Last-minute Gifts that Don’t Look Last-Minute

Cookie-cutter gifts won’t cut it if you’re picking presents close to the holiday

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

 

Maybe your adult daughter brought home a new boyfriend — who brought his son you’ve never heard of.

Or the neighbor you never met pops in on Christmas Eve with a gift.

As much as you try to plan and make lists, surprises like these can make you feel unprepared. It’s uncomfortable giving gifts but finding yourself one present short.

Shelly Mahoney, owner of Cashel House, in Syracuse, said that her mom has a “gift room” in her home where she has items stashed for such emergencies.

“You could just go up and grab something,” Mahoney said.

Perhaps you have just a couple of shelves in a closet for such items. During the holiday season, it may be good to have a few extra items tucked away.

Mahoney recommended specialty coffees and teas, along with some shortbread or chocolates. Nestle a few treats in a basket with a candle and you have a pretty nice gift.

“We sell a lot of scarves, hats, mittens and gloves for men, ladies and children,” Mahoney said. “They’re not overly expensive but everyone could use an extra. We have some beautiful wooden boxes made in Poland of Celtic designs. I could see those being good for a man or woman.”

Glassware, trinket dishes and perfume or cologne also represent good gifts for last-minute giving, as do pottery, soap and lotion sets or handcrafted wooden boxes. A lot of the shoppers at her Irish-themed store like “worry stones,” bits of polished marble that have a small dent on one side. They’re meant to be carried in the pocket as a stress reliever to rub during anxious moments.

“You’re not making a huge investment, especially for someone you’re not expecting,” she said.

If you’re attending a party, pick up a “host gift,” an old-fashioned tradition that ought to come back. Mahoney recommended a set of tea towels, a table runner or coasters.

“You could pick up an ornament or a ‘lucky’ horseshoe, good gifts for anyone,” she added.

Locally made farm goods are always a pleasing host gift.

Linda Eldred, owner of Strawberry Fields Hydroponic Farm and Florist in Auburn, carries many of these such as dressing, barbecue sauce, mustard and the farm’s own jam and honey.

“They’re all made locally and they make great last minute gifts because everyone likes to eat,” Eldred said.

Tuck a few favorites into a basket with a tea towel and you’ll have a pleasing gift to offer.

“There are a lot of unique gifts here,” Eldred added. “We also have a flower shop. We do arrangements so there are centerpieces for the holiday table. They’re very nice for gift giving as well.”

Flowers make an excellent gift for whoever’s hosting your family’s celebration.

At Metro Home Style in Syracuse, owner Linda O’Boyle also recommends gourmet gift baskets, such as chocolate, coffee and sauces.

“A basket of these items is always a hit,” she said. “As an example, we sell a gift set called “Breakfast in the 315” with local pancake mix, local coffee and local syrup that makes a great gift for individuals or families.”

A themed gift such a movie night bundle with a popcorn popper, popcorn kernels, popcorn seasoning, candy and beverage napkins “are fun for the whole family,” she added.

“Make a gift card look special and personalized by pairing it with a small coordinating gift item: a coffee shop gift card with a mug, movie gift card with popcorn and candy, salon gift card with lotion, or fancy soaps,” O’Boyle said.

Anyone would enjoy what O’Boyle calls “little luxuries” such as shower steamers (a kind of bath bomb for showers), candle or cozy throw. These kinds of gifts “feel personalized and indulgent, yet are universal,” O’Boyle said.

Pair up a reusable tumbler with specialty coffee, fancy hot cocoa, coffee or tea.

Ideally, everyone should shop in advance with a list and a budget. However, if a few “surprise” gifts happen, you’ll be ready if you have a few ready at home to pop in a gift bag.