Shopping Tips Online

You’re rockin’ around the Christmas tree today having an egg nog and basking in the glow of a holiday shopping season at its end. You have fought the good fight to get all the best gifts, wrapped them carefully and now… wait a second. What did I get cousin Luke? Oh. No.

Facing the mall today? Out of the question. It’s too late to go online. But what does that leave? Here are some ideas for last-minute gifts you can get at – get this – your grocery store! Groceries are becoming true one-stop shops with everything from floral departments to housewares to seasonal items and more. So take a deep breath. Here are some ideas for the last-minute gift ideas that beat the grab-and-go gift card for creativity.

1. Chili-Makin’ Fixins – If the grocery has housewares, pick up a stock pot and fill it with ingredients for quick and easy chili. Include dried beans, the chili powder and all the spices. Grab some cute red and white checked napkins and a bow for the pot. (For fun, you could also add a jar of Beano!)
2. Car Cleaning Kit – Grab a metal bucket from the cleaning aisle and throw in car wash, car wax, auto air fresheners, interior wipes and a big-o sponge.
3. Coffee-Lover Package – Start with a pound or two of gourmet coffee, then add flavorings, creamers and a travel mug.
4. Breakfast for Two – Put together some pancake mix, a can of blueberries, a jar of good maple syrup, and a couple of cute breakfast plates, placemats and napkins. This would look cute in a basket from the floral department.
5. Movie Night – Popcorn, popcorn salt, big candy bars or theater-style candy, two-liter of pop and a family-friendly DVD.
6. An Italian Feast – Start with some good pasta, a couple of jars of sauce, a hunk of fresh parmesan & a cheese grater if you can find one. Then add some crusty bread, a jar of pesto and a bottle of red wine (if you can buy alcohol today in your state). Ideally, you’d present this in a big serving bowl if your store has one.
7. A Treat for a Cold Winter Night – Warm ‘em up with hot cocoa mix, a package of mini-marshmallows, some candy canes and two big Christmas mugs. If the gift is for an adult, consider including a bottle of peppermint or cinnamon schnapps.
8. Time to Relax – A selection of gourmet teas, honey in a cute jar, an aromatherapy candle and a bunch of magazines – good old gossip or fashion magazines are fun. Choose the subject to match the person.
9. The Budding Artist – This is a make-your-own gift bag kit. Start with plain brown bags, preferably with handles. Then add construction paper, crayons, markers, scissors and glue or tape. Also look for stickers or other findings to add more dimension. Create your own decorated gift bag to present the gift in and get the artistic juices flowing.
10. Feeling Lucky – Lottery tickets, a deck of playing cards and a set dice.

Don’t panic. You still have time to pull together a gift that looks like you spent hours on. With just a stop at the grocery store!

Last Minute Gifts, Grocery Store, Gift Ideas