Just in case you missed Carley on Live with Regis and Kelly…
With work deadlines, making time for friends, and now TWO families to think about, buying gifts for the holidays can certainly become stressful.Lucky for you, Carley has some great ideas.
TIP: WHEN IT COMES TO LAST-MINUTE GIFTS, IT’S ALL ABOUT PERSONALIZATION
Whether you quickly grab a bottle of wine or one of those “generic” gift cards, personal packaging will turn your ho-hum gift into one that everyone will talk about! And the best part? All of these ideas retail for under $50!
THE BAKERS:
Show the domestic diva how much you care with a beautiful set of mixing bowls like these in red. Throw in a personal touch by adding your own recipe and attaching it to the gift. Complete the set with a fun holiday spatula, some sprinkles, and dish cloth to help with the cleanup.
Aren’t these bowls and gingerbread spatula the cutest things ever? Pick them up at williamssonoma.com.
THE WINE ENTHUSIASTS:
Take one of the holiday’s most “expected” gifts and make it unexpected by pairing that average bottle of red wine with gourmet cheeses and crackers. And don’t forget that presentation is everything -- so ditch the cellophane sleeve from the store and think a bit more outside of the box…like presenting everything in a picnic basket for two!
Isn’t this picnic basket the best?! Check it out at picnictime.com!
THE MOVIE LOVERS:
For the movie buffs, don’t just give them a gift card. Bring all the excitement of the big screen home with a package of theater-style treats, like jumbo popcorn and candy, a retro popcorn bowl, and a comfy afghan -- perfect for those stay-at-home movie nights!
Don’t forget to throw in a gift card from Blockbuster!
THE TRAVELERS:
So you might not be able to buy the travelers in your life a trip around the globe, but you can inspire them for their next great adventure and even help them pack! Load a travel bag with travel-size necessities, an ultra-comfy pillow, a map for their next journey, and be sure not to forget the Airborne!
Love these travel goodies? Log on to luggageonline.com!
THE DOG LOVERS:
If you know a dog lover, then a whole new world of possible gifts is open to you. Of course, first you need to decide whether or not you want to get a gift for the dog lover, the dog, or both. Here are some excellent dog-lover gift ideas.
Get your own personalized bag at theknotshop.com. Love these dog goodies? Go to trixieandpeanut.com!
THE GOURMETS:
The gourmets in your life will love a few of their favorite delectable lattes courtesy of a Starbucks gift card -- but they’ll really flip over the fact that they can make it at home, thanks to their own grounds paired with a few extras, like these sugar sticks and peppermint spoons!
Make your own personalized Starbucks gift card at starbucks.com.
THE NEWLYWEDS:
We all know that one of the top things that newlyweds are dying for this holiday season is time together! Treat them to an ultra-romantic date night in their own home with a delectable fondue set -- don’t forget the strawberries and marshmallows!
Love this fondue pot? It’s only $17 at Crate and Barrel
THE HOSTS:
Lose that urge to bring yet another holiday dessert and opt for something a bit more unique. These mulled wine spices are the perfect gift that can be enjoyed by all! Help the host get things cooking by packaging the spices in a small cooking pot with some apple cider and cinnamon sticks.
Nest Tip -- Don’t forget to include some fresh fruit like pomegranates or clementines!
-- Carley Roney