Last minute holiday gift ideas

Isabelle Pala and Libby Brown

With Christmas and New Years festivities coming up, many people will be cramming to get some last minute shopping in. Since it’s pretty much too late to order gifts online, almost all of the items below are available at stores near you. Whether it be for your friends or family, we have a few ideas that you might find useful.

 

The Adventurous One:

Flip-flops: This gift is good for someone who loves spending a sunny day at the beach. Some good brands are Reef, Havaianas and Tevas and you can go to DSW, Comfort One Shoes, and more to purchase them.

Travel backpack: If your friend is constantly on the go then this gift will be perfect for them. Some reliable and spacious brands are REI, The North Face, and Patagonia.

Disposable camera: This is a quick easy gift for someone who loves taking pictures without the hassle of carrying around a heavy camera. If you’re looking for a place to get a disposable camera a good and affordable optionis Walmart.

Neck pillow: This gift is ideal and simple for someone who values comfort when traveling, and a great place to go is Bed Bath and Beyond or Target.

23andMe DNA kit: If your friend is curious about their heritage, the 23andMe Kit will be great for them to learn more about themselves and where they come from.

 

The Artsy One:

Art pens: If your friend is always doodling or drawing a great gift is art pens. Good brands are Papermates and Ooly Calligraphy Duo.

journal: Journals are a simple way to jot down ideas, drawings and feelings, so this is a great present for an artistic friend. These can be purchased at Barnes and Noble,

Instax camera: These trendy cameras are always a good present for your artistic friend who loves taking pictures the old fashioned way ;). You can get these at Urban Outfitters, Target, or Walmart for a fairly affordable price.

Jewelry: This gift is perfect for that one friend whose style is always on point. Some places to get necklaces, bracelets, rings and more are JCPenney, Etsy, Macy’s.

DIY Kit: This is the best gift for someone who enjoys making and putting things together. These come in simple to complicated variations. Whether it’s plants, cooking, crafts or technology, you can get them at Michaels, Urban Outfitters, and Target.

 

The Sporty One:

Socks: This is a ideal and much needed gift that the athletes in your life will never think to ask for. You can buy them at numerous brands, including Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas.

Athletic Gloves: Just because the weather is getting colder, athletes don’t have to stop exercising outside. Warm but athlete-friendly gloves are a great gift for them no matter what sport they do and you can get them at most sport department stores and online at The North Face and Lululemon.

Sweatshirts or Sweatpants: These are a great gift for someone who is persistent with their workouts throughout the winter and need something to get into once they cool down. You can buy them at any sports store near you, including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Sports Authority.

Soccer ball/Basketball/Football: These items are fun for anyone and can be very useful during sports seasons. You can find these at any local sports store.

Water bottle: This gift is perfect for any athlete. It never hurts to stay hydrated. Some good water bottle brands are Hydro Flask, Camelback, or Nalgene.

 

The Food Lover:

Chocolate/ Cookies/Peppermint Bark: You can make any of these items at your house. All you need to do is to get supplies from your local grocery store and find a good recipe.

Cookie Cutters: This is a great gift for someone who loves baking and the winter holidays. You can get them in all kinds of shapes and they are very affordable. You can buy these at Target, Walmart, and even your local grocery store.

Cooking Supplies: Cooking supplies is a great gift for the culinary expert in the house. Some good supplies are skillets, pots or pans.

Gingerbread House Kit: This is a fun and festive gift that is perfect for someone who likes decorating houses. Or just likes eating. You can get these at any grocery store near you.

Gift card to a restaurant: If your friend loves going out to eat, get them a giftcard to their favorite place. Some examples could be the Cheesecake Factory, Maggianos, Pete’s Apizza, or any other local restaurant.

 

Happy shopping!