Ten Last Minute Gift Ideas for that special occasion that you just plum forgot about!
So you’re just bopping along with your day and that dreaded feeling overcomes you… The feeling of “Oh Crap, it’s XYZ’s birthday and I didn’t get him/her anything” or “Shoot, it’s the holiday office party and I forgot to get a gift!”. Suddenly, your mind starts racing for ideas. What can I get, order, pick up, or send out for in the next hour so that I don’t come up empty handed!
Well I’m going to attempt to help you today by providing you with 10 gifts that would be appropriate for almost any situation and would be available to you within an hour. These items are only suggestions, of course, but as I have been in the above stated situation MANY times, these are some of the gifts that have saved my caboose on a couple of occasions!
(In no particular order)
10. Cash
This is really my least favorite option, but it’s by far the easiest. It’s as simple as a stop to the ATM machine. Keep in mind however, when you give cash you are giving yourself away completely. Cash is like the “Oh, you forgot my birthday (or whatever the event is) and you had to get me something quick huh?” gift. It’s also not such a good idea if you’re only rolling in small bills. That’s kind of like an insult, so unless you’re planning to give a substantial amount I wouldn’t bother. More than likely, the recipient will just spend it on gas or food anyway.
9. Re-Gift
Ok, we’ve all gotten a gift that we really didn’t care for at some point. Instead of handing it to the dog as soon as you get the opportunity, save it and put it in the closet for safe keeping. That way when your least favorite co-worker gets the promotion you wanted, you can celebrate by giving him/her that same hideous knitted sweater that your Grandmother gave you for Christmas last year!
But in all seriousness, remember that one man’s gift is another man’s treasure. The old saying really holds true, so hang on to that gift you weren’t really impressed with. It could make someone’s day… and you wouldn’t have to spend a dime!
8. Scented Candles
Too put it shortly, scented candles are just nice. People use them to create a mood, relax, or simply to remove smelly odors from a room! Whatever the use, everyone who gets them, will pretty much use them at some point. You can find scented candles everywhere.. your local grocery store, Walmart and/or Target. The point is that you won’t have to look far and wide for them, they are easily available.. and when your in a time of need, easily available is what you want.
7. Gift Basket
Gift Baskets are great gifts for everyone. You could pick a general snack or fruit themed basket, or if you’re really familiar with your recipient, you can cater the basket to what they like… ie. a spa basket, cosmetic basket, men’s skin care basket, kids toy basket, the list goes on and on. Chances are, there are local merchants in your area that either carry ready made baskets, or can have one ready for you in an hour or two, so a simple Google look up is all it takes to get you started.
6. Picture Collage
This is one of my favorite gift choices for last minute gifts. You can actually take downloaded pictures from your phone/computer, upload the pictures to your local Walgreens or CVS website, and create a collage in a matter of seconds… and for a very low price! (Starting at about $1 depending on the size of the collage!) After the collage is created, it’s usually available for pick up in about an hour. Which at that time, you can simply go to your pharmacy, pick up the collage, and grab a nice frame on your way out. BAM! Gifting done! Not only is this a thoughtful gift, but it’s an inexpensive one too!
5. Flowers
This gift never gets old. Heck, even manly guys like to get flowers from time to time. It’s usually an unexpected gift that says, “I’m thinking of you”. There are flower shops everywhere, so this ones a no-brain-er. You can even order your flowers online and usually have them delivered the same day. It just doesn’t get any easier than that.
4. The Gift Card
The Good Ole Gift Card! It’s a perfect gift when you’re in a pinch! If you are familiar with your recipients favorite stores, you can just go grab a gift card off the rack, and you’re on your way. If you don’t know the person that well, you can stick to restaurant cards or even the Visa/Mastercard/Amex gift cards! What ever direction you decide to go in, a gift card is always an easy, welcomed gift.
3. A Spa Grab Bag
For a great last minute gift, go to your nearest grocery store, pharmacy, Walmart, or Target and grab the most beautiful smelling bath soaps, salts, and lotions you can find! Just make sure you grab all the same scents, (you don’t want your recipient mixing a bunch of different scents together) and also make sure they are color coordinated. DONE! Through them in a gift bag and you have a nice gift all set to go!
2. Send an E-Gift!
One of the best things about the “information age” is the ease of sending a gift online. There are many online stores that offer e-gifts, or electronic gifts. These are gifts that are sent to the recipient via email, and allows the recipient to simply enter a code to receive a gift, or purchase items. They are a great last minute gift option simply because of the fact that they are delivered instantly! Just make sure your recipient checks their email. 
One of my favorite e-gift shops is Shop.com. Their e-gift option allows you to select merchandise for your recipient, and your recipient actually chooses the item they want for themselves! Best of all, the price isn’t displayed to them, so they have no idea how much you spent.
1. Give a Merchandise Gift Card
Merchandise Gift Cards are similar to gift cards in that they give the recipient a choice in their gift. They are usually collections of gifts grouped together by price, that offer the recipient a wide range of merchandise to choose from. The merchandise within these gift cards range from home appliances, health and beauty products, electronics, jewelry, and even gourmet foods! There are several companies that offer Merchandise Gift Cards, or catalog books that would meet your needs, and some can be purchased rather quickly. Check out my gift books at HERE!
Forgetting a gift happens to everyone at one point or another, so don’t feel guilty if it happens to you. Now you’re equipped with some quick and easy ideas to keep you out of the doghouse when you find yourself gift-less!
Of course, these are just my suggestions. I am sure there are other great ideas for last minute gifts out there, so please feel free to pick up where I left off in the comment section below!
