Last-Minute Gifts for People Who Show Up Unannounced
You know it always happens. Somebody’s cousin’s uncle shows up at your home with a tag-along. An old boyfriend from college or a stray co-worker who thought flying standby on Christmas Eve was a good idea. You know, some nincompoop you probably don’t know and definitely didn’t invite.
Well here are some last-minute gifts you can have on hand so everyone feels included. Even if you begrudge giving them the last piece of sweet potato pie!
UPDATED FOR 2024
Last-Minute Gifts for Stragglers
Gift Cards
These are great because they’re gender neutral, spend anywhere, and take up virtually no space in your home.
- Visa Gift Card
– Cold, hard (electronic) cash. It’s self-explanatory.
- Apple Gift Card – You’re free to choose denominations from $15-$500 which can be used for any Apple product.
Fancy Candles
Scented or unscented, candles for holiday gifts are perfect. We can all use a little more warm light during the cold, dark winter nights.
- NEST Vanilla Bean Votive Candle $22
- DW Home Warm Tobacco Pipe Candle $18
- diptyque baies berry candle $45
Health & Beauty Sets
Perfect travel-sized items that also double as stocking stuffers.
Food & Other Useful Stuff
- Sugarfina Champagne Bears, $22 – Gummies for grown ups!
- Charbonelle et Walker Whisky Truffles, $30 – They had me at truffles.
- Barbour Saltburn Hat & Scarf Set, $85 – Global warming aside, it will get cold eventually.
This list of last-minute gifts for stragglers and other unexpected guests covers a lot of bases. You’ve got food, lotions & potions, and straight up cash. What else does one need?
What are some of the go-to stocking stuffers and spare gifts you keep on hand? Do tell! And don’t forget to share this post with your last-minute shopper friends!
Happy Holidays!
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Great ideas!! I need to remember to always to something like this on hand. It’ll also relieve the stress of a hostess give for a last-minute invite.
Having a spare gift is such a smart idea. We learned the hard way when we had to scramble out the other night before a last minute dinner we were invited to. Although I must say, if I had some champagne bears around the house, they would be MINE! lol
I know right! I could never give them away. 😉
I have a soft spot for fancy candles. Voluspa are my favorite!
Happy New Year,
Allison
Yes! They’re great! Happy New Year!