SOS: Last Minute Lifesavers for Family Holiday Gifts

The holidays truly sneak up on you. One minute you’re happily sipping PSLs, the next minute your mom is asking why you haven’t RSVP’d to the family holiday party happening…tomorrow?! As if the short notice wasn’t bad enough, you suddenly realize you now need to come up with gifts for multiple relatives. gift ideas on short notice and a short budget.

First, breathe. I’ve totally been there. Maybe you forgot to mark the party date in your calendar, or maybe another family member was supposed to tell you (thanks, Uncle Bob!). Either way, you now need gift ideas, fast. But have no fear – with a little creativity, you can still rock those last minute gifts.

Here are my tips for putting together easy, affordable gifts when invited to a family holiday gathering at the 11th hour:

• Make Your Own Food Gifts: Bake up a batch of homemade cookies, candy or nuts to give to different family members. Tie up jars or tins with some festive ribbon. Add a sweet handwritten card about memories shared that year.

• Create DIY Spa Sets: Pick up some cute jars and baskets and fill them with nail polish, bath bombs, lotions, soap, loofahs etc. Everyone loves pampering gifts!

• Focus on Practical Accessories: Nice travel mugs, plush socks and slippers, 2024 calendars, picture frames. Useful gifts don’t seem “last minute”.

• Give the Gift of Games: Card games, dice games, mini puzzles. Fun for the whole family!

• Make Custom Gift Bags: Fill gift bags with an assortment the person would like - favorite snacks and candy, small holiday decorations, gift cards, and more. Go with a theme like “movie night” or “coffee break”.

• Keep it Simple with Gift Cards: When all else fails, you can’t go wrong giving a nice restaurant or retail gift card in a greetings card. Pick brands and amounts based on their taste.

Hope these ideas help you survive and even impress at your family’s last minute holiday gathering! Let me know if you have any other clever tricks for throwing together some epic final hour gifts

FAQs

What if I’m on a really tight budget?

If money is super tight, focus on gifts that come from the heart without spending a lot. Handmade gifts like baked goods or homemade cards are always appreciated. Gift your time or talents to help family members with tasks like babysitting, dog walking, yard work, etc.

I’m not crafty at all. Can I still make homemade gifts?

Yes! Even simple homemade gifts will be meaningful. Assemble pre-packaged treats in a nice jar or basket. Make mixes in a jar like hot chocolate, cookie or cake mixes that just require an egg and oil. Or simply package candy, nuts or other goodies in a creative way with ribbons and gift tags.

What if I don’t know everyone’s interests that well?

If you’re not super familiar with some extended family members, gifts cards make it easy for them to pick something they’ll enjoy. Choose general gift cards to popular restaurants, coffee shops or retailers. Accompany the gift card with a sincere card wishing them well.

Should I give different gifts or the same gift?

You can do a combination. Have a couple DIY gift ideas like ornaments or baked goods that work for most people. Then get to know closer family members’ interests and choose more personalized gifts for them. Similar baskets or gift bags given to each person also helps gifts still seem cohesive.

Do I need to worry about formal gift receipts and packaging?

For a family party, fancy trappings usually aren’t necessary. Focus more on making sure your thoughtfulness and affection come through in the gift itself. The gift message you include is more important than perfect packaging - be authentic in what you write!