TIPical Mary Ellen host Mary Ellen Pinkham provides suggestions for putting together creative, last-minute gifts.
- The best idea for last-minute gift-giving is to always have some generic gifts on hand that are wrapped and ready to go. This is something that should be done year-round so that if someone comes over and/or the mood strikes you, you'll be prepared.
- Books are great because you can write a note on the inside to make it a personal gift for anyone.
- Give a batch of your favorite recipes as a last-minute gift. Just handwrite them on colorful index cards. Wrap in a decorative package with key ingredients inside. You can even pre-measure ingredients in glass jars or bottles.
- If you have a garden, this is a nifty idea: Buy vases when you see them on sale. When you need a quick gift, pick flowers from the garden and tie a ribbon around the vase.
- When people comment on items in your home that they love, remember that the next time they want a gift. You could either wrap up the one you have, if you no longer need it, or get them another one.
- For a quick, but thoughtful last-minute housewarming gift, fill a mailbox with fresh-baked cookies or muffins. Mailboxes can be purchased at your neighborhood hardware store. Mix in some store-bought cookies with the ones you made to beef up the gift.
- Propagate one of your favorite household plants and place it in a fancy jar or vase. Include an index card with care instructions.
- Keep extra money cards around the house so that if you decide to give money as a gift, you're prepared.
- When giving money for a birthday or holiday present, don't just place it in a card. Instead, roll up the bill and stick it in a balloon with instructions to blow up and pop.
- For a dinner party, have the recipe ready, in case guests ask for it.
