The “Holy crap Christmas is in a week and I haven’t even started shopping yet!” holiday gift guide

This is usually me.

I’m a procrastinator.  I’m writing this gift guide at the last minute. But ironically, I have done all of my shopping and am now just down to the little things. It’s a relief.

However… usually I find myself in Target or Walmart a few days before Christmas, scrounging through whatever is left and trying to find something.

I’d like to save you from that scenario.  So, here is my holiday gift guide – or, my best last minute suggestions for other procrastinators like me!

For the person who has everything:

I bet they don’t have dinner prepared for that crazy busy night coming up any day now. Kraft has this amazing resource on their page – the “Meal in a Bag” concept. 1 bag, 5 meals. You can print off the grocery list and the meals for the week, with recipes. Buy the groceries, print the recipes on little cards, and voila – a great gift. I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the person who did this for me. A week’s worth of meals already planned and ingredients purchased? WHAT? Just don’t forget to put the cold ingredients in the fridge until you actually gift them! And you probably should check with them on food allergies and aversions!

You can also do variations that are completely dry meals, so they can throw it in their cupboard until that night they need it, and so many other variations of meals in a bag. (FYI, this also makes an excellent gift for a new mom or a grieving family.)

This is my absolute favorite meal in a bag to give to someone:

Gather all of the spice packet in a small ziplock bag, put the spice packet, the box of pasta (I usually use bow tie) and the can of chicken into a holiday bag. Print out the Directions on some cute paper and attach it with a ribbon. It’s truly a great gift because they can pull it out and make dinner in less than 5 minutes whenever they need it most.

On that note, cookies in a jar, soup in a jar, batterbowl mixes – they are all just fantastic gifts. I love consumable gifts! (Wine and chocolates also a fantastic option!)

For the Person who is a philanthropist and social good advocate (like me!)

Give them a sheep or a cow from Heifer International! No, seriously. The whole idea of this company is based on the concept – “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.” Well, kind of. You can buy livestock in someone’s name for a farmer or family living in poverty. This animal helps to sustain them. It is really a cool gift. You know that you are changing someone’s life for the better by giving this gift. Just be warned, not everyone “gets it.” Know your audience!

There are so many ways to give – and it’s not just animals. You can help provide basic needs, donate an animal, promote women’s empowerment, help with sustainable farming. It’s just really, truly an outstanding organization. Have a cow, man!

For the Book Lover:

I happen to have a few ideas on this one!

But hurry if you’re ordering print copies – time is running out! Your local bookstore MIGHT have these. If they don’t, you should certainly request they stock it for your next mad rush to get a gift!

For the grands:

Fun, homemade goodies like the Mistle toes or handprint wreaths. Cuteness on a canvas, right? And took about 5 minutes to make!

Finally, for the tired, busy mom:

A gift card for a massage, a good ole fashioned coupon book with coupons for a nap or two (or five),  free childcare coupons for mom to get out and have a break, etc.

And LOSE the CAPE of course! Full of ideas on how to make life easier!

These are just some simple ideas that can be done last minute but in my opinion, are still very thoughtful gifts. Do you have any good ideas for last minute gifts?

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katbiggie

Freelance writer at Kat Biggie Press

Alexa B, who blogs as "Kat Biggie" is a wife, mother, and writer. She has three children and one in heaven. She recently self published a book entitled "Sunshine After the Storm: A Survival Guide for the Grieving Mother" which is available on Amazon. She blogs about life after the loss of one of her twin daughters to TTTS, motherhood, all things parenting, advocacy, grief support and social good.

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