Last-minute gift ideas?

Time to get going on that shopping list

By HOLLY DAVIS NH Mirror Staff

We know how busy the holiday season can be. With all of the social obligations, office parties and family get-togethers, who has time to think about gifts?

Time is getting short, so if you haven’t already, it’s time to start thinking about your gift list. Here are some ideas for those of us who like to wait till the last minute.

• Make it easy. Combine the dry ingredients for cookies and place in a decorative jar or tin with a bow. Be sure to include a recipe to complete the batter and other baking instructions.

• Do the “write” thing. Record the things you love most about the intended recipient on random pages throughout a blank journal. Your friend or loved one will continue to get nice surprises as she keeps the diary.

• Go green. Use your green thumb to make a special gift. Offer to plant bulbs, weed or plant a garden or decorate with house plants. Those who love greenery, but don’t have a lot of experience with it, will thank you.

• Save the date. Who knows when all the birthdays in their family are? Chances are you have a vague idea. This year, put together personalized calendars for the family with pictures of the birthday people in each month.

• Give the gift of health. Let’s face it: It’s so much easier to stay healthy when you have a friend by your side. Make your gift a commitment to walk or exercise with the recipient, even if it’s just once a week.

• Do it yourself. Make a gift certificate for a task or service that the gift receiver would enjoy. Some to consider:
• breakfast in bed
• a night or weekend of pet-sitting
• dinner for a busy friend
• babysitting so parents can enjoy a night out

• That’s the ticket. For the sports, arts and music lovers in your life, tickets could be just the perfect gift this year. Take them to a game, a show or a concert, anything that they will enjoy.

• Thoughtfulness counts. Make it easier for your friends and family to stay connected and show their love to others. A number of places sell boxes of cards for all occasions. Add some blanks note cards, and the recipient will be ready for any holiday or birthday that may arise.

• Give them a lesson. Is there a hobby or class someone on your list has always wanted to try? Maybe they would like to learn how to knit, play the piano, draw or paint, take up horseback riding or make jewelry. Sign them up for a class or seminar to help them get started.

• Package it up. Take advantage of the numerous Christmas tins by putting together an assortment of small, inexpensive items with a single purpose. Ideas include car accessories, tools for a first-time homeowner and baby accessories for the parents of a newborn, among many others.

• Create an experience. Plan some time to spend with your loved one. It doesn’t matter what you do, whether it’s a day at a yoga retreat or a drive to see all the Christmas lights around town.

• Individualize it. No matter which gift you choose to give this year, make the occasion special by adding a special ornament to the package. Start a tradition and give a new one each year, leaving your friends and family to wonder what this season will bring.

– Suzanne D’Amato, Lynn Tryba, Leslie Sturgeon and Judi Dunlap contributed to this story.