Last Minute Gift Ideas

Last Minute Environmental Gift Ideas Keeping Your Holidays Green

2009-03-03T00:39:00.001-08:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas gift buying is in full swing. The challenge is on! With only a few shopping days left and perhaps many gifts still to buy; here are a few ways to minimize your shopping time and frustration and simultaneously make a significant difference for the environment. When making a few changes in your buying styles and habits you can have a considerable impact on the environment with little effort.

It's really fairly easy. Just follow some of the gift ideas below and enjoy the satisfaction of being part of the green movement by greening your gifts. Make it a truly green holiday this year. Take heed!

Remember to give presents people need, can use and are practical. Be creative! Try these......
 Tickets to movies, concerts, museums, sporting events, outdoor activities or an annual pass to national parks.
 House or garden plants, herbs, seeds and bulbs. Pots and planters boxes made from natural ingredients.
 Gift certificates to clothing, electronics, books, grocery, or vitamin stores.
 Music and books. itunes or the equivalent downloadable books and music.
 Give the gift of YOU! Make coupons for services such as babysitting, a night out at the movies, dinners dates, weekends away, massages, yard work, dog-walking or help write a resume or article, give a computer lesson or offer some other talent or skill you can share.
 An old book or collector's item. Things with a unique meaning. Shop at antique stores, estate sales or flea markets.
 Cook home-baked sweets and put in a reusable tin box, a kitchen container, or another usable item.
 Any homemade item. A knitted hat or scarf.
 Fair-trade organic chocolate or coffee. Always a hit.
 Clothes and other items made from hemp, wool, or organic cotton.
 A roll of postage stamps.
 Office supplies such as recycled paper and envelops.
 Energy efficient light bulbs, battery re-chargers, or solar-powered products.
 First aid kits or emergency road side equipment.
 Board and card games that will be used over and over again.
 For your children, you can open a savings account, buy stocks or bonds.
 A gift gasoline card for your teenager or college student.
 A calendar marked with important dates, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and family gatherings.
 A book of favorite recipes.
 Carbon offsetting. This purchase erases negative energy footprint of reducing carbon emissions.
 And last but not least give to one or more Charities in the name of your recipient.

The list is really endless if you just take a moment to think about your purchase. If you consider where the product was made, what it is made of, who made it, what actually went in to the manufacturing of the product, you might want to reconsider that purchase. Fact: A manufactured item will generate 70 times its weight in waste during manufacturing. Wow!

Most of all; enjoy the process. And please don't buy me anymore knick knacks. My shelves are already brimming with dozens of dust collectors!

To learn more about how become more environmental conscious when planning your holiday parties and events, planning conferences, workshops and seminars, and events of all sizes, visit my website: www.successfuleventplanning.com.

About the Author

As an Event Planner, Writer, Author and Environmentalist Ms. Kilkenny is in the process of her next writing endeavor, a book dedicated to greening the hospitality and event planning industry.

Gifts In A Jar A Great Last Minute Christmas Present

2008-12-03T23:48:00.001-08:00

Here it is just a few days before Christmas, and you all of a sudden realize you need a few more gifts. Should you make a frantic dash to the mall and fight with everyone else over the last few affordable and decent presents? If you?re like me, that idea doesn?t sound appealing at all. What if you could make a personal gift instead that your friends and family will love?

Usually when we hear homemade gift, we think of sweaters grandma knits, or those granny square afghans your aunt Lydia makes for everyone. At best, it may involve a picture frame with a collage of family photos.

Here is another idea for a great last minute Christmas present that you can literally put together Christmas Eve. Best of all, the recipient will love and actually use it.

So what is this big ?Mystery Present?? It?s called a gift in a jar and the basic idea is to fill a decorated mason jar with a baking or cooking mix. Mix together a hot chocolate mix out of cocoa powder, sugar, powdered creamer and some spices and fill the Mason jar ? of the way with it. Top it off with a layer of miniature marshmallows. Make a little label with directions on how to turn this hot chocolate mix into hot cocoa by adding some warm milk.

You an also mix the dry ingredients of your favorite brownie or cookie recipe. Or instead of mixing the dry ingredients, layer them in the jar for an even more visually appealing gift. Don?t forget to add a card with the recipe and instructions on how to turn this mix into a yummy batch of brownies or cookies.

The possibilities for gifts in a jar are endless? You can add cake mixes, dry ingredients for your favorite soup or chili, or even create your own spice or dry rub mixes and pour them into small jars.

Make a label and glue it on the front of the jar, like those on old-fashioned jam jars. Next, cut a piece of fabric into a square that overlaps the lid of the jar by at least an inch. If you have a pair of those fancy serrated scissors, use those to give the cloth that fancy triangle shaped edge. Center the fabric over the closed lid and secure it by tying a ribbon around it.

Write a recipe card and poke a little hole in one corner. Thread another piece of ribbon through it and tie it around the Mason jar as well. That?s it, your gift in a jar is ready.

For over 200 recipe ideas for all kinds of Gift in a Jar Recipes visit http://www.kinderinfo.com/giftjar and get started making those beautiful last minute Christmas Presents.

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas - Gifts of Edible Delights

2008-11-15T01:11:00.000-08:00

Eek, the stress of it all! Last minute holiday gift ideas can be a headache if you are at a loss for ideas. The gifts you decide upon will depend on who you want them for and why. Fun and fantastic Halloween gifts for the kids or gracious Thanksgiving gifts can help determine your gift giving needs for the fall season.One idea that can help you out of this tight spot is quality and tasty holiday food gifts. Everyone likes to eat! Creative baskets are a sure-fire gift for families, neighbors, friends, coworkers and clients. The edible delights are bites of pure deliciousness. And, they are wrapped and designed in fun and festive works of art that you can feel proud of.Those last minute holiday gift ideas come easily with Halloween gift baskets and Thanksgiving food gift baskets. Flavorful and stylish, quality creative baskets can be delivered directly to your recipients, making your holiday shopping, wrapping and deliveries a pleasant and fast experience.Fun and tasty last minute holiday gift ideas for Halloween are:ghostly boo baskets and bags filled with sweets for the big or little kids in your life, gives them a night of ghostly fun. Make your own boo ghost bags with white paper lunch sacks or make them out of fabrics. Use a black marker or crayon and fabrics to create the ghostly image. Fill it with edible delights for the kids and have a great Halloween. jack o lantern containers filled to overflowing with Halloween gifts of sweet edible delights, will delight any spooky participant of Halloween night. Stuff a tee-shirt in the bottom and fill it up with edible delight the kids will love. big bags of treats and plush toys for the ghost and goblins you know are spooktacular gifts of tasty goodies. Add a soft plush toy for the kids to remember how good Halloween treated them.

Last minute holiday gift ideas for Thanksgiving are: autumn creative baskets filled with gourmet specialty goodies of vegetable dips, crackers, caf? lattes and many more edible delights are gift ideas for mom and dad, grandparents, and any other friend you know or just met. fall snacks are perfect gifts when someone has made an impression on you or you want to make an impression on them. It is always nice to say thank you with gifts of good taste. gourmet Thanksgiving food gift baskets are filled with scrumptious gifts of cheeses, meats, snacks and sweet treats that can be topped off with a cup of gourmet coffee. They are gifts of good taste for those last minute gifts of the season. If you need fun Halloween gifts or ones of thankfulness, holiday creative baskets are the gifts you are looking for. Ghoulish or gourmet, creative baskets can come to the rescue for last minute holiday gift ideas.Shirley Bass at GiftBasketJewels.com invites you take a look at autumns last minute holiday gift ideas. Halloween gift baskets and Thanksgiving gift baskets are themed perfectly for your gift giving needs. You have to see them for yourself to know how well they can help you with those last minute holiday gifts. By Shirley Bass

Last Minute Gift Ideas in a Basket to Go

2008-11-13T01:09:00.000-08:00

It's crunch time and you're starting to get an overload of anxiety. You need last minute gift ideas immediately - if not sooner. You are determined not to drop the ball and meet your obligation to make someone happy for this gift-giving occasion. But the clock is ticking. What to do?There is a formidable option for you to consider that covers a very wide range of interests, hobbies, and edibles. This means that the gift recipient would very likely find one or more of these choices quite appealing. These themes include movies, casinos, bath spa, golf, gardening, guy items, NASCAR, romance, picnics, and even kid stuff. Need more?This gift option also includes tasty comestibles such as chocolate, coffee, tea as well as other foods that fall under the categories of gourmet, Italian, and spicy. There are also edibles under the label of healthy classified as either "heart-healthy", sugar-free, and kosher as well.Or how about last minute gift ideas that cover specific situations such as birthdays, get-well, new neighbors, condolences, thank-you's or even weddings? So what concept could possibly cover all of these with a probability in your favor of finding at least one that would strike a bulls-eye in the heart of the lucky beneficiary of your generosity?

The answer is unique Gift Baskets...and more strategically, buying unique Gift Baskets online. There's not only an exciting assortment of themes to choose from but a way to have them custom-delivered according to your wishes when purchased online. Your wish is the Gift Basket website's command from your home or office! How easy is that? And no mall-shopping hassles or costly gas prices to worry about as well!Take the advice of aGiftBasketParadise.com and seriously consider unique Gift Baskets as last minute gift ideas. You'll have both a wide selection to choose from and the delivery taken care of. Your burden will be lifted and you'll also make a certain recipient very happy. How can you possibly top that scenario?

By Brian Connors

Last Minute Gift Ideas For Your Spouse

2008-11-12T01:07:00.000-08:00

Shopping at the last minute for your spouse can be stressful. Here are some ideas for last minute gifts for your spouse.Think about what hobbies your spouse participates in and buy a gift card. For someone who reads, a gift card for the local bookstore will enable them to purchase that bestselling novel. Does your spouse like to download and listen to music? Then a gift card for a music site would be a perfect gift. Most grocery stores and many gas stations now sell gift cards so finding one that is perfect for your spouse is pretty easy.Try making a romantic dinner or grabbing some takeout from your favorite restaurant. Set the table, light a few candles and get a great bottle of wine. This always makes a great and thoughtful gift that looks like it took a lot of planning.Make some coupons on your computer and put them in a nice card. Coupons can be for a backrub, a night off from the kids, a romantic dinner or even the event of your choice. For men, consider making a coupon that says you will take your wife to the romantic movie of her choice. For women, a coupon good for tickets to a sporting event that your husband loves will really make his day.Book a trip. This can be done online or in person. Pick a destination that you both have wanted to go to or someplace that you have been before. An itinerary can be printed from your computer and placed in a card.Shopping at the last minute does not have to be stressful. Simply think about the person and buy something that fits into their lifestyle.

By John Parks

Last Minute Gift Ideas For Teenagers

2008-11-11T01:06:00.000-08:00

There is so much to think about this time of year, that you may have run out of ideas of gifts for your teen. If you are in need of a few last minute Holiday Gift ideas or stocking fillers for the teens in your life the ideas in this article should help you.1. Petrol Card. If your teen drives, this is an great gift! With gas prices going through the roof, a teenager needs all the extra money for gas that they can get.2. Free Movie Rental. Pick up a voucher for their local video store or get a subscription for an online rental site for your teen.3. Magazine Subscription. Simply go to the nearest newsagents and pick up a copy a magazine you think your teen your teen will enjoy and send in the subscription card that is located in the folds of its pages. Then write out on a Christmas card that the subscription should start in a month, until then enjoy this copy.4. Music. Gift certificates at iTunes.com or at the local CD store will be greatly appreciated. Music is the way to many teenagers hearts.5. Amazon Gift Card. Anything a teenager could want is online at Amazon - books, makeup, video games, you name it. Gift cards are easy to purchase right on the site. You can also email the gift certificate code right to the teen if you are really running late!6. Movie Tickets. It is not cheap to go to the cinema. It is not a wonder that most teens prefer group dating - no one has the cash to pay for their date too! If you are going to get movie tickets, make sure you get two, so your teen can bring a friend.

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Last Minute Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

2008-11-10T01:06:00.000-08:00

It's Mother's Day! Do you have a gift for your Mom? If not, here are some great last minute gift ideas that will make her smile. Don't worry, Mom understands that you've been busy. It's still a good idea to show up with a gift though...For quickie gift wrapping your best bet is to go with a gift bag. They tend to be a little more expensive than gift wrapping paper, but they offer a pretty presentation and no wrestling with paper and scissors and tape. Don't forget to get your Mom a nice card. One tip in buying a last minute gift is to try to go to stores that other people may not be going to with quite as much enthusiasm. The mall is probably the last place you will want to be - the mall will be crowded. But smaller malls or smaller stores are a better bet. Drugstores and grocery stores will have regular traffic and could therefore be easier to get a gift at. Another great idea is to get Mom a gift certificate at a spa, manicure salon or some other personal service (like a visit to a personal trainer). Gift card. This is an easy gift for most of us to pick up. There are so many stores and certainly you can find one that would please Mom. Even better, some large stores like CVS and Walgreens even sell gift cards to larger stores like Macy's, Best Buy and Home Depot. So you can actually buy a gift card for another store while in a different store. Sort of a Matrix type of moment...Gift certificate.

A nice idea is to get Mom a gift certificate for spa services of some type. You can always get Mom a gift certificate for a massage, facial or a manicure and pedicure. There are many small manicure salons that offer this gift certificate service, and a gift certificate for this will cost you about twenty five dollars for a manicure and pedicure. That's a great deal for something that will indulge Mom and be a nice treat for another day. Other ideas for gift certificates include gift certificates for restaurants, maid services, personal trainer and other personal services. Sweets. What woman doesn't love chocolate? Very few. A box of gourmet chocolates is the perfect gift for Mother's Day. You can even find many gourmet chocolates in a larger grocery store, or some of the specialty delis in larger towns. This is a very sweet gift idea. Another idea is to include a paperback novel that she can read while eating her chocolates. Coffee/Tea. Many women have just got to have that morning cup of coffee or tea to get them started in the morning. Why not get Mom a Starbucks card so she can stop at Starbucks and enjoy her daily treat on you for awhile? Or pick her up several pounds of coffee or espresso beans? You could also consider buying her some herbal teas or other types of teas if she enjoys tea vs. coffee. Select a pretty mug for her to take her drink in. Flowers. Now flowers for Mother's Day is a very traditional gift. If you are buying at the last minute this can actually be a bit harder to find. But one idea can be to buy Mom a flowering plant at a plant store. The plant will certainly last much longer than a bouquet of flowers. This is a terrific gift for someone who gardens or loves their home. By Abigail Beal

Last Minute Gift Basket Ideas - Gourmet Creative Baskets Sweet and Savory

2008-11-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

Do special occasions have you spinning in circles, wondering what kind of gift to get? Do you need some quick last minute gift basket ideas to help you out? Gourmet creative baskets are thoughtful gifts, perfectly themed for any occasion.Last minute gift basket ideas can be for men, women, children, or infants. Creative baskets are uplifting, fun and thoughtful gift ideas for family, friends, co-workers and clients. They can be given for holidays, birthdays, as tokens of friendship or appreciation and get well gifts, as well as gracious gifts of sympathy.In meeting your gift giving needs, these last minute gift basket ideas delivers your good wishes in style. Delectable gourmet food gifts are quality and beautiful gifts for any occasion.Gourmet creative baskets are filled to overflowing with a variety of sweet and savory edible delights. Cheeses, meats, gourmet olives, crackers, sweets and various other food gifts grace the beautiful works of art.Gourmet coffee gift baskets are filled with a variety of gourmet flavored coffees, Italian specialty cookies, and sweet treats for that special friend you know.Italian gift baskets are a taste of Italy and are sure to please any pasta lover. They come with sweets treats in the basket for dessert.

Wedding gifts for those last minute gift basket ideas are wonderful to send to the newly weds. They can be delivered upon their return home from the honeymoon for a gourmet treat for two.A book lovers dream with a gift certificate for a favorite book and special edible delights means a relaxing cozy afternoon as a token of your friendship.Gourmet chocolate gift baskets are special gifts for the chocolate lover and are best given during the months of late October through early June.Last minute gift basket ideas can be heart healthy to shining star creative baskets designed specifically for your gift giving needs. They are a fun and thoughtful gift ideas for families, friends, co-workers and clients. They deliver your best wishes and smiles for any occasion. By Shirley Bass

Last Minute Gift Basket Ideas - Appreciating the Men in Our Lives

2008-11-08T01:04:00.000-08:00

Do you need some last minute gift basket ideas for men? Gift ideas for guys can be somewhat daunting, depending on why you are searching for gifts for guy friends. Creative baskets for men are gifts of appreciation and are great gifts for just being guys.Last minute gift basket ideas are creative ways to say thank you. Gourmet thank you gift baskets are thoughtful gifts of appreciation for his many wonderful attributes. Handsome, useful and delicious, creative baskets for men send a clear message of your appreciation for his thoughtfulness and caring.A grand thank you gift basket is golden when filled with edible delights and a message from you. Last minute gift basket ideas of thanks convey your heartfelt appreciation to the guys and men in your life. Simple appreciation can mean the world to him.Sports baskets are terrific last minute gift basket ideas for men. Football, fishing, all stars or golf gift baskets are one way to share his interests and let him know you care. The variety of sports gifts, including dart boards, racing, and sports and skills creative baskets give you plenty of themes to choose from.Cheese and crackers gift baskets are last minute gift basket ideas for fall and winter sports.

Tail gate parties transpire and friends get together to cheer their favorite teams on. These special functions call for snacks and edible delights that can be shared by everyone. Taking a basketful of goodies to those special events keeps the party alive and hopping with energy and fun.Last minute gift basket ideas are plentiful when you have men who enjoy the great outdoors, sporting events or you need creative ways to say thank you to those special men in your life. Creative baskets are gifts of appreciation for him, anyway you look at it.Shirley Bass at GiftBasketJewels.com invites you to take a look at the gift baskets for men and see for yourself the reason last minute gift basket ideas are terrific gifts for guy friends. Creative baskets are designed for special events and special people wherever we go. Jewel of a gift idea! By Shirley Bass

How to Make Your Last Minute Gift Seem Less like a Last Minute Gift

2008-11-07T01:04:00.000-08:00

It happens to the best of us. You know there's a special occasion coming up "in a few days" until suddenly it's today. So you run out and buy a typical last minute gift. The problem is that even some of the better last minute gift ideas can come off seeming a little thoughtless and impersonal. The trick to covering your tracks is to make the gift look as personalized and thoughtful as possible. Here are some emergency quick-fixes to help keep you out of trouble. Wrap itIdeally, you'll want to use the nicest gift wrap you can find and add a matching bow and some ribbon. Failing that, though, even plain tissue paper (that would be wrapping tissue paper, not bathroom tissue paper) is better than nothing. It's better than a "gift bag," too. Gift bags--those glossy paper bags with cord handles--scream "last minute." A lot of bigger grocery stores carry gift wrap and cellophane tape, so you should be OK on this one. Think theme Collecting a few small gifts along a theme makes it look like you put at least a moment of thought into the gift. Just about any theme can work. Does your girlfriend like the scent of lilacs? Run to the drug store and pick up whatever lilac-scented personal care products you can find--shampoo, facial scrub, body spray. Dad like coffee? Get a nice thermos and stick a few individual packets of gourmet coffee inside. If you're not right down to the wire, you could even put together a little gift basket. Sure, you could buy a gift basket, too, but that would still carry the "last minute gift" stigma of being impersonal. Be careful which theme you pick, though. Give your wife "care care " themed gifts and she may expect a new car to go with it.

Make up a personalized story Seemingly useless objects turn into sacred treasures when we get sentimentally attached to them. All it takes is a good story connected to the object. Whether you've already bought your last minute gift or you're still hunting, try to come up with a personal story about why you wanted this particular item for this particular person. Think about the time you've spent together, dates you went on, trips you took, funny incidents you were involved in, or "firsts" you experienced together. Did you spend your first vacation together in California wine country? Pick up a bottle of wine from the area (and anything else you can find from there).The goal here is mostly to show the recipient that you were thinking of something unique about them or your relationship when you bought the gift. Use a small gift to lead up to something largerIf you have a good gift in mind, but can't deliver it just yet, try to find a smaller gift you can use as a symbol of things to come. Did you can order a cashmere sweater online, but the holiday season has slowed down the delivery time? Give a scarf in a matching style. Maybe you wanted to take your lady to a nice restaurant she's been wanting to go to, but you couldn't get reservations. Give her a collection of gourmet foods similar to the dishes served there. Another method for couples is to think of something you could pick out together, such as home decor or lingerie, and give a small gift to represent the up-coming shopping trip. In this case, try to include a gift certificate, too. Choose high qualityThis one's easier said than done, but if you have the cash, a little luxury is a good way to distract the receiver from the fact that they almost didn't get anything. Few women would care if you bought that diamond tennis bracelet a month ago or on your way home from work (and if yours does, you're with the wrong women). It doesn't have to be exorbitant, though; just choose something of unusually high quality. If you buy chocolates, buy the best quality Swiss or Belgian chocolates you can find and throw in a bottle of good wine. There's no guarantee that these tricks will make your last minute gift idea seem like it was weeks in the making, ut if you do get found out, at least you'll get points for effort. After all, the important thing is to let the recipient know it was just the date you forgot, not them personally. By M. Langton

10 No Stress Last Minute Gift Ideas

2008-11-06T01:03:00.001-08:00

It is almost Christmas and you have procrastinated until it was too late. You have no intention to go into the malls and shopping centers, but you need to buy those gift. What do you do?Here are some ideas you can use to get those last minute gifts without any undue stress.#10 Last Minute Gift Idea: Your corner drug store is a great place to pick up those last minute gifts. You can shop there late at night, or at 3:00 in the morning, in some cases. They have everything you need to stock stockings, as well as gift cards for those hard to buy for individuals. You can buy the best selling gifts, cards, and wrapping paper too. While you are at it, you can pick up all the items you need to deck the halls.#9 Last Minute Gift Idea: Magazines are an easy to purchase last minute gift. You can go online Christmas morning, order a magazine subscription, get one free, and email an e-card announcement to the recipient.#8 Last Minute Gift Idea: Gift baskets make great last minute gifts and are easy assemble, are easily customizable, and fit every budget. You can pick up containers from the dollar store and fill it with food, small toys, and /or other useful items.#7 Last Minute Gift Idea: The grocery store is also a great place to purchase last minute gifts. Consider buying a week's worth of frozen meals for a bachelor, or and insulated glove with barbeque utensils for someone who loves to use their grill. Other supermarket gifts include a colander, with spaghetti sauce and pasta, or a large bowl, popcorn, and a movie. All of these things and more are easily available at the Supermarket.

#6 Last Minute Gift Idea: The post office holds many cool gifts as well. Although it may be crowded this time of year, if you already have packages to mail, why not cross a few people off your Christmas list while you are at it. You will find items for collectors, fun items like books, stuffed animals, and mugs or you can just purchase a book of stamps and a set of stationary to encourage notes. These items can also be ordered online.#5 Last Minute Gift Idea: If a picture says a million words, then what does a video say. Record a personal letter and photograph along with a message on a DVD. Your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles will love it.#4 Last Minute Gift Idea: Spa services are a great gift for teen girls and women on your list. They are available in all denominations and you can pay for anything from a manicure to a full massage. If you buy this, make sure you are buying it for someone who will use it.#3 Last Minute Gift Idea: Send flowers if you find yourself in a pinch. Flowers are not cheap, but they really say, "I love you". If you find that you don't have time to get your mom, or even (gasp), your wife an appropriate gift, call your local florist and have them bring over a bouquet of flowers, preferably with a gift certificate in it for her to buy herself flowers again in the future.#2 Last Minute Gift Idea: If you are a bargain shopper, then you have a private stash of item you bought but have not used yet. In my closet is a case of nail polish, little metal buckets, nail clips and accessories, for impromptu birthday invitations for my daughter. Knowing they are there in case I forgot someone is comforting. I also have an abundance of men's toiletry sets on hand should they be needed. #1 Last Minute Gift Idea: Re-gifting can be done with style. Check your closet for sweaters that turned out to not be your color, or perfume that is too strong for you. Just be sure they like it and that the bottle is still full. If possible, try to give items with the tag still on it. By A. Hermitt

Thoughtful Gift Ideas For Last Minute Holiday Gifts and Last Minute Christmas Gifts

2008-10-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

Why rush? Last minute holiday gifts are simplified when having gourmet holiday food gifts delivered to your special recipients. Works of art and deliciously gourmet, creative baskets make last minute decisions easy. When designing creative baskets, thoughtful gift ideas are a top priority with many aspects of gift giving taken into account. The highest priority is you and the reasons why gifts are of value to you. This holiday season will be about expressing appreciation, respect, love and devotion, as well as the joy and pleasure of being acquainted with the wonderful people in your circle of friends. Last minute holiday gifts that fulfill the need for thoughtful gift ideas for mom and dad are a variety of creative Christmas gifts overflowing with beauty, fruits, nuts, chocolates, cookies and savory holiday food gifts that will surprise and delight mom and dad. The holidays are a time of gatherings and whether we live a distance from mom and dad or near, having delicious works of art delivered to them constitutes a sense of closeness and joy for family fun. Last minute holiday gifts for a family gift idea are creative baskets loaded with gourmet sweet and savory edible delights that send smiles to grandparents, our brother's and sister's families, and our special friends and neighbors who have lent their time and efforts to make our lives better. The variety of holiday food gifts are plentiful, as well as the creative baskets being filled to overflowing with deliciously good taste and fun.

Last minute Christmas gifts for corporate holiday gift ideas will be creative baskets and food gift boxes filled with fruit, nuts, chocolates, specialty gourmet goodies and gourmet cheese and crackers gift baskets. Last minute Christmas gifts in creative baskets will be available to send our thoughtful gift ideas to our coworkers, business associates and supervisors. Why rush? These thoughtful gift ideas can be saved for the upcoming holiday season. You will be delightfully surprised and happy with the designs and good tastes that will grace your shopping list for Thanksgiving gift baskets and holiday food gifts for creative Christmas gifts and a happy holiday season. Jewel of a gift idea! By Shirley Bass

Last Minute Gift Ideas For Your Spouse

2008-10-13T00:35:00.000-07:00

Shopping at the last minute for your spouse can be stressful. Here are some ideas for last minute gifts for your spouse. Think about what hobbies your spouse participates in and buy a gift card. For someone who reads, a gift card for the local bookstore will enable them to purchase that bestselling novel. Does your spouse like to download and listen to music? Then a gift card for a music site would be a perfect gift. Most grocery stores and many gas stations now sell gift cards so finding one that is perfect for your spouse is pretty easy. Try making a romantic dinner or grabbing some takeout from your favorite restaurant. Set the table, light a few candles and get a great bottle of wine. This always makes a great and thoughtful gift that looks like it took a lot of planning. Make some coupons on your computer and put them in a nice card. Coupons can be for a backrub, a night off from the kids, a romantic dinner or even the event of your choice. For men, consider making a coupon that says you will take your wife to the romantic movie of her choice. For women, a coupon good for tickets to a sporting event that your husband loves will really make his day.

Book a trip. This can be done online or in person. Pick a destination that you both have wanted to go to or someplace that you have been before. An itinerary can be printed from your computer and placed in a card. Shopping at the last minute does not have to be stressful. Simply think about the person and buy something that fits into their lifestyle. By John Parks

Last Minute Gift Ideas

2008-10-10T00:34:00.001-07:00

No present, yet? Running out of time? Have you procrastinated and are now in a bind? Pulse rate up and heart beating fast? Geez... scrambling to find gifts at the very last minute can be stressful and downright pathetic. Relax. Don't lose your cool. Here are a variety of quick gift ideas that are guaranteed to please: Gift Certificates: Gift certificates are the ultimate life saver. They're quick and easy to buy and come in any denomination. Most retailers offer gift certificates or gift cards. Also think spas, beauty salons, gas stations, country clubs, gyms, restaurants, etc. Flowers: Well, flowers may not be original, but they are always welcomed. Stop by your local florist to pick up a wonderful bouquet of roses of assorted wild flowers. Other places to try are supermarkets, corner peddlers and mass merchandisers such as Wal-Mart and Target. Or go online. All the major wire services (i.e. FTD and Teleflora) have Web sites that you can order directly from. Bottle of Wine or Liquor: If you need a gift in a hurry, pick up a bottle of fine wine or liquor. Agency liquor stores usually carry gift bags that are specially made for bottles. Many also carry a small selection of greeting cards and other possible gift alternatives such as sparkling cider. You can complete your gifting needs in one quick stop.

Bath and Body Gift Set: A bath and body gift set is a great present for your mom, girlfriend, sister, niece, etc. Stop by your local pharmacy, gift shop or fine department store for a delightful selection of personal care gift sets. Stuffed Animal: For a child or for someone that you love, a stuffed animal is a perfect last minute gift. You can find them almost anywhere - from gift shops to convenience stores. Cash: Now here's a gift that we can all use. Cash! Just put a little in a card or wrap some up. With money, they can always buy or put it towards what they really want. Passes to a Local Attraction: Stop by and pick them up tickets for admission to a local amusement park or museum. Get creative in your giving. Put the tickets in an unusual box or container and present them to the recipient with a smile. You're down to the wire or just learned that a gift is expected. What do you do? No, you don't start pacing and chewing your fingernails off. Just opt for one of the quick gift ideas above and you're good to go. Breathe... one, two, three. By Kathy Burns-Millyard