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Easy Last-Minute Gifts

© Jennifer Krausz

So it's two-and-a-half weeks until the big day (for me, at least, that's December 25th). Are you done shopping yet? NO?? Well here's some of my best last-minute gifts. First, some handmade gifts in case you think you still have time for that. Then, some great places to do last-minute shopping for affordable gifts people will really like.

Hostess/co-worker gifts for about $2 each: --Buy tins from the dollar store and fill them with homemade cookies or fudge.

--Buy mugs for about 50 cents each on sale and fill them with Christmas candy.

--Buy small wood or paper mache craft boxes and Christmas wood cut shapes. Paint the boxes and wood cuts with acrylic paint, then glue cut out shape onto box.

--Apply torn pieces of colored tissue paper to the outside of clear glass votive holders using glue thinned with water. When dry, apply a coat of glaze or more watery glue. Include a few votives purchased on sale.

Gifts from kids for under $5:

--Buy frosted glass ball ornaments and have the kids decorate with fabric paint. Write Christmas 2000 on it after they've finished.

--Buy inexpensive picture frames and have kids decorate them. Include a school picture or snapshot.

--Have kids make vinyl window clings. Buy clear vinyl from any fabric store. Cut into pieces and let kids go to work with suncatcher paint or permanent markers. You can also make black outlines on the vinyl with permanent marker and let kids paint or color them in.

Okay, now for shopping. My best last minute shopping tips are to pick one store to shop for everyone on your list (WalMart and Kmart are great, as are bookstores) or to get the same thing for everyone and just buy in bulk. At this late date, I suggest department store food gift packages, which are usually on sale for $10 or less, or gift certificates.

If you want to avoid crowds, shop off the beaten path or at off hours, or both. I saw some great deals (on home decor items) at the fabric store today, and it wasn't very crowded because most people have already shopped for their holiday fabric and craft items. Grocery stores can also be a source of gifts, and usually have predictable off-hours.

If you have a good dollar store in your area, there are great items to fill out those gift baskets you've started.

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