If you've Googled "last minute holiday gifts" at all, you've been inundated with the same old gift ideas over and over. Here are a few more, hopefully new ones which will be The One.
Pajamas
People don't normally buy themselves pajamas, or if they do it doesn't happen as often as say, sweaters and pants. So getting a new soft pair of PJ's can be a fun unexpected treat. You don't have to worry much about sizes either because with sleep attire, bigger is usually better.
If you have time to order online, see Sleepyheads.com. They offer all the hip brands and a super cute gift idea-- matching pajamas for couples or even families! If only that included the dog...
Car Wash
Buy a gift certificate for an inside-and-out car wash from somewhere convenient for your recipient. Include a pack of wet wipes, tissues, gum, air freshener, and other car necessities. Just make sure the driver doesn't assume you're telling him his car is gross unless that's the intended message.
Board Games
Here's why I like this: Even if someone has a board game, chances are they can't find it or the pieces are missing. This gift brings people together and always turns into good stories for later. I still have a Pictionary drawing my friend Charleen did 22 years ago. The word was "foot" and she drew a skinny stick figure with an enormous foot which made us all laugh so hard no sound came out. It still makes me smile.
Restaurant.com
Have you heard of this? It's a website where you can buy a $25 gift certificate to a restaurant for $10. Such a deal! I love the idea but the only thing is, participating restaurants seem a little random to me. Check and see if there's one there you like but if not, try this next last minute holiday gifts idea...
LobsterGram.com
Like Restaurant.com, you buy a $25 certificate for $10 but this one is for live lobster delivery. Now that is unique! Normally, ordering seafood online would sound iffy to me but apparently they've been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the Food Network and Time Magazine so they must be pretty darn good.
Retro Toys
I speak for many girls here when I say nothing beats the Easy Bake Oven or Baby Alive. I wasn't a very tidy toddler-mommy so my Baby Alive's mouth quickly got too crusty to allow more food in. But that never stopped me from loving her or remembering her 35 years later. Ditto for my Easy Bake Oven which I can't remember ever cooking anything edible in-- I loved it nonetheless and would never have felt complete without one. (Note: Many people have told me THEY made GREAT things in THEIR Easy Bake Ovens.)
Nerf
Especially for boys aged 2 to adult, nothing beats Nerf. Maybe your teenaged nephew thinks he's too grown up for a toy but put a Nerf gun in his hand and you'll see his face light up. They have dart tag with velcro vests so people can "shoot" each other with velcro bullets, Nerfs made to look like machine guns, or if you want something a little less violent, go for a Nerf dartboard or football.
Movie Tickets
This means more today than it used to because it costs more than it used to! It's really an indulgence. Throw in extra for the vat of popcorn and soda.
Coffee
Probably my least original suggestion but I make it because it's safe, it's appreciated, and if you pair it with an unusual mug or homemade biscotti it's a well-rounded, thoughtful gift.
My favorite is Peet's. It's strong and they do nice gift packages.
Lottery Tickets.
This is fantastic for hard-to-buy-for friends. Go to the gas station or grocery store and get as many tickets as you can afford. Who knows what they might end up getting this holiday season?
Put them right in the card or wrap them with a ribbon.
Got some better ideas for last minute holiday gifts? Will you tell me then?
Here's why I like this: Even if someone has a board game, chances are they can't find it or the pieces are missing. This gift brings people together and always turns into good stories for later. I still have a Pictionary drawing my friend Charleen did 22 years ago. The word was "foot" and she drew a skinny stick figure with an enormous foot which made us all laugh so hard no sound came out. It still makes me smile.
Have you heard of this? It's a website where you can buy a $25 gift certificate to a restaurant for $10. Such a deal! I love the idea but the only thing is, participating restaurants seem a little random to me. Check and see if there's one there you like but if not, try this next last minute holiday gifts idea...
Like Restaurant.com, you buy a $25 certificate for $10 but this one is for live lobster delivery. Now that is unique! Normally, ordering seafood online would sound iffy to me but apparently they've been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the Food Network and Time Magazine so they must be pretty darn good.
I speak for many girls here when I say nothing beats the Easy Bake Oven or Baby Alive. I wasn't a very tidy toddler-mommy so my Baby Alive's mouth quickly got too crusty to allow more food in. But that never stopped me from loving her or remembering her 35 years later. Ditto for my Easy Bake Oven which I can't remember ever cooking anything edible in-- I loved it nonetheless and would never have felt complete without one. (Note: Many people have told me THEY made GREAT things in THEIR Easy Bake Ovens.)
This means more today than it used to because it costs more than it used to! It's really an indulgence. Throw in extra for the vat of popcorn and soda.
Probably my least original suggestion but I make it because it's safe, it's appreciated, and if you pair it with an unusual mug or homemade biscotti it's a well-rounded, thoughtful gift. 
