If the holiday season slipped away from you and all the good gifts were sold on when you finally made it to the store, don’t worry, last minute gift giving is still acceptable! They always say it is the thought that counts, and even if a gift isn’t given before December 25, that doesn’t mean that the recipient will like it any less.
When shopping last minute, Ashley Pavlish with Body Nouveaux suggests, “Shop local! Not only can you really wait until the last minute, but you will save money since you don’t have to pay for the extra shipping and handling costs and your money is staying local. I personally like giving that special someone an ‘experience’ rather than just giving them an ‘item’. Give them a chance to try a new place, go to a show, try a new place to eat, etc. Give them an excuse to go out and see what Lincoln has to offer during a night out!”
Here are some other hints for shopping at the last minute:
Avoid the busy times As we get closer and closer to the actual holiday, it seems that almost ALL times are busy times, but you might still have a chance to avoid the busiest times (evening and weekends). Considering doing a little shopping on your lunch break or, if you work flexible hours, go in the morning during the week while everyone else is at work. You’ll be able to get in and out much easier and will have more help from the staff of the stores who aren’t running around frantically trying to help a crowd of people.
Know where you’re going and what you want The last minute is not the time to wander around to store after store, hoping that perfect gift will just pop out. This is the time to have a strategic plan: know where you’re going and what you’re wanting to find there. You might even want to call ahead and make sure it’s in stock so you don’t make a wasted trip.
Be kind and considerate You know how frantic you feel right now while picturing your unfinished gift list? That’s how everyone else that you will be running into at the store feels as well! Even though it’s tempting to push and shove and let tempers run high, remember that this is the season of kindness and we should all cut each other a little slack as we try to finish up our shopping!
Wrap it yourself Those convenient, free wrapping stations at stores are great a few weeks (or months) before Christmas. Once you get into the last week or so, they will probably be mobbed with people and are more frustration than they are worth. Even if your wrapping skills are not the best, you’ll save time and energy by simply doing it yourself at home and the recipient is likely to appreciate the fact that you took the time to wrap it personally.
Wait if you can Many of us have holiday gatherings that don’t
take place until after the holidays are over. Whether you need to take gifts to your office after holiday party in February or you just aren’t seeing the in-laws until the New Year, why make yourself crazy trying to buy gifts for people now? Wait until after Christmas and not only will it be less busy, but you might be able to score some great deals as well!
Here are some other last minutes gifts to consider this season:
Blu Velvet in Lincoln is a boutique you need to visit for last minute shopping this year. “It is getting down to the wire and you have no idea what to get someone we would love to help you,” Kelly Merklein with Blu Velvet said. “Bring in a favorite type of clothing, a picture of the person or even just a brand of things they like and we can help you find something sure to please them! We have a wide variety of accessories that make the perfect gift. Just give one of us a few clues as to their personality or style and we can run with that. And we gift wrap for free!”
Blu Velvet has lots of different clothing styles and accessories to choose from. “This year scarves and jewelry are really what everyone is loving and such an easy gift item to give. We have a large selection of watches that range from inexpensive to brands like Fossil to make an extra special gift. Rose gold has been so popular and we have a huge selection of watches and jewelry in this metal and at all price ranges,” Kelly continued.
Gift certificates are offered as well. “We do offer gift certificates in any denomination, which makes it easy to give something fun at any price point,” Kelly said. “We are so happy to find the perfect gift and if you just give us a little help we can help you give something she will love.”
Sarah Gauger with OMT! Divine Women’s Resale also has some ideas for the holidays. “Although some people don’t like giving used items as gifts, we have plenty of new items such as scarves, jewelry and tights that make perfect last minute gifts. And if you have those on your list who would love a brand name handbag or other item and don’t mind that it’s pre-owned, we have a lot to choose from there as well.”
Another option for a last minute gift can be found at Pearls and Pebbles. “Everything in our store would make a great gift from beautiful scarf’s which are perfect during this cold season, gloves, jewelry, pearls to show off during all the holiday events and gift cards. We have wonderful friendly staff who can help you find the perfect gift,” Roxanne Smith of Pearls and Pebbles explained.
Pearls and Pebbles also offer gift certificates to save you the hassle of finding the perfect gift. “You just cannot go wrong with a gift card. People are just so busy these days and some do not have the time to shop or even know what to buy. Once you purchase a card we also give you a beautiful silk bag to put it in, which is a gift on its own,” Roxanne said.
But, don’t just take the easy route by buying a gift card right away. Picking something out for an employee on your own shows them that you care about them and notice their style. “Don’t be afraid to commit to the gift, buy with confidence. So many shoppers overthink their purchase. We have a great return policy which is towards store credit,” Roxanne added.
Ashley Pavlish with Body Nouveaux says, “Our gift certificates are very popular this time of year. Our two most popular ‘relaxing’ services are our massages and facials. No hours upon hours of shopping needed! We can get you all set up and out the door in about five minutes. We offer gift certificates for a specific service, spa packages or just a dollar amount where the recipient is able to pick and choose what they’d like to have done.”
Do you have any employees on your list who are extremely hard to buy for? I’m sure we all do. Why not take the easy route and purchase Lottery tickets from any Nebraska Lottery retailer. Who knows, it may be a winning ticket.
“During the holiday season, and throughout the year, the Nebraska Lottery suggests tickets as a gift option for those hard-to-buy-for individuals on your list,” Neil Watson at the Nebraska Lottery said.
The Nebraska Lottery also has games with holiday themes to stay in the holiday spirit. “We have three different Nebraska Lottery Scratch games that feature a holiday theme: $1 Bad Gifts, which can be used as a gift tag; $3 A Christmas Story, featuring artwork inspired by the classic holiday movie; and $5 Peppermint Payout, which features prizes of cash and free Nebraska Pick 5 Lotto plays,” Neil said.
Nebraska Lottery also gives people a chance to “win” even if it isn’t the grand prize. “Players who do not win playing the $1 Bad Gifts game still have a chance to win by entering the ‘All Me’ Shopping Spree promotion. Just submit five eligible non-winning $1 Scratch tickets at nelottery.com for your chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree. A grand prize drawing will be held on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. One grand prize winner will receive $10,000; one first runner-up will receive $1,000; one second runner-up will receive $500, and one third runner-up will receive $250,” Neil said.
Don’t put off buying your Nebraska Lottery tickets this season though as supplies of the holiday-themed tickets are only available for a limited time. “Nebraska Lottery holiday Scratch games are available for a limited time during the holiday season, and are perfect as stocking stuffers, gifts for co-workers, or something fun for the person who already has everything,” Neil said.
Giving a Nebraska Lottery ticket also gives revenue to good causes in the community. “The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $458 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds,” Neil said.
Goldworks in Lincoln is another option to consider this season for last minute gift giving. “When customers come in and don’t necessarily know what to buy that person, I go through a list of questions to find out what they’re looking for,” Chris McNulty of The Goldworks suggested. “I’ll ask how much they’re looking to spend, is it for her or him, do they like contemporary pieces, earrings, necklaces etc. You’re able to stretch that dollar here as we have many options for individuals. One great gift is to recycle your old jewelry. If a customer brings in an old diamond ring that has been passed down through their family, we can use that diamond and place it into a new ring, make earrings etc. It’s such a great way to keep family treasures going for many years to come and they have more of a sentimental value,” Chris said.
Here are some ideas Chris has for last minute gifts: “We have some very fun fashion accessories from sterling silver, birth stones and many colors. Customers are really looking for those one-of-a-kind pieces that are so rare. We see a lot of men coming in and buying a set of jewelry like earrings and necklaces and even rings if they are looking to propose.”
Goldworks also offers gift certificates if you are not sure what to buy. “Our gift cards are perfect and are good for jewelry as well as jewelry cleaning and repair. There is no limit on how much you can put on the gift card. The return policy is if you bring it back in 30 days you get cash back, if you return in 60 days you can exchange or have store credit,” Chris said.
Men often have trouble shopping for the women in their lives, especially when it gets down to the wire. Men, don’t be tempted to go out and buy the first thing you spot left over on the shelves this Christmas Eve! Your girlfriend or wife will know! Why not go to Hallow Candle for the Men’s Shopping Night on December 8th? The women in your life can pre-register so you’ll know exactly what to buy them from Hallow’s great selection of soy candles, locally made jewelry, gift items and more. Even if they don’t pre-register, staff will be on hand to guide you in the right direction and you can even munch on free ‘man food’ and sip some free beer while you shop!
Do you have any employees that are more kid focused than on themselves? Why not give your employees you know will give them joy by seeing their kids excited? “We believe that the summer camp experience is the greatest gift you can give your child. The Strategic Air & Space Museum is committed to fueling the curiosity of our youth and educating them with a special emphasis in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Not only that, but your child will gain self-confidence, personal accomplishment and lifelong friendships, a gift that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Each summer camp is a new experience, a new challenge and our campers will meet new people and learn something new about themselves, while having more fun than they ever dreamed possible. This is the gift of summer camp,” Angela Roeber, Director, Marketing and Public Relations at Strategic Air and Space Museum said.
Angela recommends the gift of experience to ensure memories will be remembered. “Keep in mind that often times the gift of experience is far more valuable than any tangible gift and the memories will last a lot longer too,” Angela said.
Another great gift of experience for kids and adults alike is classes at Art Glass Unlimited. They offer classes for making anything from jewelry to gazing balls to decorative stained glass panels. What a fun way to learn a new skill and take home something beautiful at the end of the class! Ideal for a mother, sibling or even for a small office, you can plan the class together for the added gift of spending some quality time learning something new. If you don’t think those on your list would be interested in a class, Art Glass has pre-made, beautiful gifts made of decorative glass available for purchase in their showroom.
Are there any golfers in your office? If there are, which I am sure there is at least one, why not give a last minute gift certificate to Quarry Oaks? “If you are looking for a last minute gift, the Quarry Oaks gift card is the perfect solution for the golfer on your list. Consistently rated as one of Nebraska’s top-public golf courses, Quarry Oaks is a destination golf course that combines a fabulous golf experience with some of the most beautiful scenery in eastern Nebraska,” Jen Smith, Director of Marketing for Quarry Oaks Golf Club said.
Quarry Oaks also has numerous options for gifts and gift certificates to choose from. “Purchasing a Quarry Oaks Holiday Package is the easiest shopping you will do this season– no waiting in long lines! Your best value is to purchase the Quarry Oaks Holiday Golf Package. This is our once-a-year-special on golf, so it is important to take advantage now and complete your shopping for the golfer on your list,” Jen said. “Or, now, take advantage of our great special and stock up on rounds of golf for yourself. For only $62.95, you will receive a gift card that is valid for: one 18-hold green free and cart rental, practice balls, Quarry Oaks logo ball, or full color yardage guide. And, as a special bonus, when you purchase four packages at $62.95, you’ll receive a fifth absolutely free. It is the best golf offer in the area, and the package can even be used on weekends. Plus, your gift card will never expire. We also offer gift cards for purchases in $25 increments that can be used in our golf shop or restaurant.”
If driving out to Quarry Oaks can’t fit into your schedule, you can also buy gift cards on-line. “To order your Quarry Oaks holiday package, just log on to quarryoaks.com and click on the Holiday Package Link on your home page or the gift card link at the bottom of the page. We promise to process you order quickly. If you live in the Omaha or Lincoln areas, our gift cards will be available at all area Austad’s Golf Stores. You may also call the golf shop if you prefer to order over the phone,” Jen said.
If you’re still stuck for a last minute gift, you can always go to the fall-back choice that everyone loves…food! Everyone has to eat and there aren’t many people I know who don’t enjoy eating DELICIOUS treats or going out to wonderful restaurants. It’s hard to go wrong with gifts of food!! Here are a few ways to give this tasty gift:
Gift certificates Almost all of us love to go out to eat. There’s
just nothing more fun than a romantic evening over a bottle of wine while being waited on hand and foot or taking the family out for a fun evening without having to do the dishes afterward! However, what keeps most of us from doing so is the cost. Cover that cost (for at least one evening) with a gift of a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant, or let the recipient try something new and get them a gift certificate to a new restaurant they have yet to try.
Gift baskets or assortments Gift baskets or assortments of treats such as popcorn, chocolate covered potato chips, candy, cookies, coffee or any other treats make great gifts for nearly any occasion. Bring them with you to a family holiday gathering, take them to your clients’ offices so everyone working there can enjoy them or wrap up a tin of flavored popcorn and stick it under the tree for Grandpa or anyone else who has a weakness for salty snacks.
Take someone out for lunch or dinner We are all busy these days with career, family, hobbies and more. It’s likely that there are at least a few people on your list who you don’t get to see nearly as much as either of you would like. These make great people to give the gift of time. Plan an evening where the two of you can have a leisurely dinner together at a nice restaurant or, if your schedules are too difficult, plan a nice long lunch together. You can catch up while enjoying some delicious local cuisine.
Start a tradition. Want to give a gift that keeps on giving? Why not start a tradition this holiday that will last all year long? An idea would be to take your staff to lunch at a favorite location, then make it known that part of their ‘gift’ is a staff lunch such as this the first Friday of every month (or whatever works for everyone’s schedules). This could be a great regular opportunity to catch up outside the office, bond and just have a nice time together. You can also do this in your personal life. Make it a ‘date’ to get together with a group of friends or family on a set date each month or every other month, etc. You can meet at the same place for a meal or let one person from the group choose a different place each time. Again, you are not only giving the gift of food in this situation, you are giving the gift of time.
Many times, we find that almost everyone on our list already has so much that you can’t even come up with a gift idea. Why not take the focus off ‘things’ this year and give these people the gift of charity? Make it known that instead of giving gifts to each other this year, you are taking that money and making a donation to an organization in need. You can choose a charity that is close to their heart and give toys to kids who may not get any, food to animals in a shelter who have no family or warm clothes to the homeless who will be lucky if they can stay warm this holiday. This is also a great example to set for your kids. Seeing how fortunate they are is a great learning experience for them and one they will remember for years to come.
Even though waiting till the last minute for holiday shopping can cause more stress than putting up holiday lights, you can be comforted to know that there are plenty of options for the procrastinators of shopping!