The eleventh hour isn't quite here, but it's getting close. To help with your shopper's block, I've put together a few ideas to get you back on track.
For the sports fan or concert goer- The Ticket Stub Diary is a slick looking book perfect for keeping all those ticket stubs that you don't want to part with, but don't know what to do with. This is way more masculine and easier than a scrapbook and will cut out one stack of clutter.
For your ungrateful kids or their teacher- Christmas Day in the Morning is a book that I look forward to pulling out every December and choke up every single time I read it. It is beautifully written by Pearl S. Buck and captures the precious bond between parent and child (parent and teenage child at that). The message it sends is about giving of ourselves and it is done in a way that is not the least bit preachy. Please buy this book and make it a yearly family tradition to read it. If you help one child really absorb this message you will make the world a better place.
For a woman who likes to eat and has a sense of humor- The Sweet Potato Queens' Big Ass Cookbook (and Financial Planner) is a hoot. It is irreverent, but fun and is full of divine treats. I have made at least a dozen recipes from this book and liked them all. What is a better present than laughter and good food?
For the beginning sewer or someone who can't stand to be precise and just wants to make something the way she wants to- Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol is a primer that won't put you to sleep, includes patterns for things you'd actually like to have, and tells you just how to ignore sewing authority.
For someone that deserves to be indulged- Ok, one night I had chocolate for dinner and gin for dessert. It was all for a good cause of course! I performed a monologue at a fundraiser for a great ballet studio and there was all this chocolate. There were so many decadent choices I couldn't waste stomach space on silly things like vegetables or fruit or bread. I needed the gin when I was done to counter the sweetness. Anyway, the chocolates that stick in my mind from that night were John and Kira's. There were men stationed near them just to listen to the sounds women made when they were eaten.
For that neighbor kid or your own kid- I am definitely a game person, but even if you are not, Rat-a-Tat Cat is a good time. It's easy and quick and involves a little luck, a little strategy, and a little suspense. Just to sweeten the deal, it's inexpensive. (I've linked to Amazon here, but you can also find it in stores at Target with all the other card games.)
For a little baby- The Mozart Magic Cube is one of the few baby toys that stood the test of time. The music is pleasant, not grating and babies also enjoy the subtle flashing lights. My older daughter got one for her first birthday and played with it for years. I put it away eventually, but when I got it out for her younger sister she still played with it a bit. I like that the instruments can be listened to together or separately, so that they can pick each one out.
For someone that lives far away- A great set of stationery with a letter from you tucked in it is a thoughtful gift that keeps on giving. Modern technology is great, but there is something special about a handwritten letter. Get some old-fashioned communication started and you'll feel closer to your loved ones.
