SOS: Last Minute Gift Ideas

Ah, the arrival of the first holiday card in the mail – a symbol of good wishes and good friends, and a signal to those of us who like to put off even thinking about the holidays until the last possible second that it’s time to figure out some last minute gifts. If you’re struggling to find a perfect gift for a significant other, or you’ve been surprised by an unexpectedly generous co-worker, here are a few ideas to get you through the chaos of the next week and a half.

• Flowers

They’re pretty, festive and can be delivered just about anywhere. Try a local shop, like , or , for a holiday arrangement for moms, aunts or bosses this year.

• Appeal to the Sweet Tooth

Gifts with a short shelf life have their advantages: they bring a lot of joy in a short amount of time and they don’t take up permanent space in one’s home. Head to and pick up a few dozen holiday cookies to have on hand for unexpected guests, or grab a pound or two of mixed chocolates from to give as last minute gifts.

• Get Creative

Everyone loves a handmade gift, and making those special memories yourself not only adds a sentimental touch, but can also save big bucks. Head to your favorite craft or hobby store, like , or Michael’s in Colma to stock up on everything you’ll need to make that personalized scarf, embroidered felt card or RC helicopter, designed and crafted by you.

• Help a Starving Artist

Not the creative type? Websites like Etsy.com can help you tap into the boundless creativity of others while helping these craftspeople make a dime or two. Shop for unique clothing, homeware and crafts made by independent artists and designers and impress your gift recipients with your beyond-the-mainstream consciousness.

• Help them help others

Most of us have at least one cause that we feel strongly about and would like to contribute more to. Making a donation in the name of a loved one is one way to show someone not only that you pay attention and care about what is important to them, but that you are doing something to help. Many organizations, like Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the American Red Cross, accept donations made in the name of others, allowing you to make your gifts mean more to those touched by illness or poverty.