The gift-giving season has a way of sneaking up on you, and it’s easy to have a false sense of security around Thanksgiving time. But before you know it, Christmas is less than a month away, and you still need to do your gift shopping. If you’re strapped for time or ideas, don’t worry. NSA Storage has a list of last-minute gift ideas to help you please every friend and family member this year.

What To Do When You’re Running Out of Shopping Time

Running short on time during the holiday season is something almost everyone has encountered. If that’s you, and you’re not sure what to do, these tips will help:

• Choose gifts that are easy to buy and put together.
• Look for gifts that are personal, matching the receiver’s hobbies and lifestyle.
• Keep it simple! It’s the thought that counts.
• Add a heartfelt message or note to each gift. These are often enjoyed by friends and family more than the gift itself!

DIY Gift Ideas

Incorporating the tips above, here are several last-minute gift ideas that you can easily and quickly make yourself at home. A homemade gift is always meaningful because of the time and effort that went into it!

1. Scented Bath Salts– Combine Epsom salt with a few drops of the recipient’s favorite scent such as lavender, peppermint, or almond. Place in a small jar and decorate for a last-minute gift that’s soothing and sensual.

3. Cozy Night Kits– Using a small basket, fill it with a mug, hot cocoa mix, fuzzy socks and some microwave popcorn packages. When it’s done, you’ll have an instant cozy kit they can use on a cold winter’s night!

4. Decorated Candles– Buy some simple, plain, and inexpensive candles at your local discount store. Then decorate them with bows, glitter, holiday stickers, and whatever else floats your holiday boat. Done and done!

5. Painted Pots with Plants– Purchase some plain, terracotta pots with drainage holes and paint them with holiday colors or designs. Then, plant a houseplant inside and gift to your green-thumbed loved one. Many houseplants require little care and flourish in a variety of climates, making them an easy and versatile gift.

6. Personalized Notebook– Ornate journals and notebooks are a fun and practical gift, and making one for your loved one makes it even more special. Buy a plain notebook or journal, some Mod Podge, fabric, and any other decorations you want. Use the Mod Podge to add a custom fabric cover to the notebook, then decorate and personalize.

Edible Gift Ideas

These last-minute gifts are cheap to make and delicious!

1. Infused Olive Oil

• Using a small glass bottle, fill it with your choice of olive oil. (Or any cooking oil your recipient likes.) 
• Next, add spices and herbs like chili flakes, garlic cloves, thyme, rosemary, etc. 
• Label and decorate the bottle(s).
• If possible, let the oil mixture sit for 4 or 5 days before giving.

Note: If your olive oil has contains garlic, be sure to let your recipient know that it should be refrigerated and used within three weeks.

2. Candies Nuts

• Using any nut your recipient likes (or several of them), add brown sugar, the white from one egg, and cinnamon to taste. 
• Mix well and bake for 25 minutes at 300℉.
• Let the nut mix cool.
• Package in a holiday tin or decorated mason jar.

3. Mason Jar Goodies

Take any size mason jar and fill it with treats like Hershey’s Kisses, M&Ms, lollipops, jelly beans, etc. Then, decorate and pop on a bow! Voila! You’ve got an easy, tasty, colorful gift to give your favorite person.

Gifts that Deliver an Experience

If you’re buying for someone who doesn’t need any material things, buying them an experience might be the way to go. Here are some ideas for that person who has everything:

9. Subscriptions

Unlike yesterday’s magazine subscriptions, today there are subscriptions for just about anything. That includes, for example, audiobooks, movies, restaurants, and even “treats of the world”. Not only will these last-minute gifts give thrills when opened, they give them again each month!

10. Events and Classes

Concerts, shows, classes, and more; if your gift recipient loves live events of one kind or another, a ticket to one will be the perfect gift! The memories made at the event are worth more than any material gift you could give.

11. Customized Gift Cards 

Gift cards, as some say, are “too easy” and lack any real thought. When you customize a gift card, however, you raise it to another level! For example:

• Put a restaurant gift card into a holiday card that’s been decorated and labeled as “Open In Case of Emergency Date Night”.
• Research local businesses where they live and purchase a giftcard from there. That way, your gift shows thought while also supporting a local business.
• Wrap a box of microwave popcorn packages and place a movie (or streaming service) gift card on top. 

How To Keep Your Gifts and Wrapping Supplies Well Organized

When the holidays are over, most gift wrapping supplies get shoved in a closet or under a bed, leading to wrinkled or ripped wrapping paper that isn’t usable next year. To keep your supplies in good condition and out of the way, try these tips:

• Purchase a long, plastic storage container for wrapping paper. 
• Reuse when possible! Save sturdy boxes and beautiful bags in a large, clear plastic bin to use next year.
• Keep tape, bows, and ribbons together in a small container or sealable bag.

If you truly have a lot of holiday supplies, or decorations, consider renting a small self-storage unit. You’ll save lots of space at home while knowing that everything is safe, secure, and accessible.

NSA Storage Can Give You Extra Space This Holiday Season

Hopefully these last-minute gift ideas have given you the inspiration and collaboration you were looking for today. More importantly, we hope they lower your holiday stress and lock-in your gift-giving plans! 

If you need extra space before, during, or after the season, NSA Storage is ready to help. Our secure storage units are safe and convenient, and come in several sizes to fit your needs perfectly.

Reserve a storage unit online today and you can start using it ASAP! Until then, best of luck finishing your holiday shopping on time!