinner parties. Great for anyone of age and who enjoys a bit of drinking.

5. Pick up a gift certificate. It isn't too hard to pick up a $30 - $50 gift certificate to a clothing store, electronic store, or even a department store. For someone who is hard to shop for, it is a great idea because he or she will be able to choose her own gift. This is not a good idea for a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, or parent. It is recommended for a sibling, friend, child, niece, nephew, or grandchild.

6. Homemade cookies or chocolate. Yum! If you can bake, this is the way to go. Who can resist chewy homemade chocolate chip cookies? Fresh, rich chocolate mints? This is a great gift for anyone on your list but I have found that it is usually a winner for a boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse.

Happy Shopping!