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Hot chocolate can quickly become a last minute gift basket with Hershey’s specialty cocoa, a package of Pepperidge Farm cookies, and a decorative mug--all available at your local grocery store. Give them a call; many times they will put the basket together for you and all you will need to do is pick it up.
Book bugs are easy to buy for--just get them a gift certificate for the local bookstore or Barnes and Noble. If you want to add some pizzazz, throw in a warm blanket, and a box of their favorite tea. Both of these last minute gift items can be found easily at Target or Wal-Mart.
Same Day Delivery Services
When you have a gift emergency and it is truly a last minute gift, there are a variety of resources available. If the person lives in your area, reach for your phone book. Many times, the local grocery store is able to put together a wonderful gift basket to your specifications and will deliver to the individual. The same is true for local candy and specialty gift stores.
If the person you are buying for is not in your area, then you will want to take advantage of online services that offer same day delivery. Flowers make a fantastic gift. Many different arrangements are available at a variety of prices.
Two excellent sites for flower delivery are http://ww21.1800flowers.com/welcome.do and www.ftd.com. Two similar sites that offer same day delivery for gift items, as well as flowers, include
http://www.same-day-gifts.com/, http://www.balloonsrbetter.com/
If you are buying for a resident of South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, or Missouri, Hy-Vee’s website will allow you to locate the stores in their area. Hy-Vee is a well-known Mid-Western grocery chain that offers delivery service of fruit baskets, gift baskets, and floral arrangements in most of their locations. They also offer online shopping in some areas. http://www.hy-vee-stores.net/ is their website.
Another option is Hickory Farms. They are only able to guarantee 2-day delivery service, but will send an immediate e-Card alerting the recipient that the gift is on its way.
Barnes & Noble has an “On-line Certificate” which is sent immediately via e-mail. This is DIFFERENT than a standard gift card, because it can only be used to purchase items from the online site; it cannot be used in a store. However, it is a perfect gift for an Internet savvy bookworm. http://www.barnesandnoble.com is the website; choose the tab that says “Gift Cards.”
Last Minute Gift Ideas
Both Wal-Mart and Target have websites now, and both offer delivery services. You should bookmark these sites www.walmart.com and www.target.com. The best way to approach a last minute gift idea is to think of something predictable and easy--for instance--bubble bath. Now think, what goes with bubble bath? Now you have a gift basket with bubble bath, a mega size soft fluffy towel, and a novelty rubber ducky. If you really want to spend some money, you can throw in a new bathrobe and a relaxing music CD. You can get all this at the above-mentioned sites.
Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas
A gift from Hickory Farms is a perfect last minute Christmas gift idea, because it’s quick, easy, and everyone loves it. Their website is www.hickoryfarms.com. Another really popular last-minute Christmas gift idea is chocolate. Russell Stover has a great website http://www.russellstover.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=4.
Last Minute Birthday Gift
A birthday is a more personal event, so it gives you some options. A card with a homemade ticket promising you will take the person to the favorite restaurant of their choice for a free meal is actually a nice thought, as well as a great idea for a last minute birthday gift. The same idea applies to an activity they might like to share, such as seeing a movie, going to a museum, or visiting a game room.
Last Minute Valentine Gift
For a last minute Valentine gift, flowers are great, but flowers with a bottle of champagne and a set of champagne flutes are even better. You can buy all three of these items at Target or Wal-Mart. Both places now have very nice floral arrangements available for quick pickup at reasonable prices.
But, if you are a typical male you will run into the gas station looking frantically about the store for a last minute Valentine gift, or anything remotely romantic. Fortunately, they know this about you. It is very likely that you will find rosebuds in stock. They will also have wine and chocolate. Now rent a date movie and think of a way to make ordering a pizza sound romantic.
Another last minute Valentine gift idea is to buy a large bow and place it over your heart.
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