For all those procrastinators out there…gift ideas for after the malls are closed

It happens to the best of us…with so much happening at this time of year, it’s no big surprise many people get stuck with a last-minute gift emergency.  But even after the shopping malls close their doors, there are still a few options for the truly last-minute gift, and as long as you aren’t frazzled, I promise your gift recipient will never know.

Many retailers offer instant e-gift certificates, printable right from your home computer or emailed directly to your inbox.  Generally, I am not a huge fan of gift cards because they often sit unused.  So I much prefer gifts of “experience”, for example restaurants, ski hills, or attractions.  My favourite choice for last minute gift cards?  Absolute Spa will have staff working Christmas Day to process instant e-cards delivered to your inbox.  And if you spend more than $100, you get a beautiful home diffuser, which you can pick up after Dec 26, and even better, all proceeds go to the Empty Stocking Fund.

A universal favourite is a gift card from the movie theatre.  And fortunately for you procrastinators, many big theatres are open on Christmas Day.  For example, Metropolis at Metrotown starts showing movies at 11:30am, which means the box office will be open so you can purchase gift cards.

You can buy tickets to the Vancouver Aquarium through its website – why not plan a future family date night?

Hotels never close their doors, so consider a gift card for a weekend getaway, or a lower-priced option would be high tea in the dining room.  Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Wedgewood Hotel and Sutton Place all have fantastic afternoon teas that are scheduled all year-round.

You might be surprised at the selection of items that make good gifts at your local convenience store.  For example, 7-11 sells gift cards from a number of different stores.  You can also put together a decent gift basket of snacks and sweet treats…peanuts, popcorn, chocolate bars, bundle it up into a gift bag or nice basket.  Some locations also sell holiday movie DVDs, cell phones, and my favourite last-minute gift – magazines.  Pick the magazine, then go online and order a 1 year subscription for your recipient, and wrap up the current issue for gift-giving.  You can also find all the ingredients to make our delicious super-easy fudge (recipes HERE), a perfect gift from the heart and the kitchen.  Click HERE for the 7-11 online store locator.

The other lifesaver is your 24-hour Shoppers Drug Mart.  You will find a big selection of cosmetics and fragrances, but also higher end items such as digital cameras, gaming systems and housewares.

Book a pre-Olympics weekend getaway at Whistler.  3 nights lodging and 2-day lift ticket starts from $115 per person per night, plus you get a bonus 1-day lift ticket.  Valid from Jan 2-Feb 2 2010.  For example, 2 adults can stay at the Cascade Lodge, with lift tickets, for a total of $728 (incl 2 night in studio suite, 2-day + 1-day bonus lift tickets).  I checked a weekend and mid-week date in January and the rate was the same.  You can book the entire package online, print up the details and wrap that up.

You can also give a charitable gift in someone’s name and help a family in an impoverished part of the world.  For example pencils for a whole school ($15), or a bike ($70).  Click HERE for my previous posting on gifts that give twice.  You can opt for an e-card for that “instant” gift.

But really, at the end of the day, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones.  So don’t stress if you don’t have the “perfect” gift!

Merry Christmas!! 

Elaine