6 Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas that are both thoughtful, and easy on the wallet.

Every year my Christmas list grows longer and longer. And every year I make a Christmas list of all the names of my nearest and dearest, so that I don’t forget anyone. But even with all the planning and organizing I inevitably forget a name or two. I used to panic about this, because I would usually realize my mishap very close to Christmas Eve. By that time the Christmas fund is almost gone and time is not on my side. That means crunch time to figure out a solution. What will I gift this special someone?

Thankfully, I now have my go-to gifts that work for anyone! These 6 Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas are great when money is tight, but you still want your gift to be thoughtful and thoroughly enjoyed by the recipient.

6 LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS
1. A Homemade Baked Good
Who doesn’t love a yummy treat?! Any delicious treat is greatly appreciated by ALL! I make a mean banana bread, and during the holidays my home is filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread. Other delicious options are cookies, rice krispies treats, fudge, cupcakes, a festive cake, and candy bark. I especially love candy bark, because it is so easy to make and can be combined with almost anything to suit the recipients taste buds.

2. Create a Box Kit of Some Kind
This is fun to make and to receive, as well. Think of your recipients hobbies, likes and interests. For instance, if they like to relax in their patio with the fire pit going, why not create a s’mores kit for them to enjoy the next time they’re outside enjoying the chilly Texas night. If they like to bake put together the dry ingredients for a special recipe you think they may enjoy making, along with the recipe. If they have an affinity for a particular liquor create a kit for a special cocktail whose ingredients include their favorite liquor.

3. Gift a Magazine Subscription
I think it’s safe to say EVERYONE loves a good magazine and there is one to suit EVERYONE’S interest. If you aren’t sure which magazine to gift, think about a magazine you thoroughly enjoy and feel others will too. Right now, I am obsessed with The Magnolia Journal. It has a little bit of everything: inspirational stories, recipes, craft ideas, home ideas etc. A great read!

Make the packaging extra special! In a box or basket include a current issue of the magazine you are gifting along with items that pair well with the particular magazine. I enjoy a nice hot cup of joe or tea while perusing my magazine. So I like to include a mug or two with a gourmet coffee or tea. If you are gifting a crafting magazine include some craft items. If it’s a gardening magazine include a pack of seeds, gardening gloves and a gardening tool.

4. Create A Gift Basket Filled with Goodies
This basket can be tailored to fit anyone on your list. All you need is the basket or any other kind of unique container and all the goodies you’ve gathered. I like to stick to a theme or color when creating a basket. It makes it easier when searching for items. The options are endless.

A gift basket is a wonderful gift idea for any occasion. I recently created a gift basket for my mom with a gold and black theme. I included all kinds of luxurious gourmet yummies in black and gold packaging. It was a very chic presentation.

5. Stocking Filled with Goodies
This is the same concept as the gift basket, but in a smaller scale. Look for stockings in luxurious fabrics or materials. Stockings in faux fur are so fancy and perfect for this gift. Once you’ve found just the right stocking fill it to the brim with sweet little trinkets and gourmet candy. These are sure to be a hit!

6. A Handmade Gift
It’s time to let your crafting muscles shine. Do you have a crafty talent? Put it to good use! If you have a knack for creating unique pieces of jewelry, or know your way around a glue gun creating fabulous wreaths. Or maybe your passion is wood and paint the perfect skills needed to create a beautiful personalized sign.

Anything you create with your own two hands and stamp with your personal touch is sure to make anyone’s day!
I hope these 6 LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS will help make your holidays a bit more enjoyable and a bit stress free.