photo credit: LizMarie
I’m not done shopping yet. Are you? Snow is pouring down, and I’m not one to drive in snow (especially with a 2WD minivan), so I will be finishing up the rest of my shopping online. You might think shipping won’t happen until after the holiday, but many websites are offering free expedited shipping. I’m happy to avoid the headache of going to out in the snow, and the craziness that I witnessed last night at the grocery store.
5 last minute gift ideas
- Restaurant.com started offering gift cards. You can find them here. They are also having an 80% off sale on gift certificates, and their Dinner of the Month club. That’s $2 for a $25 gift certificate! Buy Restaurant.com Gift Certificates here!
- Shoebuy is offering FREE Express Delivery by 12/24 Guaranteed. Expires 12/22/09. Use this link to get FREE shipping. Slippers like these knock-off Uggs, for 1/2 the price!,(Brumby Australia Slippers) are a great gift for the mom on your list. For the littlest recipient on your list-check out these adorable and warm Robeez Booties.
We had these for my youngest and he wore them everyday, so much easier than socks.
- Amazon still offers guaranteed Christmas delivery for many items. You can avoid shipping costs by signing up for a FREE trial of Amazon Prime
. All you have to do is remember to cancel after 20-25 days (do this by marking your calendar). Sign up for Amazon Prime by clicking on the link. I ordered a few items for my husband, and finished up the kids’ list as well. My items are arriving on Monday!
- Bake something! We (well I should say my husband) make cookies, and other treats for holiday gifts. These are great to add to gift baskets. While we are snowed in he’ll be baking cookies, and some other treats, and I’ll box them up. In years past I have included them in a gift basket I made myself with specialty items from Trader Joe’s and a basket from Ten Thousand Villages.
- If all else fails you can always get an Amazon gift card, that can be delivered via email to your recipient, so you can buy them as late as Christmas Day! Personally I love getting gift cards since I’m notoriously hard to shop for.
What about you? Are you done shopping? What are the last minute gifts you need to get?
Kelly
T.J. wrote me an email and said:
Thank you for offering to provide me some kid toy suggestions. I have loads of friends with kids who are around the ages of 4/5 and 1/2 – I’m always at a loss of what time buy them.
For example, my Goddaughter who is 4 is truly girlie, so I buy her princess dresses, sparkly shoes, and Hello Kitty stuff. But that is getting boring and I would love to branch out.
I always provide all the kids I know with plenty of books throughout the year but if you have any suggestions of books as well please do suggest those too.
She said she wants to spend under $75 for each of the kids on her list, (I wish she was my godmother!) and includes two 4 year olds, two 1 year olds, and a 6 month old baby.
Baby gift ideas:
There is so much useless stuff for babies, and they really don’t need a lot. I recommend getting a baby gift, paired with something that is more timeless.
Favorite baby gifts:
Timeless Gifts for Babies: (also great for siblings)
Preschooler gift ideas:
3-4 year olds are a great age for gifts. They really use stuff, and show genuine appreciation when they like something. The trick is finding something that they love without driving mom and dad crazy. Avoid Moon sand and Play-doh at all costs.
For the girlie girl:
- Ribbon Headband Kit
- Body Crayons
or face crayons (a favorite in our house)
- spa day: can do it at home, or take her to your favorite salon for a little pampering
For the nature lover:
For the boys (or tomboys):
For the artsy kid:
- Make your own art kit: get a box or basket and fill it with inexpensive WASHABLE markers, crayons, and tons of paper. Personalize it with a tag or write their name on the lid.
- Paper airplane kit: paper and instructions
- Paint set: I like to include a smock or apron that’s customized, and a bottle of hand soap.
- For the more advanced: perler beads, a bead set, or a jewelry making set.
- An easel: You can find awesome easels at Ikea for under $20! Include a few rolls of paper, add Non-Spill Paint Pots & Brushes Set
and you have a fantastic gift for under $50
For the wanna-be grown up:
- Create a “school” set (an idea I borrowed from Sarah of Chester County Moms): stickers, worksheets from <add site>, a box of freshly sharpened pencils, a clipboard, etc. from the dollar store in a cute decorated box.
- A tea set: maybe a Paint Your Own Tea Set
,or this adorable Green Toys Tea Set
recycled plastic one. Add some treats, some cloth napkins, and put it all in a cute basket.
- A play kitchen: Despite $200-$800(!) price tags you can create a play kithcen for next to nothing. All you need is a sturdy cardboard box, sharp scissors, a few knobs from the hardware store, and some paint. Pick up some Melissa & Doug Cutting Food Box
(available at some TJ Maxx and Marshall’s stores), and some real kids sized kitchen supplies and you’re set.
Think outside the box:
- Time- The best gift is one of time. If a child is important in your life then it is a wonderful idea to make time to spend with them. This is a great gift for someone on a tight budget. Make it special. Maybe head to the dollar store and stock up on coloring books, and get a few balloons while you are at it. You could do any number of activities together including: painting pottery, going to see a play, or hanging out at home and playing together.
- Membership- A gift of a membership to a local museum or attraction is a gift that gives all year long. The trick to finding a good buy is to research what your giftee and his/her family like to do. A local children’s museum is always a safe bet. For a little nature lover, a membership to a local garden might be a good fit.
For more fantastic ideas, check out Cool Mom Picks holiday gift guide.
Do you have any suggestions for TJ? What are some of your favorite gifts to give to kids? If you have kids, what are the best gifts your child was given?
Kelly
Disclosure: This post includes links to affiliates. If you purchase something, I get a few pennies.
: With a picture of you of course!
I’m usually opposed to noisy toys, but all my kids LOVED these, and you can get cartridges for jazz or classical music.
: butterfly larvae are shipped
