Time is on our side this year with Christmas falling on a Saturday. This year a lot of the larger chains are extending with some even going as far as open 24hours.
( Please note not all stores are the same..... The following are stores I've come across in my travels)
These stores are open 24 hours according to advertising...
Superstore
Wall Mart
All major mall have extended hours to 11pm in the lower mainland......
COOL Websites for the kids and those that are kids at heart:
http://www.emailsanta.com
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/index.html
http://www.santa.net/
http://www.claus.com/index.php
http://sendables.jibjab.com/
Last Minute for him:
As if shopping for a man weren't hard enough,now you're in a hurry. You need him to like it and you need it now, I got ya. Here are some male gift ideas that are sure to deliver.
- Drinks.If the male is over 21 and likes a cocktail now and then, present him with his favorite. Available at any grocery or liquor store, it's a gift you know he'll enjoy. Tie a ribbon around it or put it in a manly gift bag.
- Magazine Subscription.Simply buy a magazine related to his area of interest, stick a bow on it and give it to him with a note saying "11 more on the way".
Of course, don't forget to then fill out the subscription card in his name.
Standard titles include Details, GQ, and Sports Illustrated. Go with what he likes: A techno guy might enjoy Wired, a golfer would love Golf Digest, the music guy would go for Rolling Stone, health nuts like Men's Fitness. So easy and everyone's happy!
- Shaving cream heater.Ok it's a little random but this is one of my husband's favorite things in the world. I wish I'd bought it for him but he actually picked it up himself at TJ Maxx.
- Clothes.
Men like clothes but usually can't be bothered to go buy them, so this is good gift. It shouldn't be too hard to find a Gap or J. Crew and tell a salesperson you're shopping for a last minute gift. Stick with a sweater, shirt, or accessory like a scarf and gloves.
- Lottery Tickets.
This works best for hard-to-buy-for friends. Go to the gas station or grocery store and get the same number of tickets as their age, if it's a birthday.
Put them right in the card or wrap them with a ribbon.
- Wall Street Journal
One of the more professional yet useful male gift ideas for your dad, husband, friend, business colleague, or sibling.
It's a great newspaper and they have an online component too. You don't have to be a business guy to enjoy it either. I'm a stay-at-home mom with little to no interest in Wall Street but I started reading my husband's WSJ and now I look forward to it every morning.
They're running a GREAT deal right now-- Get The Wall Street Journal for 75% off!
- Gift cards: The old stand-by.
The drowning shopper's life preserver, a gift card is easily found at any grocery store, Starbucks, Blockbuster, or Target. Think iTunes, steak restaurants, Home Depot, Brookstone.
If you're really pressed for time, email him an iTunes gift certificate. (Link will launch the iTunes store.)
- Electronics.
Especially music-related. If he doesn't have an iPod or needs a new one, check out Best iPod Online. It will help you choose and buy the right iPod and accessories as well as teach tips and tricks for using them.
Last Minute for her:
She will love this. But include a gift receipt just in case. She might just want an excuse to go shopping.
- Classics like candy, flowers, and jewelry are classic for a reason: They Work. Especially if you give all three. DO NOT forget the card.
- Food.
What's her favorite candy? Favorite restaurant? Favorite meal you can cook?
- A Love Letter if appropriate.You might think she's not into that stuff but guess what, she is. It doesn't have to rhyme or be corny; you can even make a Top 3 Reasons I Love You list. Make sure at least one is really schmaltzy.
- Digital Picture Frame.You can pick one up at Target or Costco and pre-load it with photos the two of you. It's personal, functional, refillable, adorable!
- Dishes.
Yes, dishes. If she likes to cook and/or entertain, pop over to your local Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, or Sur La Table and pick up a pretty serving dish. Those are the kind of things she probably loves when she passes by them but never splurges on for herself.
- Candles.
One of the more cliche gift ideas for women but honestly, the ladies like them. But not just any candle: A ridiculously expensive soy candle that "burns clean" (no soot in the air) and smells wonderful. She will enjoy it many times and think of you. My favorite is Votivo Red Currant.
- Take her to lunch.But not just any lunch. Do these 4 things--
- Pick her favorite place. It's surprising how many people take their friends to their OWN favorite restaurants. If she likes Chili's, darnit, go to Chili's.
- Invite a couple other "surprise" guests. Having extra people there makes lunch more festive.
- If it's a special occasion, tell the waiter ahead of time to bring a treat after the meal. It's a nice touch.
- If it's not too last minute and you have time, stop by the grocery store and pick up a card and a single mylar balloon to match the occasion. It's fun to embarrass your friend by making her drag a balloon around.
- Spa day.
As far as gift ideas for women go, this is an oldie but a goodie. If you have a great day-spa near you, treat her to whatever you can afford and if you're female too, bring yourself along for girl-talk.
Even if you don't have a swanky spa there is surely a nail salon nearby. Swing by Starbucks on the way and pick up some iced Lattes, then get adjoining chairs for mani/pedi treatments.
- Mini Makeover.
Again, this is one of those gift ideas for women that works best if you are woman as well. Schedule a consultation at Sephora or any cosmetics counter. Ask them to do a smokey eye or whatever the latest trend is and take before and after pictures. Then give her a giftcard so she can buy the products she liked.
- A Swanky Accessory.
At any department store that sells high-end bags like Coach or Dooney & Bourke, you'll find smaller items like keychains or change purses which are just as chi chi and much more afforable than the big bags. This cute Coach picture frame key fob is only $28. But if you can afford the big bag, go for it.
- Balloons.
I dare you NOT to smile when someone approaches you with a bunch of balloons.
The grocery store is your friend again here. Pick out 1 fancy mylar balloon with a cute birthday theme, add 6 more regular balloons in complementary colors, add helium and a ribbon and you're all set.
- Pajamas
People don't normally buy themselves pajamas, or if they do it doesn't happen as often as say, sweaters and pants. So getting a new soft pair of PJ's can be a fun unexpected treat. You don't have to worry much about sizes either because with sleep attire, bigger is usually better.
If you have time to order online, see Sleepyheads.com. They offer all the hip brands you've probably never heard of but she has.
- Coffee
Probably one of my less original gift ideas for women but I make it because it's safe, it's appreciated, and if you pair it with an unusual mug or homemade biscotti it's a well-rounded, thoughtful gift.
My favorite is Peet's. It's strong and they do nice gift packages.
- Got more gift ideas for women? Send them in!
Merry Christmas to all of you..... Best Wishes to your family!
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