Last-Minute Christmas 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. Or fill Children's Backpacks with Coloring books, crayons, etc.
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: