I get it – you had the best of intentions for getting all of your Christmas shopping done well in advance but life got in the way and there are a few people left on your list or perhaps you haven’t even started. If you’re anything like me, the last thing you want to do is panic shop and buy a meaningless present that will end up in the bin or re-gifted next Christmas. But battling the crowds in search of the perfect present can feel stressful, so here’s a roundup of thoughtful ideas without any of the fuss.
A magazine subscription.
In this digital age there are still so many of us who savour the experience of holding a beautiful printed magazine our hands. A few of my favourites include Things & Ink, Wonderland, Vegan Life, The Gentlewoman, and Prowl House. but a quick browse through Newsstand will surely yield something perfect for their tastes.
Flowers
Fresh flowers bring an indoor space to life and having an enormous bouquet delivered to their door on Christmas day would bring a smile to almost anyone’s face. Flowers Direct is currently offering free Christmas delivery and if you order by midnight tonight you can use FDXMAS20 to get 20% off your order or FDXMAS5 for £5 off your order (these offers exclude Interflora/Florist products). If you don’t live in the UK, just ring up your local florist and see what deals they have on.
Letters from Jane Austen.
My friend Xandra’s latest offering, Letters from Jane Austen, is so exciting – a year of digital letters inspired by the literary correspondences in Jane Austen’s novels and life. They’re the perfect gift for any heroine in your life who is striving for independence, while looking for wit, love, and friendship. Plus she’s offering a great introductory price for anyone who signs up before January.
A subscription box.
There are subscription boxes for foodies, fishermen, beauty lovers, glitter addicts, chocoholics, coffee drinkers, tea afficianados, whiskey fiends, and everything in between. You can choose how many months to sign someone up for and give a gift that will have them smiling well past Christmas.
Book them a course.
For the minimalist in your life or the person who seems to have everything, booking them onto a course to learn a new skill or try something they wouldn’t otherwise experience makes a memorable gift. Whether it’s cooking Japanese food, learning a circus art, making a masterpiece, or discovering the art of tarot, this gift will make sure they have something to look forward to when the winter doldrums set in.
Make a donation in their name.
Okay, George Costanza would not be impressed with this one (“I got him Yankees tickets! He got me a piece of paper saying, “I’ve given your gift to someone else!”, but most of us don’t need anything and there are so many people and creatures in need across the world. Find a cause close to your loved one’s heart, send a donation, and then make them a gorgeous Christmas card that lets them know you’ve done so.
Create an experience.
Making new memories with someone you love is more valuable than anything you can buy in a store. It might be as simple as cooking them their favourite meal, or buying tickets to the theatre or an event. You could even plan an elaborately themed night out or book a mini holiday and take them somewhere they’ve never been before.
Do-It-Yourself
A homemade gift is always a thoughtful option and they don’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. You might want to try Vegan Better-then-Bounty chocolate bars, luxurious homemade bath salts, or coconut lime sugar scrub.
Do you have any go-to last minute gift ideas? Do you have any plans for Christmas baking or watching holiday films this weekend?
Love, holly wreaths, & pointy elf shoes,
The post A Last-Minute Christmas Gift Guide. appeared first on The Laughing Medusa.