If you ve left your shopping for the last minute, there s no need to panic. You can get out of this pickle easily with a card and cash. But if you don t want to give cash, you still have many budget-friendly options (yes, even if it s Christmas Eve). Choose any of these five ideas or use them as a jumping off point to inspire your own creative gift solution.
1. Box of candy. Depending on your talent, time left until Christmas, and ambition you can go for homemade or store bought for this festive gift. Stop by a candy shop and get an assortment of handmade candies. Do a gift basket of the recipients favorite candy bars. Or take the time to make your own homemade truffles or buckeyes wrapped up in a fancy box.
2. Coffee lovers assortment. Hit up a local coffee roaster to buy some fresh beans in a variety of styles and/or flavors. You can find pre-made gift baskets or mix and match items to create your own. Perhaps you d like to check out a thrift store to find an inexpensive mug and fill it with homemade chocolate coffee spoons that you wrap up with a pound of tasty coffee beans?
3. Magazine subscriptions. Most magazine subscription prices are really cheap. You can subscribe online and print out a little note about the subscription to put inside a holiday card. Every month when the recipient receives the magazine they ll remember how thoughtful you are. (Hint: This is one of those gifts that s easy to get if you ve left all your shopping for Christmas Eve.)
4. Books or gift cards for books. E-books are cheap, easy to give and download instantly. You can also give a gift card for a bookstore or e-book store; for a special touch you can add a list of books that you like and think your loved one might like, too.
5. Photos. Head over to a the photo department at the store and print out a photo or two. Purchase and inexpensive frame to slide the photo into and you ve got a thoughtful gift that will delight just about anyone.
