Last Minute Christmas Gifts that are Easy to Find

Usually, by the time the Christmas season has arrived, I've already bought a couple of gifts that I happened to see during the year that made me think of someone. This year, that just hasn't happened. Life got in the way of thinking about Christmas, or of even shopping for anything.

I've come up with some ideas, some of which I may just use myself. These don't take too much time to put together and can even be personalized. When you have no inspiration, no motivation, or just no idea what to get for someone, consider the following.

Gift cards are definitely a last minute option for Christmas. Yeah, I know, they're not personal, but they are easy to find in any department store or grocery store. You can personalize them somewhat by considering your loved one's interests.

Buy a Starbucks gift card for a coffee lover or a Burger King card for someone who loves fast food or needs meals on the go from time to time. Gift cards are available for about any restaurant, as well as ice cream stores and movie theaters.

Put together in a gift bag some favorite snack items. If you know what your gift recipient likes, then fill up the bag with those favorites. General ideas are chocolates, candy bars and other sweet treats, beef jerky, and popcorn. You can also pick up some specialty candies marketed specifically for the holiday season.

For coffee lovers, put together a basket--or bag--or specialty coffee and flavored creamer. Complimentary cookies would go along well with this gift. Another idea is a bag of coffee beans and a coffee grinder for someone who doesn't own one.

Do the same thing with tea for tea lovers. Include varieties of teas, perhaps along with a special tea cup and a package of sugar cookies.

For wine lovers, a small bottle of wine is an excellent gift. Add in a corkscrew or special wine glass for a special touch, along with a favorite type of cheese.

You can also put together themed baskets for meals. For the Italian lover, pick up spaghetti, sauce, and garlic bread. For those who love Mexican food, put together a basket of canned refried beans, green chilies, salsa and chips. You could even include a special recipe.

Comforting, warm winter gifts are great for Christmas. I know that my sister-in-law would love a bag filled with bath beads, lotions, and some thick, fuzzy socks

Others might appreciate a set that includes a knit hat, scarf, and gloves.

If you know a person's interests, it won't take you long to pick up a few items for a great gift:

For cooks: a cookbook, heavy-duty spatulas, hot pads and kitchen towels. You can even wrap the gift in the towels!

For hunters: They probably have all the bright orange vest and hats they need, but what about some insulated socks and those warm hands packages. Think about the same thing for fisherman: warm gloves, lures, fishing line, all stuffed in a pair of rubber boots!

For music lovers: Buy CDs or old vinyl for your music lover. Depending on the instrument someone might play, look for sheet music, drumsticks, guitar picks, or even musical figurines. These items might be a little harder to find at the last minute, so you'll have to be creative.

For readers: Pick up a new best-selling novel or non-fiction book in their area of interest. You could even include a reading light to attach to the book to make the gift more interesting.

For crafty people: Put together in a cute basket different colors of yarn for the knitter. For one who likes to sew, he or she can always use more colors of thread, extra needles and pins, and maybe even a cute pincushion and cool sewing kit.

For pet lovers: I would be remiss--my pets would never forgive me--if I didn't mention gifts for pet lovers. It would be very easy to run to the local pet store and fill a gift bag with new toys for Rover and Kittycat. Add special treats, and you're done. If you know it will go over well, add a sweater for that pampered little dog.

Think about a specific interest of your gift recipient, and it will take very little time to visit the store of your choice to put together a thoughtful gift.

I hope you've found some ideas for that special someone if you haven't yet. I know that just writing this article forced me to come up with ideas for my own family and friends.

I've found a couple of websites that have some last minute Christmas gift ideas. GiftsnIdeas gives you just that--gifts and ideas. Another great site where you can find gift baskets and other neat goodies is Flowers & Gourmet. Check out these sites for some great coupon deals.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some Christmas shopping to do!