ListPlanIt

We’ve all been there. It’s the week of Christmas and there are still a couple people you have yet to cross off your list. Or, those “no-shows” who decided to show at the last minute. Whether you’ve managed to conquer your shopping list and have just the perfect thing for everyone or not, here are some great go-to gifts to finish up last minute shopping.

With just a few clicks, you can get an instant gift online – no wrapping required! Registering your friends and family for memberships and subscriptions online is a personalized gift that only takes minutes. Subscribe your loved one to a hobby-oriented magazine or register him or her in one of the many of-the-month clubs available (fruit of the month, wine of the month, coffee of the month, etc.).  Give a gift filled of resources for getting organized throughout the year with a membership to ListPlanIt.com!  The possibilities are virtually limitless.

Keep an emergency inventory

It’s wise to have a stash of generic gifts on hand for those super last-minute occasions. A savvy tip is to keep an eye on these items as they go on clearance so you can stock up at the best prices. Keep your emergency inventory with some wrapping supplies for an all-in-one quick stop for a complete gift in a flash. Items you might want to include in your stash:

• Cards
• Candles
• Soaps and bath items
• Baskets (for quick gift baskets)
• Bottles: wine, olive oil, vanilla, etc.
• Nonperishable food or candy

Remember gift cards

Everyone loves a gift card. It only takes a few minutes out of your day to pick them up for the last people on your list. Many supermarkets, grocery stores and even some convenience stores have kiosks with a wide range of gift cards to various restaurants and stores. Get the best gift card for each person on your list in just one convenient stop.

Keep flowers in mind

Flowers and fresh pine arrangements (wreaths, centerpieces) are always acceptable, especially as a last-minute gift. The longer you procrastinate, the fresher the flowers will be. For Christmas, consider poinsettias, Christmas cactus, roses and more. Mistletoe can be a fun treat for your special someone, or a fragrant fresh holly swag can bring Christmas cheer to anyone on your list. Flowers are a go-to gift all year long, and Christmas is certainly no exception.

Wrap it up

Your gift duty does not end after you make a purchase. Then, you have to go home, dig out the wrapping paper (or what’s left of it) and make a rushed effort to get the gift looking presentable. If you know time is an issue, ask the store you are making the purchase from if it offers gift-wrap. Many stores offer this service for free or a small fee if you just ask. They may not advertise this service because they don’t want to be overwhelmed by ribbons and bows, but if you ask, they will often be happy to help. It helps to walk out of the store with a ready-to-go gift.

When you are down to the wire, remember that it is the thought that counts. Keep great go-to gifts in mind for time when the clock is running out of time.

Members to ListPlanIt will find the lists they need in Holidays & Occasions to plan for a meaningful and peaceful holiday.  Not yet a member?  Join today and get organized for the holiday season and beyond.