We’ve all been there…someone gives you an unexpected gift, and you have nothing to give in return. Yes, it is better to give than to receive, which is why it’s all the more frustrating!
Why not keep some creative, inexpensive gifts on hand, just in case? The key is to find items that you wouldn’t mind keeping if you end up not needing them. To give them an extra special touch, package them creatively with related items. Here’s my top 10 list – feel free to add to it!
- Wine – dress it up w/a gift bag and a perhaps a holiday bottle stopper or wine charms?
- Tea cup filled with exotic tea bags (or coffee)
- Book with fuzzy slippers (or socks) and a clip-on reading light
- Cookbook with a pretty kitchen gadget or two tied with ribbon
- Pedicure tools in a pretty holiday stocking or festive sock
- A classic holiday DVD (or movie tickets g/c) in a popcorn bowl
- Anything chocolate – really!
- Lottery tickets displayed on one of those picture holders with clips (what are they called, anyway!?)
- Christmas ornament or snow globe
- And for the guys…a six pack and a bag of chips
What else makes a good “just in case” gift?�
1. Susan ~
Great list! I, personally, like the slippers, book and clip-on light idea but that’s probably because I wouldn’t mind getting it myself!
by Kathy — 12/5/08 at 10:58 am #
2. Hi Kathy,
Great minds think alike on that one!
I think night time is the only time I have to actually sit down and read, and for some reason my feet are always cold!
by Susan — 12/5/08 at 3:14 pm #
3. Great ideas. Another one is a small dish and decorative spreading knife with napkins, either seasonal or in a pattern for year-round use.
by Sydney — 12/6/08 at 9:21 am #
4. Hi Sydney - ok, we’re up to 11 ideas! Thanks for the great idea!
by Susan — 12/8/08 at 11:18 am #
5. How about a 10.00 to 20.00 gift card. For those last minute people that show up, then they don’t feel uncomfortable watching everyone else open a present. And it makes them feel special too.
by pam oshea — 12/10/08 at 10:29 pm #
6. Hi Pam - absolutely! And just think how much fun you (might) have shopping after Christmas if you end up not needing them!
by Susan — 12/11/08 at 11:12 am #
7. What about something for the little ones? I have a basket that I have filled with toys that I pick up on sale and I put in plain white lunch sacks then I decorate for a girl (frilly) or a boy (super heros) and it has always been a great hit, no matter what time of the year it is. My Grandchildren always know where to look for their treat.
by Ninfa — 12/12/08 at 11:33 pm #
8. Hi Ninfa,
What a great idea! Very simple, yet adorable! You have some lucky grandchildren!
Susan
by Susan — 12/15/08 at 10:44 am #