Last Minute Gifts

By Lev Novak

So, you need some presents.

Never fear; I’m here to help. I’m a pretty good gift-giver but a pretty terrible planner, meaning that I have experience hustling. Need some presents? Then you’ve come to the right place.

1. Something Warm (But Specific)

The best part of warm things is that they’re sold everywhere– you don’t have to fight your way through Etsy shops or Toys R Us looking for something in high demand, but can instead just simply buy something.

The problem, of course, is that warm things can seem lame. A hat may be practical, but unless the hat is awesome, the other person is going to feel a little disappointed. Same with mittens. And scarves? Get out of here with that scarf game.

Which is why you get them pajamas.

Cozy pajamas. New pajamas. “I’m an adult and these are a treat I deserve” pajamas. Because nobody needs pajamas, and so few people wear them, they make a great gift. Anyone who has them could use a new or better pair. Anyone who doesn’t have them is going to love them.

My advice? Go for comfort and something bland and normal. Nothing sexy or funny; it’s all about comfort and practicality. I have some dark blue pajamas that, with a white t-shirt, makes me look professional and feel crazy cozy. Go for that. It’s a perfect winter-time gift goal, and a decent price range, too.

2. A Fancy Version Of Something Not Fancy

Fancy hot-chocolate mix is a weird way to spend $11, but if you got it, you’d be really stoked. It’s a cute, practical, fun gift, and the sort of thing that looks good but you’d never buy for yourself, which makes it the perfect gift for someone else.

Plus, who doesn’t like hot-chocolate?

Other versions of this same principle apply. Fancy chocolate-fudge-covered popcorn can be found in cheap tins, but they feel like significant treats. Any indulgence that can be compared to their boring ol’ cheap version instantly feel more significant- a fancy bacon-covered dark-chocolate bar is a real stocking-stuffer treat you can get for $4.50. Now, $4.50 is crazy for a candy-bar, but that’s part of what makes this such a good gift. It’s a treat that instantly feels crazy indulgent, because you compare the $4.50 mentally to what a candy-bar should cost.

But, think carefully; you just spent $4.50 on a little gift that will be deeply appreciated and savored. In the end, isn’t that the better deal?

3. An Experience

Get them a ticket to something! Go with them! A flight, a concert, an IOU to a dinner out of town- any experience can be a cool gift to someone who doesn’t seem to want or need physical objects.

Plus, the upside is that it buys you time. A concert ticket feels less last-minute and rushed when the concert comes to town in March. Instead of looking rushed, you seem thoughtful and ahead of the curve. It’s a beautiful irony.

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