No matter how much you plan out your holiday gift buying, there’s always a time right before Christmas when you need one or two more gifts to complete your shopping list. That’s the time when you could benefit from this list of last-minute gift ideas gleaned from the Internet and area residents.

1. Gift Cards or E-Gift Cards. Quick and easy to purchase, gift cards or e-gift cards (gift cards that can be e-mailed to someone) have certainly taken over the retail landscape. You can purchase these directly from retailers or you can go to websites like www.giftcertificates.com and purchase a generic gift card that the recipient can redeem from hundreds of their favorite stores, spas, restaurants, hotels, and others.

One caution: When e-mailing gift cards, make sure you have an active and workable e-mail address. Also, make sure that the recipient will most likely use the gift certificate. The Wall Street Journal noted that gift card sales in the United States have surpassed $65 billion, with close to 10% of gift cards never redeemed.

2. Magazine subscriptions. Jessica Bosse Cote, of Auburn, suggested buying a magazine off the rack and wrapping it as a gift. Purchase a gift subscription for the person and it will start in 2011 and be enjoyed all year round.

3. Slippers. “Who doesn’t love them?” suggested JoAn Gregoire Chartier, of Lewiston, and Daphne, from Alabama. “Hand-made ones kept on hand are often put on and used immediately.”

4.Maine made products. From Jennifer Libby-Barnes, owner of jennifersmells.com, personal care products, she suggested, “Borealis Breads (Rosemary is my favorite), along with a BF Marton Trempherbe cheese spread, Maine Mead jam’s, Pineland Farms cheeses, Cold River vodka, or a 4-pack of Maine Root soda. I love to give products made right here in Maine.”

5. Hunting and fishing license.

From Leo Camire, of Andover, Maine, the suggestion is to enjoy the outdoors with a hunting and/or fishing license gift. A combination Hunting and Fishing license for 16 years and older is $42. A resident Fishing license for 16 and older is $25 and a resident Hunting license is also $25. A Junior Hunting license, age 10 to 15 years, is $7. Purchases can be made online at www.maine.gov or at many sporting goods retailers where there’s a nominal agent fee in addition to the license fee.

6. iTunes gift cards. This is especially good for the teens and tweens in your life. Friends suggested that “you can’t miss with this gift” for this age group. Another mentioned that she gave an iTunes gift card to a “20-something” dance teacher who uses lots of music in her work. “She loved it.”

7. Restaurant gift cards. They all have them and we all eat out on occasion. It is also a great way to support local restaurants. Michelle Veilleux, of Shapleigh, is a bit more direct with her suggestion: “A Dunkin’ Donuts gift card.”

8. Cash. Baby boomers will remember getting this gift at Christmas as a youngster and it is still a welcomed gift in 2010. It is accepted at all major and not so major retailers and has broad appeal to people of all ages. Available at banks and ATMs throughout Maine. Comes with no expiration date.

9. Give the gift of you. Sometimes the most rewarding gifts are those that give services or special talents to loved ones. Offer free babysitting services for a young couple. Offer a ride or cleaning services for an elderly person living alone. Deliver a special meal to family or friends. Write a greeting to close friends and family telling them how special they are in your life. The cost is minimal and usually involves only an investment of time. The reaction from your loved one will be priceless.

10. Findgift.com. Here’s the ultimate website for finding that right gift for someone. Just fill in who you are shopping for (him, her, kids, couples, etc.), the occasion, and the category of gift item. The site brings you to an extensive list of gift ideas. A personal favorite is the category “Hard to Shop For.” Just click on the suggested item and it takes you to the actual website to make the purchase.