Photo by JD Hancock via Flickr
As I write this post on Christmas Eve eve, I have yet to finish my Christmas shopping, a fact that's not surprising to anyone who knows me. Indeed, I have many years of experience in last-minute holiday shopping, and I'm here to share what I've learned. Top on the list is that, sadly, it's mostly too late for online shopping. Even if a retailer promises overnight shipping, the deliverer may not deliver on that guarantee. Face it: you have to have to get off your couch and make nice with the hoards of other last minute shoppers IRL. But hey, at least you'll know you're not alone in your procrastination!
With that hard truth out of the way, let's focus on what to buy. It doesn't have to appear that you've waited until the last minute. And really what's so bad about that? Anyone on your list might be glad you did if the result is one of the gifts below:
1. Champagne—No one is sad to receive a bottle of bubbly (especially if it comes from this list) Head to your fanciest local liquor purveyor and focus on the top shelf.
2. Fancy Chocolate—Another treat no one can frown at, and even better if it's of the artisan variety. Skip the Sees and look for a local, handmade or exotic variety that's beautiful as well as delectable.
3. Diamonds—If even the most special person on your list is getting the last-minute treatment, they won't care one bit when they receive something sparkly and gorgeous. Keep it simple with solitaire stud earrings or a timeless tennis bracelet. Your could also go for something gold with diamond accents--your local jeweler might even be able to swing a zero-hour engraving.
4. Spa Treatment—Chances are your loved one has a favorite local spot for pampering whether massage, a facial or full-body mud wraps are her (or his) pleasure. A guilt-free excuse for a visit in the form of a gift certificate will make them love you even more.
5. Cashmere or Alpaca Accessories—It's a slightly less personal option, and sometimes that's appropriate. And there's nothing wrong with establishing yourself as an association with warmth and coziness in the winter months.
6. Game Tickets—Most sports fans make their favorite teams a well-know fact among their friends, so this can be a no-brainer and much-appreciated gift.
7. Barneys (or similar) Gift Card—Even if your town doesn't have a Barneys, your loved one can use a gift card online. Or, grab a card from your town's Barney's equivalent.
8. Four Seasons Gift Card—Your giftee can choose a stay, dining or a spa treatment at any one of Four Seasons' luxe outposts around the world.
9. Haute Dining Experience—Even the best restaurants around the globe offer gift certificates.
10. Signature Scent Session—Some folks (like me) love scents on others, then they try it on their own skin and the pleasure turns putrid. A gift certificate to a perfumery or apothecary is just the thing for such types. These people know their noses, and take the job of helping others find their signature scent seriously. Try Yosh if you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, or Scent Bar if you're in the Los Angeles area.)
11. Gift of the Month Club—These clubs have graduated far beyond fruit and cheese—give anything from art to wine to gourmet ice cream, and have your giftee thanking you monthly.
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