Last Minute Gift Ideas

Let's alternatively title this post: "Oops! I Forgot Again!" We all have those people that we forget exist in our lives. Not to diminish their importance in our life at all (or maybe so...), but the holidays are just a busy time of year. It could be finals time, it could be rushing around getting things prepared for celebration, or maybe you're just one busy human being all of the time and this time of year is no different. The rush of the season combined with just our pure, unadulterated occasional forgetfulness can lead to a lot of last minute SH!T moments. Or even worse: the people in your life who just might not like anything.

I had this problem in high school where I just didn't know what to get certain people because they didn't a "thing." This wasn't there problem, of course (or I guess it was but who's keeping track), but it did cause quick an issue when it came to buying presents. I would wander around stores and constantly wonder if something was an item they would like or enjoy or even remotely use. That's where the safe gift come in. There are certain presents that you just can't go wrong with. And even if you do, then they just become the perfect re-gifting presents for them, so really, regardless of whether they like it or not, I'm sure they'll find some use for it.


So, if you're struggling to find a present for someone or are on a last minute hunt for gifts, fear not, for there are always presents that you can rely on.

1. Wine

Obviously, this is for a 21-year-old and should be purchased by a 21-year-old, but wine makes the best gift. If you know what they like, grab 'em their favorite bottle. Or, just get the prettiest one and they'll either drink it or bring it to a holiday party and either way you save them a trip to the liquor store.

2. Body spray

Just hit up your local Bath and Body Works, Body Shop, or Victoria's Secret and just get a scent. Once again, you're toying with fate: either they'll love smelling like a Candy Cane Gumdrop Forest or they'll pop them right back into their bag, rip off the name tag and carry it along to the next party they go to.

3. Candles

Everybody loves candles, even if they don't know it yet. There are plenty of safe scents (AKA anything that doesn't have a sentence long name) and cute options to choose from in every price range. Walmart has great smelling candles, same with Target and Bath and Body Works. Then there are the really pretty tins at Anthropologie, or you could even splurge for a Diptyque candle if you're feeling quite bougie.

4. Gift cards

Yeah, I said it. Someone had to say it. Look, coming from someone who loves gift cards: just suck it up and get a gift card. Nobody wants an ugly sweater from their favorite store because you don't know their style. Just get them the gift voucher and get over it. Same goes for Chipotle, Starbucks, Target, wherever they frequent on a regular basis. Get a cute card, write a nice message, and all will be well in the world. If you want to get really fancy, tape the gift card to the bottle of wine you get them if you really like them.

5. Scarves

I don't know when scarves started to become a great universal present, but I'm not going to question it, because it's true. If you live some place where it gets even remotely cold, a scarf is a must. Get an infinity scarf, a blanket scarf, a decorative silk/satin (let's be real here) scarf that can be tied around a bag handle or their neck like a tie. Really, the possibilities are endless.

6. Chocolate

If worse comes to worse, go to a local chocolatier and get a box of nice chocolates for them. People love can and sugar, right? Right?

What's your go to gift for those last minute presents?