Whether your holiday shopping is already done by mid-November or you’re a wait-until-Christmas-Eve shopper, last minute gifts can be a “Grinch” but, with a little creativity, they can be gifts you’ll be proud to give. The immediacy of today’s technology makes last-minute shopping as easy as pushing a button. Some companies and stores even allow you to print your own gift certificates that can then be “theme” wrapped.

Grocery stores, including local Shaw’s and Hannaford’s, are a treasure trove of last-minute gift-giving ideas. Imported cheeses, wines, freshly-baked breads, fruits, candy, fancy cookies and fresh flowers can make beautiful gifts-on-the go. Arrange them in baskets or holiday containers that can often be found in specialty displays, the floral center, or at aisle heads near the greeting card section. Don’t forget gift cards. In this economy, everyone can use a little extra grocery money. How about giving your favorite baker a stuffed oven mitt with a grocery card gift certificate, a recipe, premium vanilla and some fun decorating sugars or cookie cutters?

Shoppers can find quick gift suggestions online from sites including www.lastminutegiftideas.com. Although some sites offer a multitude of old ideas, this site tries to offer some “off the beaten path” suggestions.

Pajamas are first on the site’s last-minute gift-giving list. The site suggests that most people don’t buy pajamas for themselves. Everyone loves a comfy pair of winter p.j.s and there are so many choices – flannel, fleece, sporty, romantic. Sizing is never a problem as most people prefer larger sizes for comfort and pajamas are easily found in any department store or online.

A second suggestion is purchasing pre-paid car washes. You can purchase pre-paid punch cards from many car washes including Yvon’s Supersonic Car Wash in Lewiston. Buy simple exterior washes or exterior/interior combinations. Wrapped in a gift bag along with sanitary wipes, a car freshener, tissues, and other travel “must-haves” and you’ve got a gift-on-the-go for the person-on-the-go.

Board games also make great last-minute gifts. Games vary in cost, but most are reasonably priced. Try a favorite game from childhood – Scrabble, Sorry, Clue, or Battleship. For some real interaction among game players, consider Pictionary or Taboo. For a cerebral challenge, look for trivia games, Cranium, or Yahtzee.

Direct sales businesses like Mary Kay Cosmetics, especially when the representative maintains an inventory, are perfect for something special and ready-to-go. Mary Kay Sales Director Chris Conlogue, of Lewiston, is always prepared with a sleigh load of inventory for women, men, and young adults. Choose from make-up brushes, body care products, or “Beauty on the Go” sets. Conlogue can help customers select just the right gift for the occasion. Her favorite suggestion is Him and Her Satin Hand Pampering sets in unscented, peach or vanilla sugar and gift givers can always count on her for a beautifully wrapped gift that can be shipped or delivered at no charge and just in the St. Nick of time.

Always at the ready for last-minute gifts, Lucille Hawley, of Minot, stays ahead of the gift-giving game by keeping a small stash of treasures on hand in her home. “I do have a secret closet that is used for those times when something comes up last minute,” admitted Hawley. “I always have candles, pretty dinner napkins, wine, note paper, silk scarves, and hand towels. I like buying gifts ahead of time so if I go to a friend’s home, I can bring a little something. I’m always amazed at how many things I have stashed away.”

This season, take the “Grinch” out of your last minute gift-giving. Summon your holiday creativity. Pick up the phone, hop on the computer, or swing by a local business. There’s gift-giving inspiration everywhere you go.

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