A shopper carries wrapping paper and a bag at Hamilton Place Mall on Friday, Dec. 18, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. This weekend is one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.I vividly remember racing around on many Christmas Eves frantically trying to find more stocking stuffers and inexpensive gifts to help my daughter’s “Santa” look more generous than it actually was. Had I known then what a wealth of unique last-minute items were available, no matter the recipient’s age, I could have saved myself way too many headaches.
Even though shoppers still have six days to search out those smallish gifts – most under $10 – it also wouldn’t hurt to snatch up as many as affordable for both this year and next. In fact, a multitude of items also can be gifted for hostess or economical mementoes at any time of the year, says Wise Bread Picks, a financial advice site.
For wine and liquor enthusiasts, forego the traditional and sometimes boring bottle and wrap the less-usual, such as “Wine Out.” A small, one-ounce mister for under five bucks, is great to keep on hand when someone spills red wine on a white carpet, for example. Mini wine bottles or champagne splits, and/or a wine coaster (seasonal or not) on which to rest that regular sized bottle on the dinner table make for an extra accompaniment. Charms for individual wine glasses or bar tools, including decorative wine stoppers, a muddler, or a cocktail whisk, are useful as well as fun.
Both men and women enjoy rummaging around the kitchen, although we don’t normally think of guys when buying kitchen necessities or even luxuries. From an electric mug warmer to a spoon rest, the sky’s the limit when thinking of inexpensive (i.e. cheap) kitchen gifts. How about an herb stripper if your giftee cooks with fresh herbs? This nifty little gadget surely beats hand-plucking. Along this same line, check out a strawberry huller or the Egg-A-Matic boiled egg mold. Fancy condiments, seasonings, and sauces, such as Barbecue rubs, jams and dips, are often the last item on a cook’s shopping list so make it first on yours. Who knows, perhaps you’ll end up being the lucky taster!
If you know a coffee lover (and who doesn’t?), a specialty blend makes a great-tasting gift for anytime. If you want to be a bit fancier, consider a handheld electric milk stirrer for recipients to froth up their own creations at home. And speaking of “specialties,” most everyone enjoys candy and other sweet treats but this type of present mustn’t necessarily come from your own kitchen.
Whether at the grocery store or from a favorite bakery, high-end goodies are a bargain at well under $10. (As for me, I’m grateful for an extra-large Hershey bar with almonds!) Gourmet food snacks are an alternative to sweets. Dried fruit, nuts, stuffed olives, and other (goodies) make an unusual but delicious change. And, finally, since many home chefs also like to entertain, food markers make a great gift; shop for cheese markers or mini chalkboard versions at Etsy or in any store’s kitchen department.
Techies and do-it-yourselfers need some attention, too, although it may seem difficult to buy pleasers for these sometimes-hard-to-please folks. The following make creative gifts for either gender so, for each category, get on your mark, get set, GO! Each of us who enjoys electronic devices know it’s essential to keep the screens clean. (Ladies, how about those makeup smudges left on your cellphone after each call?) A microfiber screen wipe makes a useful gift and, with a little extra search, more decorative cloths are attainable. Smartphone cases are everywhere these days and for a “smart” price, as well. Snazzy and economical, find a huge variety in stores, mall kiosks and online.
While we all appreciate our own privacy, an act of kindness for everyone else within hearing distance is to purchase headphones. Whether colorful ones or a more economical pair of earbuds, head out to local dollar stores, discount stores, or some big box retailers to grab a few sets. (Note: Your carry-on luggage can always use an extra set of earbuds stored for future travel.)
Speaking of travel, how many times have we reached our destination only to discover we left chargers and/or adapters behind? Most people can use an extra of each or any other small, necessary, electronic component. Discount and dollar stores sell these for under ten bucks; if you spend a bit more than this on the giftee, consider a smartphone charging station.
Remember, only a few days remain to finish up our lists. Why not try some of today’s unusual suggestions to save money and bring a smile to recipients’ faces?
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@times freepress.com.