Last-minute Gifts that Don’t Look Last-Minute

Cookie-cutter gifts won’t cut it if you’re picking presents close to the holiday

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

 

Maybe your adult daughter brought home a new boyfriend — who brought his son you’ve never heard of. Or the neighbor you never met pops in on Christmas Eve with a gift.

As much as you try to plan and make lists, surprises like these can make you feel unprepared. It’s uncomfortable giving gifts but finding yourself one present short.

Yve Irish, owner of Organizing by Yve Irish in Pittsford, helps organize “gift closets” with clients.

“As we’re purging their homes, they find things they had bought for gifts but didn’t end up giving,” Irish said. “Or they bought things that they thought were cute but never gave.”

Irish has worked as a professional organizer for 19 years and is a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals. Naturally, she encourages giving consumable items that don’t end up as clutter. Things such as fancy soap or lotion have a long shelf life but don’t collect dust like a tchotchke.

“Wine is a good last-minute gift,” Irish added as an example of a purposeful gift. “Give gift cards for a coffee shop or bookstore. If you have family members come over and you forgot to get them a gift, they’re usually thrilled with a gift card.”

Keep a few handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts on hand. Donna Wobschall, owner of Craft Company No. 6 in Rochester, said that’s the nature of her store’s wares, which features jewelry, housewares and other gifts.

Very popular gifts include “Venetian glassware like wine glasses, cordial glasses, on-the-rocks glasses, martini glasses and champagne glasses,” she said.

Glassware isn’t just for newlywed gift registries.

“‘Entertainment’ glassware is nice for those who entertain a lot,” Wobschall said.

A lot of shoppers pick up ceramic items like mugs, plates and spoon rests. One hot seller is her line of bakeware that has recipes stamped on the back.

“They’re very, very popular,” Wobschall said. “For someone who’s a big soup or ice cream person, we have some larger bowls that are great for that. We have some teas from New England, local honey, maple syrup, maple sugar. The maple sugar makes a great little gift to put in an ice cream bowl.”

Shopping for jewelry can feel intimidating. However, Wobschall starts with considering the recipient’s favorite colors, general style and metal preference.

Wobschall also carries allergen-free beeswax candles in various sizes, which have proven popular gifts.

Stephanie Williams, founder of Family Concierge in Rochester, likes the Jellycat plush toys for kids or those young at heart.

“They are just so joyful and silly with their unexpected characters and cartoonish smiles,” Williams said. “They make everyone smile no matter their age. Their collections range from fruits and vegetables to sports, plants and animals.”

Williams likes to shop locally, including Parkleigh in Rochester and Breathe at Home in Pittsford.

“Another shop I’ve found to be an amazing spot for last minute gifts is Book Culture in the Village of Pittsford,” Williams said. “The owner has created so many memorable retail concepts and has an incredible eye. I’ve found so many thoughtful, unexpected and unique items you can’t find anywhere else in Rochester.”

Other gifts she likes to snap up for the season include small items like candles, notebooks, pins and patches and stationery, as they’re usable gifts that most people welcome.