Well, I do need to think of others and buy some Hanukkah and Christmas gifts. Now, since I haven't been thinking about others very much, I'm going to end up screwing myself at the last minute by paying too much for some impulse items that I'm not sure are going to be a good fit for the recipient!
First rule of last-minute shopping: BREATHE.
Second rule of last-minute shopping: Don't spend too much on panic-buying. That's hard because you feel a little guilty for waiting until the last minute.
Third rule of last-minute shopping: Don't panic. It's not really the last minute until Christmas Eve, and even then, you can eschew all deadlines and just give people stuff when you want to. That's what's worked for me in a number of instances.
Anyway, when it comes to gifting, I like the practical, the indulgence, or the experience. Here are some ideas:
My mom and I staged a biscotti baking bonanza, making 4 different kinds, so we each have enough to give people little bags. What a pain in the ass to mass-bake twice-baked cookies, right? But they're made with love. These are my go-to gift for my office-mates. This recipe seems to be everyone's favorite: Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti.
Salty D.'s go-to for his office-mates? Lottery tickets. Hey, all you need is a dollar and a dream.
On the main street of my hometown, there's an oil and vinegar tasting bar and shop. It's super-fun to taste the different olive oils and balsamic vinegars, until your tummy starts to hurt from doing shots of oils and vinegars. Giving a unique set of, say, Blood Orange Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Oregano Infused White Balsamic Vinegar along with a recipe can be very thoughtful.
Giving to charities can be such a personal thing, so I hesitate to give in somebody's name to a charity that they may support. But if you know for sure that someone wants money to go there, then what a great gift! A local food bank or soup kitchen is always a safe bet. Maybe even better, a membership to a museum or environmental center that they already love or can discover can give back all year long.
My sister-in-law told me that gift cards and photo frames were thoughtless gifts that took little effort and therefore meant less than, say, carefully selected scarves. But I disagree. And, I still give her gift cards. Often the most appropriate thing for someone is a gift card. My brother, for example, is getting a gift card for a drug store near his house. Why? Because he's mentally ill, he doesn't drive, and he doesn't have income. See? Great gift! Not thoughtless at all. Of course he'll probably lose the card. (That was thoughtless of me to say.)
For kids, I'm kind of clueless about what to get them that they don't already have. Most kids I know have enough toys and clothes, so what can you give? Here's some help. Apparently I forget what it's like to be a kid and have a huge list of toys for Santa to bring, I'm totally jaded and practical. "You have enough Star Wars figures, kid!" Sheesh.
My BFF luckily told me that one of her kids is saving up money to attend a big event next summer. Right on the money. She asked me if I thought that was gauche to request. Just the opposite! That benefits everyone because it won't involve any irritating store returns and it's easy on the auntie.
Have you finished your gift shopping?
Oops ...I just remembered that for the 8 nights of Hanukkah, I have only purchased 3 nights worth of gifts for Salty D. I'd better get to that before panic sets in.
I am panicking over my lack of gift for my not-mother-in-law. Eek.
Posted by: KtP | 13 December 2011 at 07:04 PM
As the past recipient of your delicious cranberry-pistachio biscotti and a carefully selected olive oil and vinegar pairing (you got me the white balsamic peach and a great extra virgin for my housewarming gift), I can say those were AWESOME GIFTS.
My gift shopping is done save for stockings... whew.
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