Have you received a gift you weren’t expecting from a well-meaning and overly organized relative? Are you now rummaging through the cupboards for a gift that doesn’t exist? Been there! (quite a few times…).
Hangfire, I’ve got some cracking last-minute gift ideas that’ll save even the most forgetful, future me, take note!
Blind date book
My lovely colleague Hayley recommended this tip, and it’s a fabulous one! Simply buy a book from a charity shop, write a little synopsis on a tag, include a sachet of tea/hot chocolate, and you’ve got a blind date book present!
Most charity shop books cost as little as £1 or £2, and this idea is so easy to put together. You could even use a book you’ve read and loved.
Homemade is the answer
Right now, you’re sitting on a gold mine of thoughtful gifting. Do you have a leftover basket or box destined for the recycling bin? Hey presto, you’ve got the start of a gift!
In your box or basket, (for a box you can wrap it in wrapping paper to make it look more Christmas-y than Amazon-y) you can pop in things like baked goods – cookies, muffins, shortbread, a good book you’ve recently read with a homemade bookmark, or even some second-hand crockery and a cookbook.
The possibilities are endless, and the most thoughtful, homemade gifts, not the most expensive, are the ones that mean the most.
Get your bake on
A couple of Christmases ago, I baked my nearest and dearest a batch of delicious cinnamon buns. On reflection, shortbread or something that didn’t need to be proved twice (lol) would have been easier. But my goodness did I feel jolly baking away for the day.
The buns went down a treat and feedback were overwhelmingly positive. People were grateful to have something tasty to eat that they wouldn’t usually have time to make themselves. Plus, the cost for me was very low. Ingredients were simple, and I used clear wrapping and ribbons to finish each batch.
Do learn from me and choose something simple to bake. Cookies and biscuits are my now go-to, just make sure you have some nice wrapping and a good Christmas playlist blaring!
There are heaps of Christmas gift recipes online, see which ones tickle your fancy!
Bath bomb made with love
I think if someone gifted me a homemade bath bomb it would make my week! They’re expensive to buy, but such a treat to use.
They’re also a straightforward gift to make, and something you can do with little ones (age 8+). You can experiment with different scents, colours, add in glitter, and rose petals.
Check out this easy and fun bath bomb recipe and let your inner bath bomb artist shine!
Cheese board hamper
As a huge cheese fan (who isn’t!) I love this idea. Simply pop a nice cheese, some crackers, a little bottle of wine or nice fizzy drink and a chutney or pickle in a basket or box, and ta-dah! You’ve got yourself a gorgeous, homemade cheese board hamper. Extra points if you source a nice wooden board, you can pick these up from most supermarkets along with the other items.
Act of service
A thoughtful gift idea is an act of service. Think of something you know that person hates doing, like cleaning their car, building flatpack furniture, or even sorting their garden out at the end of Winter ready for spring. This idea costs time, but not money. Simply pop your chosen act of service on a homemade voucher, get fancy with it, and you’re good to go. They will always remember this gift, and who knows, they could even repay the favour!
Prepare for the future you
Okay, this technically won’t help present you, but you’ll be so grateful this time next year. Over the next 12 months, get into the habit of buying gifts here and there. It doesn’t have to be every time you shop, just now and then.
Presents could be a tub of chocolates (check the sale by date) when you’re next food shopping, a gift set on offer in boots, a nice cosy pair of socks as you walk past Next.
This way, come Christmas 2025, you’ll have a few presents ready just in case you need them. Don’t forget wrapping paper too, here’s a handy eco wrapping guide.
Hit those January sales
You know how the day after Valentine’s is the best day ever for chocolate lovers? Well, think of January as the best month for savvy money-savers!
Many shops will generously reduce their products to make room for new stock. This is a great time to purchase a few generic items that could be gifted to that distant Aunt, friendly neighbour, or your child’s teacher.
By buying this way, you’ll also save money as items tend to be cheaper throughout the year, and shops will be less busy too. Cue smugly having a hot chocolate inside as you gloat over your super organised self!
Here are some tips for finding the perfect January sale bargain.
So, there we have it, tips, and last-minute gift ideas to see you through this holiday season. Let us know your favourites, or if we’ve missed any! We’d love to hear your fail-safe gifting ideas.
