Is anyone else feeling unprepared for the holiday season? It has a real way of sneaking up on us. One minute you’re casually browsing for a thoughtful gift … the next, it’s the eleventh hour and you’re scrambling for something “meaningful” to gift your loved one. If you find yourself in that “uh-oh, it’s almost here!” territory, fear not. You can still pull together gifts that feel genuinely thoughtful. We’re here to help you out. Read on to crack the code on stress-free, last-minute gift giving.
A high-quality journal + pen set
There’s something timeless about a creamy-paged journal and some fancy pens to accompany it. New year means new beginnings, and what better way to mark it than with a journal to jot down ideas, goals, and funny anecdotes? This kind of gift is perfect for someone who writes, dreams, plans, or just needs a little extra help in the reminders arena. This is a gift that shows you thought of this person’s habits rather than just buying them something for the sake of buying it.
Cozy self-care bundles
You cannot go wrong when you gift self-care. We often think about others, so it’s priceless to receive a gift that reminds us to take care of ourselves for a change. A self-care bundle can vary in any way the giver sees fit, ranging in price to whatever degree you feel comfortable. You can fill a small gift bag with a fun face mask, a mini lavender-scented candle, and some cozy socks. Maybe you throw in a bag of calming chamomile tea for your friend to steep in a mug. If you have a larger budget, think about throwing in a gift certificate for a spa day or adding a lovely, plush bathrobe to the mix.
A Gift Hamper Basket
If you’re in a rush but want to get something extraordinarily thoughtful for someone, a gift hamper basket is an excellent option. Let the gift-giving experts make you look like you really know what you’re doing this holiday season and pick from a wide variety of categories that best speak to your recipient. Sometimes it’s best to leave these last-minute gestures of thoughtfulness to the pros.
If you choose to DIY a gift basket, just remember to keep it simple and stay on brand. A high volume of stuff doesn’t equal thoughtful. Think about what your recipient is into. Perhaps they’re a movie buff? If so, it could be fun to put a few movie tickets inside a giant popcorn box filled with candy for them to sneak into their next showing. Stay on theme, but don’t feel the need to go overboard. A well-chosen gift basket is the key to success!
Gift an Experience
Give your loved one the gift of an experience or maybe a subscription this holiday season. Would they enjoy a one-month streaming subscription to Audible or maybe a virtual writing or cooking workshop? Perhaps your recipient would appreciate an offer to help fund a month of yoga from their favorite website. There’s no shortage of classes that are being offered online, particularly in a post-pandemic world. Do a little digging and find out what your recipient is excited about, but perhaps is too frugal to take the initiative themselves.
Books!!!
What is the last book you couldn’t put down? Chances are, your best friend will have the same reaction. There’s no better or more thoughtful gift than a page-turner. Consider pairing this with a cool bookmark or a handwritten note tucked into the pages. A book is a slow gift in a fast world, and people appreciate the opportunity to slow down.
Wrap It Like a Pro
Take the extra time to wrap your last-minute gift with care. Even a simple kraft box with colorful ribbons and a handmade tag gives off a better vibe than no wrapping at all. You can always take your gift in to be wrapped by professionals, but if you have the time and energy, do a quick search on easy wrapping techniques.
So take a deep breath, friend. You’ve got this. With just a little intention, a few smart picks, and some thoughtful presentation, you can absolutely land a last-minute thoughtful gift for all of your loved ones this holiday season.
