Presence of mind when time’s running out
SO IT’S Christmas Eve and there are less than 24 hours to go before the annual furious gift unwrapping ceremony.
I know many of us probably forgot to get a present for that someone who is definitely going to hold it against you tomorrow morning.
Or maybe you fall into that group of people who tried to ignore Christmas altogether and are now faced with the task of gift-shopping on the busiest day of the year.
Here’s a little list of easy gifts you can pull together before the end of the day without anybody ever knowing.
They’re all low-effort, high-reward gifts that will still earn you a smile tomorrow morning.
Gift cards: They’re a little more personal than handing over a crisp $50 and you’ll get bonus points if you up the ante with some flowers (hint: both of these things are available from the supermarket on your way home).
Make sure you tailor it to the person you’re buying for, or choose a retailer with a broad range. Most places will have gift certificates available online and will email printable cards. Charities like Kiva also offer gift cards online that allow the recipient to choose who they give the money to.
A three-course meal: This one is minimal effort up front and will pay off when all the other presents have been and gone.
Wrap up a handwritten voucher promising a gourmet three-course meal at home where the recipient doesn’t have to do a thing. For extra presentation, pick a date, dress code and menu to include on the card.
Food: Shopping for a cheese fiend? Head to the supermarket. Choose three to four selections of cheese, a jam or two and a bit of fruit. You can put together similar hampers for chocolate or fruit fans.
For the 18+ people in your life, a beer or wine basket also makes a quick and easy gift. A good bottle shop will have high-quality individual beers on sale that you can package together as a personalised six-pack. Or choose an unusual bottle of wine or two and wrap them up with a ribbon.
MAKE IT A DAY OF WINE AND ROSES FOR A SPECIAL SOMEONE