Life
20 Lovely Last-Minute Christmas Gifts For the Procrastinators Among Us
Aaaaaand...you waited until the last possible moment to start brainstorming holiday gifts...again. Don't despair! Unlike last year, you won't be giving your loved ones a Whitman's Sampler and McDonald's gift card wrapped in tin foil. Yes, it's probably too late to knit your sister a monogrammed throw blanket, but there's still plenty of time to track down something your friends and family will adore. As a fellow procrastinator (hell, I procrastinated writing this article about procrastinating), I bring you 20 lovely last-minute gifts to order online (do that TODAY), grab in the store, or whip up at home.
Glittering Candles
Ever walk into an Anthro and find yourself wanting to pitch a tent and live there forever? Their secret is these candles. The earthy and not overly-floral scent makes your pad feel instantly cozy, plus they come in holiday-friendly-but-not-tacky metallic tins.
Capri Blue Mercury Candles, $12-$88, Anthropologie
Got-You-Covered Kit
These minuscule kits promise to cover pretty much any daily emergency — from stocking runs to paper cuts to “women’s troubles” — and they actually deliver. Also available in a “for dudes” version.
Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit, $15, Shopbop
Best Friend 4-Ever Socks
Declare your undying BFF love with graphic knee socks (how else?).
BFF Knee High Socks, $10, K. Bell
DIY Geometric Glassware
Genius DIY-er Sarah Khandjian uses gold adhesive vinyl to create beautiful geometric patterns on regular drinking glasses. Make your own with personalized designs or messages (alternatively, if you don’t feel like getting your craft on, buy the West Elm glassware that Sarah based her patterns on).
Image: Sarah Hearts
Luxurious Bath Bomb
Lush’s famed Bath Bombs guarantee a fabulous, relaxing, sweet-smelling soak. Give one to that extra-special, totally stressed out person in your life, or concoct your own using this handy tutorial from xoVain.
Blackberry Bath Bomb, $7, Lush
Catch-All Pouch
Make-up bag? Pencil pouch? Going-out clutch? Baggu’s minimal leather zip-ups boast tons of potential uses.
Leather Pouch, $40, Baggu
2014 Calendar
Help your recipient ring in 2014 with an intricately beautiful calendar from Rifle Paper Co. (and make it extra “aww”-inducing by marking special days for them).
2014 Secret Garden Calendar, $26, Rifle Paper Co.
Invisible Clutch
Okay, so I’m not suggesting you blow your rent and/or college tuition on one of Charlotte Olympia’s signature see-through clutches, but why not make your own version for that fashion fanatic friend?
Pandora Classic, $925, Charlotte Olympia
Cozy-Cute Slippers
Everybody likes to keep their feet feelin’ toasty. If you have an always-on-the-go bestie, give them some soft slipper socks to stay comfy on long plane rides.
Cashmere Blended Slippers, $49, One Kings Lane
Glitzy Polish
The holidays mean it’s time to GET YOUR GLITTER ON. Help your eco-friendly gal pal up her nail game with some sparkly lacquer from Butter London, one of the few companies to offer totally non-toxic polishes.
The 444 Nail Lacquer, $15, Butter London
DIY Leather Tassel Keychain
These do-it-yourself leather keychains from Little Green Notebook look unique and super expensive — and ah, just imagine all the color combos! Bonus: lots of fabric stores offer leather scraps on the cheap.
Image: Little Green Notebook
Chevron Bling Set
Midi rings (a.k.a. knuckle rings)…so hot right now. They originated at the Brooklyn boutique Catbird, but luckily similar — and less pricey — versions have become available elsewhere.
Gold Triple Chevron Knuckle Wrap Rings Set, $19, Kellin Silver
3-D Puzzle for Grown Up Kids
One thing every adult lacks: (non-sexual) toys. Help someone indulge in a little child’s play with a 3-D puzzle from Muji.
3D Puzzle Car, $13, Muji
Get-Noticed Lipstick
While lipstick can be a tricky gift, some shades (like Heat Wave from NARS) magically work on all skin tones and add truckloads of va va voom to any holiday ensemble.
Semi Matte Lipstick, $26, NARS
Rainy Day Essential
A chic and neutral umbrella will make your friend look forward to rainy days.
Clear Bubble Umbrella, $48, Hunter
DIY Corded Knot Necklace
This super simple Kate Spade-inspired DIY (another brilliant idea from Sarah Hearts) proves that it’s possible to make a necklace that your friends will actually want to wear.
Image: Sarah Hearts
Scientific Tea Infuser
A geeky tea infuser so that their nightly cup will feel like SCIENCE.
Test Tube Tea Infuser, $12, Think Geek
Monogram Mugs
A monogrammed mug is an easy personalized gift (bonus: it also ensures co-workers will never, ever steal it).
Limited Edition Golden Monogram Mug, $10, Anthropologie
Adult Coloring Book
Finally, adult coloring books (not that kind of adult) — the perfect gift for unicorn haters, Ryan Gosling lovers, and pretty much anyone with a pack of crayons and sense of humor.
Unicorns Are Jerks, $6, Amazon
