Last-Minute Christmas Gifts!

Let's face it. As much as we'd like to think we're always on top of things, all the time, that's just not true. Unfortunately, there's a bit of a procrastinator in each and every one of us.

So here you are. It's the twenty-second of December, only three days away from Christmas, and you've still got a few special someones left on your list of people to buy for.

(Or maybe not... If you're a part of that 2% of the population who actually finishes their Christmas shopping in a timely manner, please disregard this post.)

Additional stress over the holiday seasons is unnecessary, so here are a few simple, inexpensive gift ideas that you should be able to throw together in time for Christmas day. Good luck!

1. Gifted Goodies

Fancy fruit baskets or cheese-and-sausage trays aren't the only kinds of edible gift sets you can give away at Christmastime. For a much cheaper (and way more personal) present, buy a holiday-themed jar, mug, or basket and fill it with a loved one's favorite candy or snacks. Because it's personalized, you can include things that you know the recipient will appreciate, like tissue paper in their favorite color or sugar-free candy if the person is diabetic or dieting.

If you're not under too much of a time constraint, you could even buy a plain container and some paints and decorate it yourself, incorporating that person's favorite quote, Bible verse, or inside joke.

My wonderful friend Millie put together super cute Christmas mugs for everyone who met up for dinner last night. The mug in itself was great, but she filled it with gum, mints, and Starburst candies, making the present even better.

2. Handmade Coupons

This has always been a favorite of mine! I used to make coupons like these for my parents when I was younger and I've found that they can still be fun to make and give as a young adult.

This gift is so simple, it's almost laughable. But they're still extremely meaningful! You can either design the coupons on the computer or make them by hand. If you're in a hurry or not feeling very creative, check out this website or this one for some free printable ones.

Here are some ideas for coupons you can make for various special people in your life:

Parents
* Two hours of baby-sitting
* One night of clean-up after dinner
* One shoveled driveway

Roommates
* One load of dishes
* One made bed
* Homemade dinner after your longest day of classes

Significant Other
* One candlelit dinner made by me
* One back massage
* Romantic date night, including movie of your choice

Of course, these are just a few basic ideas. The possibilities really are endless when it comes to this type of gift! Put together all of your personalized coupons in mini gift box or bind them together like a tiny book as a finishing touch.

3. Personalized Kits 

I love this idea because it can be easily tailored to suit the interests of anyone on your Christmas list. The idea is to get any kind of large container (a box, large basket, tote bag, etc.) and fill it with items pertaining to that individual's favorite hobby or pastime. Here are a few ideas:

• Car Lovers' Kit - This one's perfect for dads, uncles, boyfriends, and older brothers. Just buy a cheap plastic bucket and fill it with a large sponge, car wash soap, cleaning rags, turtle wax, and anything else necessary to keep a vehicle in tip-top condition. The great thing about this idea is that all the materials can be purchased at Wal-Mart or even a dollar store, and it's something that person will be able to use for a long time.
• Pamper Hamper - If the Car Lovers' Kit is perfect for the males in your life, then the Pamper Hamper will be excellent for your mom, sister, or best friend. Fill a tote bag or basket with things like bubble bath, bath salts, body lotion, a pumice stone, a loofah, and maybe even some chocolate.
• Scrapbooker's Delight - Gather lots of fun materials that can be used for scrapbooking or crafting. Things that scrapbookers can never get enough of include stickers, die-cuts, card stock, and fun paper.  Some more helpful things to include in this kit could be scissors, tape, glue, or stamps. For the container, try sticking everything in something that can be put to good use, like a file folder or plastic school box.

Those are just three of my favorite personalized Christmas gift ideas. They're all inexpensive and easy to assemble, and will surely prove to be special to whoever is lucky enough to receive them.

If you're looking for more fun, creative, and easy gift ideas, check out this article from About.com. After looking through some of the projects on this list, I never want to give a store-bought gift again!