That’s Swell

So you have 2 days left until Christmas…and unless you want to go to Wal-Mart, you probably won’t find much open – or many choices. Here’s some ideas of last minute, sometimes green, gift ideas.

WARNING: Some DIY might apply (hey, you waited to long to be lazy!)

DIY Cooking/Baking

• Homemade Marshmallows & Cocoa Mix (see a video presentation here!)
• Easy Decadent Truffles (only 4 ingredients you probably have on hand)
• Tiny Holiday Tarts (also 4 ingredients! Just add some pie filling)
• Cupcake in a Jar (if I don’t get time this Christmas, I’ll be sure to make them later!)
• Classic Cookie-in-a-Jar Recipes (no bake!)
• Peanut Butter Popcorn
• White Trash Treats

DIY Hands-On – $5 or less

• Beer Can “Lager Light” – Make a switch plate cover out of an old beer can (okay, or Coke can if you like!)
• Make a Mix CD/Playlist for them
• For the business lady/lad – paint chip business card holder (detailed instructions)
• Jar of Love – I made one of these for David when we were engaged, and then over the years I’ll ‘add more’ to it – a simple thrifted/re-used jar (decorating optional, I left his plain blue) then I typed up reasons I love him, fond memories, etc. and cut them up and folded the,. Sort of a “blues day” jar – when you’re blue, read this!
• Duct Tape Wallet
• DIY Homemade Spa Treatments (do one or all!)
• Homemade Firestarters (I want some of these!), can also make them by dipping pinecones in old candle wax (ie old candles melted down) – put them in a basket with some hot cocoa, mugs and homemade marshmallows
• Free? Knit a plastic rug! Use those old bags up
• Record Clock – get an old clock from the thrift store and use the parts
• Recover an Old Mouse Pad (you probably have on at home, or thrift stores have them cheap – our local Fox Valley Thrift Shop is even open on Christmas Eve!)
• Record Fruit Bowl (then fill it with some homemade truffles or organic apples!)
• Make a Simple Journal - just like Subu on Etsy – use recycled paper
• Gift Basket of Homemade Cleaners would be swell!

Instant Online/E-Mail Gifts

• ReadyMade now has back issues available as PDFs, email to whoever you wish (scroll down on the page to find them, near the bottom)
• Get them an E-Book (such as this one, only $10, read his blog, you’ll be intrigued!)
• iTunes Albums are always a hit (I’ve been gifted one before, it rocks getting an email for free music!)
• Photo Calendar (and more) – Walgreens is open 365 days a year, and usually have same day pick-up. Order online and pick up in store – wrap and go!
• Subscription to GOOD Magazine, $20, 100% of it goes to a non-profit of your choice (from their list of partners) – a great magazine!
• Digital Subscriptions of Mothering Magazine available (saves paper & it’s instant!)

For Kids

• Homemade Play-Doh *non toxic*
• Chunky Crayons – recycle the old bits you can’t use any
• For kid, by kids: Scratch Art Pages (just don’t scratch them, and give them as a gift, kids will love it! Could even try making shapes, ie a Christmas tree)
• Maybe more for mom…or young baby: Homemade Wipes!
• Ice Cream in a Bag (give them all the supplies, except the ice of course!)

Shop Local on Etsy!

• Etsy has a new section to shop local, search for your area – if you’re lucky, contact the seller and ask to do a ‘meet up’ and pick up the item. I found nearly 10 sellers in Appleton alone (not to mention neighboring cities!)

Last Resort: Gift Cards (at least make them look nice)

• Walgreens Gift cards – not just to Walgreens, they sell cards for many others: iTunes, GAP, Applebee’s, etc.
• Amazon.com Gift cards – they can be emailed or printed!
• Movie Theater Tickets
• Cash

*for ReadyMade tutorials, you may have to ‘log in’ – but it’s painless!
*image via the delightful Julia (ticky tacky) on Flickr