11 non-lame, last-minute Christmas gifts generic enough for anyone, for under $30
Christmas is fast approaching. Here are 11 simple, last-minute gifts that could work for just about anybody.
Moleskine journal/notebook
I'm a huge fan of these and would recommend one to anybody as they come in various formats from sketch pages to lined and grid to blank sheet music to daily planners. A bit more "romantic" than a standard notebook, these are supposedly the choice of Chatwin, Van Gogh, Hemingway and Picasso.
Purchase here, or your local bookstore.
Far Side desk calendar
One reason Mondays are bearable is because I get to come in and look at three day's worth of Far Sides. The way Gary Larson fits so much brilliance into a a little 2.5" x 3" box is amazing.
Date-in-a-box
Movie passes, restaurant gift card, gift certificate for flowers, etc. You can also do a "Stay In" date-in-a-box but include Blockbuster/Hollywood video gift card, microwave popcorn, some candles, etc. If you're presenting the gift to a couple with children, you may even want to throw in a gift certificate for a night of babysitting.
Slippers
Nobody likes cold feet. I got a pair of sheepskin slippers last year and absolutely love them. The first things I do when I get home from work are kiss my wife, kiss my son, take of my shoes and put on my slippers. Note: The sheepskin variety can run a little more than $30.
Gorillapod
Gorillapods allow the photographer in your life to mount their camera on just about anything without having to haul around a full-sized tripod. Starting at $22.
Audio book subscription
Perfect for long-commuters, Audbile.com is the answer to books on tape and offers over 40,000 titles for your iPod or MP3 player. You can even burn them to a CD if that's your preference. I've heard nothing but rave reviews about it and if you sign up now and you can give 3 months for $7.95 with a free download each month.
The Office
Probably my favorite show on TV, you can get your friends in on the groundworks of "Dinkin flicka", "That's what she said" and what it takes to be "The assistant (to the) regional manager". Season One is available for about $20, or you can splurge and get seasons two or three for about $33, respectively.
Nalgene Bottle
For those of us who cringe at throwing away water bottles, yet know we need to drink more water, a Nalgene Bottle is a great gift. I keep mine on my desk at work and try to down two bottles per day.
The Sushi Box
Sushi has become quite popular and this little box includes, "A maki-su, mat, miniature chopsticks, a soy sauce bowl, plastic grass, and a 32-page book chock-full of sushi tidbits." You can pick it up at Barnes & Noble for about $6.
Subscription to a niche magazine
You can find publications dedicated to just about any hobby or profession nowadays. Pick up the current copy off the newsstand and wrap it with a note explaining the subscription, how many issues they can expect, etc.
A night in a museum
Expose your friends and family to a little culture. Buy tickets to a local museum or art gallery and spend an evening looking at the exhibits. Take your time as you make your way through and make a point to think about what you're looking at. Maybe even take some notes to research a particular item in more depth when you get home. Of course, the price of entry will vary by venue.
That does it for the 11 simple, non-lame*, last-minute Christmas gifts for less than $30. I hope you found them helpful. Have any additional ideas for gifts? Leave word in the comments or e-mail me at LivSimpl at gmail.
Merry Christmas!
LivSimpl
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*Of course "non-lame" is subjective. But if you don't like these gifts there's something wrong with you. (I kid, I kid.)
Posted in: Clothing, Holidays, Home on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at
Costco also has some great slippers right now too. I can't find them online, so you'll have to visit a store, but they're about $20 and really comfortable. You can also wear them outside!
Thanks for the tip!
Great ideas! I might just add one thing to "A Night at the Museum" --tickets to your local theater house are a great idea, especially at theaters that will sell gift tickets where the recipient can choose the play of their choice.
Great idea list. I recently found some fantastic and affordable slippers on Amazon.com. Check out these Baffin Slippers for only $14.89
Hey Liv,
A home run on this list. I was surprised at how many of these items spoke to me. I'll have to forward your blog to my family...er...I mean I guess I could get some of these for them.
Does anyone know where to get a customized Nalgene bottle?
Very cool ideas - thanks for sharing!
Those are all seriously good ideas. thanks! I'll be using one or two...
Thanks to everyone who left comments!
@ Paul - Those slippers do look nice, and that's a great price.
@ Brett - Great suggestion.
@ Minty - I don't know of anywhere.
These are some very unique gift. I appreciate the thoughtfulness of them. I think I just might get that Gorillapod for a photographer I know.
Wow, that was the first Christmas gift idea post with anything I will actually use, Thanks! I am going to get some journals and that funky tripod and do the date in a box idea.
Great list! I always like gift certificates to restaurants as well - then I don't have to cook :)
For those who might be concerned with the ethics of the companies behind the gifts they buy: may I suggest a SIGG bottle instead of Nalgene.
@Minty: They also offer 'lifestyle' bottles that are a little more personal.
Simon C - I haven't heard anything negative about Nalgene. Would you mind e-mailing me with details?
Thanks!
Woosh's comment was removed for language a little too colorful for a family-friendly site. To summarize, he implored me to "stop the madness" regarding posting lists such as this and mentioned that if your relationship with another person depends on giving something, you're in trouble.