Last-Minute Gift Ideas

I always like to have little gifts on hand for the mailman, the USPS guy, neighbors, or any last-minute guests we may stop over during the holidays.

Here are some frugal ideas for things we have done in the past:

• For the Hostess or Writer: Small basket with notepad, address book, and pens (Michael's $1 bins are great!) Upgrade: Add in a soothing CD.
  
• For the Movie Buff: A classic DVD - These can be found for as low as $3 for some pretty decent ones. Upgrade: Put the DVD in a popcorn bucket w/ a couple bags of popcorn.
  
• For the Coffee Addict: $5 Starbuck's Gift Cards - If you don't end up handing them out at least you'll have a coffee treat for yourself! Upgrade: Throw in a portable mug.
  
• For a Cold Night: Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix and a mug. Upgrade: Wrap everything in a cozy, fleece throw (can be found for around $5-10).
  
• For a Couple: A bowl/colander with pasta, sauce, and wooden spoons - This could cost you more than $5 if you don't hit the dollar store or use coupons. Upgrade: Add kitchen linens or a cookbook to the gift basket.
  
• For the Gardener: A hand-painted Terra Cotta planter, seed packets and a baggie of soil. Upgrade: Throw in some gardening gloves and a sun hat.
• For Grandparents: A handmade ornament or personalized video of their favorite little people, your kids. Upgrade: A personalized stepping stone (HINT: Use a 50% coupon from Michael's or JoAnn's).
• For Kids: Book, bubble bath, hula hoop, paint set. Upgrade: Add an art smock, bath towel, or blanket.
  
• For Tweens/Teens: iTunes gift cards, magazines, journal, lip gloss. Upgrade: Pick out some special earrings on sale or a discounted trendy hat.
  
• For a Teacher: A large glass jar filled with a healthy snack with some pretty ribbon tied around it. Upgrade: Any teacher would appreciate a Starbuck's gift card or something just for her. (I can speak as a former teacher and, while I loved all my students dearly, I am still wondering what to do with all the ornaments and "teacher-y" knick-knacks.)
• For the Neighbors: A basket full of homemade samplings (see recipes below) or some fresh produce from a local market. Upgrade: Toss in a Blockbuster gift card for an evening the whole family can enjoy.

Adding some homemade treats to a basket or a stack of coordinating tins makes for a simple, inexpensive gift that is sure to please anyone... well, depending on how well you bake ;). I usually like to include recipe cards with the handwritten recipes written for the recipient.

Here are some of our favorite Holiday-baking recipes:

• Oatmeal Scotchies
• Homemade Caramel Corn
• Pumpkin Bread
• White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
• Caramel & Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods
• Chex Muddy Buddies
• Knock-off of Paradise Bakery's Sugar Cookies
• Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies
• Roasted Nuts
• If you don't have time to whip up one of these homemade concoctions, try some Turtle brownies from Betty Crocker. These are so yummy that no one will ever know you didn't make the from scratch! ;)
  

No sweet tooth? How about a savory gift basket?

• Red Pepper Relish and Crackers
• Marinara Sauce and a bag of pasta
• Spiced Nuts
• Focaccia Bread with a jar of olives and peppers

The point is: It doesn't have to cost a lot to show someone you are thinking about them.
What are your last-minute, frugal gift tips?

Also (I need feedback)... what do you give the newspaper delivery guy and postman?