Between holiday parties, end of year plans and making time for friends and family, it’s hard to keep track of who’s on your holiday shopping list. Maybe it’s a secret Santa you forgot you signed up for back in October, or a nephew's December 23rd birthday that you PROMISED you wouldn’t group into Christmas again. There are a lot of reasons why you may be in need of a last minute gift and I’m here to help!
Since time usually isn’t on our side with last minute gifts, I’ve created a list of easy to assemble gifts that will make whomever you give them to light up with joy, and certainly not giveaway that you bought it on the way to the party. Below are a few of my foolproof gift ideas that can work for any time of year!
Spa Night:
This is one of my favorite last minute gift ideas, because anyone can enjoy a good foot soak and facial mask. A simple way to create your own Spa Night gift is by purchasing a bucket or tub large enough to soak your feet in. Then fill that tub with scented bath salts, foot soaks, face masks, lotions, etc. It’s the perfect gift to help your friend relax and prepare for 2019!
Movie Night:
Movie theaters are becoming more and more expensive to visit. Last month I saw a movie with my nephews and thought I was going to have to take out a personal loan to cover all of our tickets and snacks! Creating an at home movie night experience is easy, fun, and parent approved! First, start by getting a large bowl that can be used for popcorn, then fill that bowl with a DVD or two, popcorn, snacks, and maybe even some comfy socks or a blanket to make it cozy. This gift is easy to change based on the recipients age, interests, and family size.
Coupon Book:
Yes, coupon books are usually reserved for children to give to their parents, but who wouldn’t like to have some freebie favors now and then? A friend who has young children would most certainly appreciate a coupon book full of free babysitting coupons, or a free ticket to happy hour with friends. I love this idea because you can be creative and really personalize it, which makes it extra special.
‘Brownie in a Mug’ Mug:
This gift will take at least a few hours’ time in advance, since you’ll need to bake it in an oven, but it’s great for anyone who you just don’t know what to get. Like your cousins new girlfriend you didn’t know about until yesterday. It’s hard to tell what people like when you don’t know them very well, but you definitely don’t want them to feel left out. That’s where brownie in a mug comes in. All you need is a microwave safe mug, sharpie marker, and oven and a brownie in a mug recipe. If you know for sure someone doesn’t like brownies, you can use another recipe. Just make sure that your recipe is meant to be made in a mug and microwave. Simply write the recipe on the mug with the sharpie, and follow these directions from popsugar.com to make the writing permanent on the mug. This cute idea is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. (Pictured is a brownie in a mug recipe.)