Wholesome Last-Minute Gifts That Don’t Feel Last-Minute
Things you can buy in-person that people would actually want and some activities for Christmas Eve
You do not have to go empty-handed to your holiday parties. And you don’t have to buy some cheap Walmart find that nobody wants.
Here is an extensive list of meaningful ideas to gift to your friends and family that won’t break the bank.
A Bible with a note that has all of your favorite Bible verses. Or a note that gives Bible verses for certain emotions like sadness, anxiety, peace, happiness, mourning, etc. so that they always know where to turn to! Wrap it in some paper with beautiful ribbon.
Go to your local Half Priced Books Store or Barnes & Noble and find some classic literature. Write a nice note on a piece of paper inside the book. Gift wrap it with some ribbon!
Some Ideas for books:
Note: You can find some of these for cheap at Half Priced Books Store or Thrift Stores!
A handmade book mark. Use color pencils, paint, photos, magazines, and more to create unique book marks. Cut a whole at the top and add ribbon.
A unique thrifted vase with a floral arrangement. Tie a pretty ribbon around the vase. Write a nice note and talk about why the flowers reminded you of that person.
Image from Pinterest A thrifted antique frame with a nice piece of art in it or a photo of you with that person. You can find free art online and print it at your local convenience store and place it in the frame. Write a note about why the painting reminded you of this person. Gift wrap it and tie a ribbon around it!
Thrift a nice mug or buy a new mug and add some bags of tea or hot chocolate in the mug. You can also add scrunchies, socks, chocolate, money, pens, lip gloss, lotion, face masks, so many things!
A local pottery mug if you want to splurge.
Go to your local butcher and get a couple high quality steaks. Wrap them in butcher paper. Tie a bow around it.
Get a high-quality, artisan food item that you know that person loves. Could be maple syrup, honey, beef broth, salt, hot sauce, noodles, jam. I’m envisioning something that they normally wouldn’t splurge on because it costs $5-$20 dollars more than they would normally buy. You can find these items at Whole Foods, Central Market, or some boutique grocery store near you.
Bake a loaf of bread and wrap it with a cute dish cloth that you can gift to them as well. Here’s a 2-hour bread recipe that I love:
You can also just purchase a fresh loaf of bread at your local bakery and wrap it with a couple of other items like jam, cheese, dried meat, and honey in a thrifted or brand-new wicker basket.
A wooden cutting board. Marshall’s has tons of nice options for a great price.
New kitchen towels. Sold at Marshall’s for a great price. You can also find nice ones at Walmart or Target.
Popcorn from a local shop who makes it fresh.
Make your own jam at home with some spare mason jars! Pinterest has endless recipes.
Make a self-care basket. Add things like face masks, lotion, a Jane Austen romance novel, and high-quality chapsticks.
A cook book with a couple of nice wooden cooking utensils.
A cast iron pan or dutch oven. Marshall’s has some great options for this!
Your favorite book from your own library that has a note for why it meant so much to you.
A book with a candle that matches the vibe. Write a note saying why you chose it.
A tray that can be used for keys, jewelry, etc.
Homemade granola, banana bread, blueberry muffins, or cookies.
A sleepy-time bundle that has eye masks, herbal tea, and a candle.
A nice blanket throw.
If all else fails and you’re really out of time, nothing says you love someone like a handwritten letter or a drawing! Write about the memories that mattered the most to you or why you love that person.
Christmas Eve Activities
Walk around your local downtown where they showcase lights, small businesses, and Christmas trees.
Go to a drive-through Christmas light show.
Go to a local neighborhood that has tons of lights and drive around.
Watch your favorite Christmas movie and make homemade hot chocolate.
Play card games with family and friends.
Invite your friends over for dinner and gift each other books. Or play White Elephant.
Play Christmas songs with a crackling fireplace on your television while you read a book.
Bake cookies, a cake, or a pie.
Go caroling!
Christmas is a special time. I hope you enjoy these next few days!
These are all great ideas!! Thank you