"It's Christmas Eve,
The tree is bare
Of gifts and other things.
Run out shopping
Very quick(ly)
To buy some toys and rings."
The poem definitely isn't my best work, although I'll take a pretty ring myself, now or at any time! Seriously, I hope most gifts are gaily wrapped while we sit back, relax, and enjoy the day with family and friends. Unfortunately, I know better. Many of you will frantically race around today and tonight shopping for last-minute presents and swearing once again this is the very last year you'll spend Christmas Eve like a monkey scratching fleas. (If you've never seen this gesticulation, please visit the zoo during the holidays for an eye-opening senario.) Today's Christmas Eve column ensures readers quickly and cheaply fill lots of stockings in time for tomorrow.
For wine drinkers, especially those clumsy enough to spill some drops every now and then, buy the stain remover "Wine Out." A small, one-ounce, aerosol mister for around five bucks, it immediately gets rid of stubborn stains.
A host of bar items costs under $10 and is great for anyone who likes a holiday – or otherwise – drink. For example, mini-tongs, decorative stoppers, and the like make a nice kit.
Find plain or fancy spoon rests at Target or Walmart, among other stores.
For sports lovers, think of small items like sweat bands, golf tees, and water bottles.
The $5-$10 gift cards at Starbucks, Brusters, or the like make for an enjoyable couple or three treats for the giftee.
Winter weather calls for mittens, a warm cap, and so forth. Buy them cheaply and quickly at several places, including Old Navy.
Fancy condiments or seasonings can be purchased for under ten dollars at the grocery store. Fancy jams, jellies, dips, jars of stuffed olives, gourmet popcorn kernels, etc. can be a welcome treat.
Beautiful note cards can be obtained from drugstores and other less-costly venues; I often buy mine from Michaels very cheaply.
Costume jewelry is an extravagant-looking delight for a female.
Card players always like new, colorful card (sets).
Specialty candy makes for a delicious treat for sweet-lovers. High-end candy or fancy chocolate bars brings a loud "Yum."
Decorative guest towels can be used in bathrooms and kitchen. Make them holiday-themed or every day.
Travel umbrellas makes a great gift for travel or to keep in the car.
For under $10, buy toys for kids that they'll enjoy throughout the year.
Slipper socks for kids and adults feel great for winter and are very inexpensive.
Each of us has itchy backs on occasion; pick up a back scratcher at the dollar store, extendable or bamboo
And, finally, my traditional close for this time each year: Regardless of your faith, culture, or inclination, have a very Merry Christmas!
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com