Five No-Fail Last-Minute Gift Ideas

Christmas is right around the corner — quite literally… Four days away!

Every year, it never fails — there always seems to be a few people on your list that are just downright difficult to shop for. (Mom? Your co-worker? That secret santa gift?) And the final few days of the holiday season, you might yourself scrambling to complete all your holiday shopping. (Guilty as charged, here!)

I’m in the same boat, so let’s buckle down and get to it. Here’s five of my best shopping tips that’ll help you purchase the perfect last-minute gift for just about anyone left on your list:

1. Go with a one-stop-shop store.

I’ve been getting everything from workout gear to kitchen appliances on Zappos for years now. Sites like this and Nordstrom are your best because they are, quite simply, a one-stop shop for all types of holiday gifts. Plus, their shipping and return policies are bomb. (Read: Reliable!)

Nordstrom’s site is organized by everything from stocking stuffers to great gifts under $50 and high-value beauty sets that are tempting to buy for yourself, making your shopping experience more of a breeze. Plus, their shipping is free and guaranteed by Christmas Eve. Total life-saver.

Here’s a few Christmas gifts I picked up from Nordstrom this year:

///

Personally, I love to gift my favorite handbag (pictured below). Last year, I got it for my mom and sisters — and this year, they’re getting it for everyone on their list.

2. Order a magazine subscription.

This is one of my favorite last-minute holiday gifts — it’s like the gift that keeps on giving (for up to 12 months)! After you order a subscription for the recipient, pick up a copy at your grocery store and slip a cute card inside. I’d recommend doing this through Amazon — they usually have really good deals, like $5 subscriptions or buy-one, get-one.

3. Surprise them with a home improvement service, like Havenly.

Buying someone something they’ve never purchase for themselves is really gratifying, no?

Havenly is an online service that makes interior decor simple, convenient, affordable and — best of all, personal. I’ve actually been working with them for the last four months to furnish my living room (which you’ve seen a few sneak peeks of in last week’s entertaining-themed posts). More on that to come in the New Year, but here’s a preview of the mock-up they put-together for my living room (below). Recognize that rug, couch and coffee table from this post?

Gifting a Havenly credit or service is a great idea for anyone who could benefit from the eye of a professional designer. It’s like Pinterest, but productive. A board that comes to life. That makes sense, right?

I started working with Havenly when I moved from New York to Chicago last summer, and the furniture situation/transition was ten times more seamless than I’d anticipated (as I donated/sold all my furniture in New York). At any rate, everyone has a room that needs a designer’s touch, and Havenly matches people with interior decorators based on their personal style. There’s two pricing options, so you can pick the budget that’s right for you/the option that’s a good fit for your recipient. You can also add a merchandise credit for them to use to buy furniture when they’re done with the consultation.

If you’ve got questions about Havenly, comment below or tweet me a note!

4. Hit the grocery store.

Seriously. If you’re desperate, a (nice) bottle of champagne and a Starbucks gift card can go a long way. Grab a cute card and reference your own holiday essentials to make it seem more personal: Caffeine and bubbly! Or you could make a cute care package, too — just add nail polish, sweets and a magazine or book.

5. Bake something!

One of my SoulCycle riders made me homemade granola this year, and I think it was one of the best (+ best tasting) gifts I’ve ever received. So thoughtful, no? (And let me tell you: Gone in 60 seconds.) You don’t need much: Grab a mason jar (or a bag and some colorful thread). Then, stock up on these ingredients and whip-up your last minute gifts in the kitchen. Easy!

(Photo via)

///

Lastly, for few more specific gift ideas, here’s a post I published last year on 13 gifts I love to give — all of them are still true. Here’s a few highlights:

• Monogram mugs: These are perfect for literally anyone on your list — and the price is right.
• Street Level reversible tote: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I have had lots of success gifting my favorite handbag. Seriously, it’s so good!
• I got these coordinates necklaces for my co-workers this year. They were a huge hit! (Plus, BaubleBar is offering free expedited shipping with a $100 purchase.)
• diptyque candles: These are my mom’s favorite — I get her them every year.

Happy shopping! Who else is on your list this year?

///