Last Minute Gift Ideas: My Favorite Things
So, you have just realized that Christmas is only a few days away and you still need to pick up something special for that someone special. Below I have listed a view of my favorite things as inspiration. While this list is geared toward the ladies (or a gentleman with awesome taste and an interest in entertaining, food or travel) it is full of a variety of items that anyone could love - wine enthusiasts or not. Happy Holidays!
1. Books. It may be just me, but this technology revolution seems to be devouring whatever free time we used to have to relax with a good book. And I must be really old fashioned, but I miss reading from an actual book (even though I have a kindle). NYTimes has a great list of their favorite books from 2013 - check it out and pick on up for someone. (Join my read 1 book a month goal - I dare you!)
2. Cookbooks. Yes, cookbooks are different from books generally and deserve their own shout out. I love cookbooks because they are like a window into a foreign culture. I will admit it, I jumped on that latest cookbook bandwagon for "Jerusalem." Sure, I could have found recipes for many of those dishes online, but I appreciated the stories included with each recipe. Plus, many cookbooks these days contain great ideas for entertaining. Some of my favorites include Ina Garten and Giada.
3. Non-essential Decor. If you are not sure what to get someone, sometimes a little something special for the home is perfect. I'm thinking an interesting throw pillow, an awesome scented candle with a fun name (my favorites here), or something just to decorate a room. It may seem silly, but especially for someone just building their home, it is nice to add a new item that would have been a total impulse buy for them.
4. Something Personalized. I am a sucker for anything personalized (And you can throw initials on literally everything these days). Check out etsy.com. They have so many great items, including mongrammed leather wallets, personalized jewelry and unique home decor.
5. Fun Trinkets. Every magazine under the sun will definitely have fun items featured in a holiday gift guide. But reviewing all those magazines takes time. (too much time!) So I have done all the busy work for you and featured some of the best items I have seen this holiday season:
- Not your Grandma's style Thermos. Klean kanteen has some really fun thermoses that are great for packed lunches or travel. Fill them with your favorite fresh snacks and skip the depressing airplane pretzels.
- Spice up your dinner with Gourmet Jarred Sauces. That foodie in your life will really appreciate it (and maybe even cook you dinner!) I tend to forget about these easy yet meaningful gifts. Pick up a gourmet pasta sauce, salsa or even mexican mole sauce and it will definitely liven up any meal. Check out Bunches and Bunches, for some fun ideas! If you are crafty, you could even make your own!
6. A Night Out. (Let me get out my soap box...) It is a bit sad how the holidays have been consumed by consumerism, especially in America. So fight the urge to battle people at Target, Best Buy or Walmart and give that special someone in your life a night out on the town. Plan something that is meaningful rather than extravagant (or if you have the funds, do both!). Even better, start a family tradition that involves volunteering within your local community. Every little bit really does go a long way.
Happy Holidays and Cheers!