6 easy an inexpensive, flexible last-minute gift ideas for holidays or birthdays

So you’ve only got a month (or a week, eek!) left until Christmas, and your “To Buy For” list still has a few names on it… What to do??

Most of us know some of the easy ways out, but for those of you inexperienced in the art of last minute shopping, or if you’ve been through all your typical ideas and need a few more, here you go!

1. Holiday Bundles - These come out just in time for Christmas at your local department, grocery, and convenience stores in the form of Bath Sets, Perfume/Cologne Sets, Make-up Sets, Sausage and Cheese Sets, Cocoa/Coffee Sets, etc.  They’re actually quite inexpensive, and all you really need to know about your target receiver is a scent or color that they enjoy.
2. Stuffed Animals - Hey, they’re cute, everyone knows that (just make sure you have a good eye for what is *actually* cute).
3. Cooking Sets - If you’re buying for a family, a neat little set designed for making in-house s’mores, fondu, or home-made chocolate candies can be a great gift that will give them hours of family-focused fun time.  You can even find nifty little ice cream, snow cone, and cotton candy makers in the Toys section of your local Wal-Mart, K-Mart, or Target most times.
4. Home-Made Gifts - These really only tend to please if you have children to help you with them.  Most people *love* anything that a child put time and love into, and seeing the child’s eyes light up in anticipation of the receiver’s reaction is sure to melt hearts.
5. Discount Store Gifts - Try shopping at Big Lots, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, or other discount stores.  Yeah, it sounds cheap, but some of these places have some really great items at low prices.  If you have a creative side - even better - you’re sure to find something interesting at one of these places!
6. Gift Cards, Gift Cards, Gift Cards!! - We’ve all heard about how “impersonal” gift cards can be, but give me a chance here… Do you know the receiver’s favorite clothing store?  Their favorite restaurant?  Their favorite hobby(think ski shops, music shops, craft shops, sporting goods stores)?  Gift cards can actually be very personal, as long as you know the person and take the time to pick the *right* gift card!

I hope this helps some of you out there a bit stuck at the last minute.  Happy Holidays everyone!