Hanukkah is almost here and you're in need of some thoughtful gifts on a short timeline. Reminded Me is here to help take the stress out of gift giving. This blog reviews different Members get access to hundreds of curated gift ideas organized by interests, relationship, and occasion (browse a sample for free!). Members can also set up email reminders with personalized gift recommendations. But I know you have no time to waste, let's keep in touch with my free newsletter with gift giving tips and ideas.
Without further ado, here are the best last minute Chanukah gifts. Make them feel loved with these creative ideas — you got this. Happy Holidays!
Truly Last Minute (Under 30 minutes)
Choose Your Gift Coupon: Varies
If you had intentions of buying something and ran out of time, create a cute "pick your own gift" coupon where you let them choose their gift by presenting multiple variations. Make it fun - you can rename the products, write up your recommendation, etc. Just make sure it's still in stock and that you purchase it as soon as they make their decision.
Tickets to an Event/Outing: Varies ($20-$100/pp)
Buy tickets for a future event (as long as you know they're free!) or look up a few options and have them pick.
- Concert
- Sporting Event
- Comedy Show
- Botanical Garden
- Spa
- Brewery Tour
- High Tea
- Fancy Brunch
- Art Class
Digital Subscription: Varies ($40-$100)
Sign them up for an annual subscription for entertainment, education or other goals. These companies typically allow you to set the time of the email delivery. Wrap a print out of the item and have it sent to them later that night. It would be cute to make a basket in that theme — check out your closets Target, thrift store, etc.
- A learning app like Duo-Lingo which makes practicing a new language easy and fun or Masterclass to learn a variety of skills from the field's top experts
- A self-care app like Headspace for mindfulness (consider how they will perceive this - it's best suited for people that have expressed interest in meditation or if they have trouble sleeping)
- An annual subscription to a streaming app like Netflix, Hulu, Paramount, Peacock, HBO Max, etc.
One Day to Shop (1-3 hours)
Indoor Plant: ~$50
Go to your local plant store or garden center to find a beautiful pot and plant. They will typically replant it for you and this way you can ensure the style resembles their home decor. Make sure you have a saucer to protect their furniture from access water!
Gourmet Kitchen Items: ~$50
Go to their favorite restaurant (if it has some sort of marketplace/gift shop) to find edible gifts and home items (call to check if they sell anything before going!). Otherwise, look up kitchen stores near you. You can also visit your local Jewish deli to see what packaged goods they sell. This can fancy olives, pickles, cookies, etc.
Cocktail Ingredients: ~$75
Get the ingredients to make their favorite cocktails: Old Fashion, Bloody Mary, Margaritas, etc. Put all the ingredients in a basket or box of some sort and include funny cocktail napkins or even glassware (check your local thrift store!).
One Day to Plan/DIY (3-5 hours)
Open When Cards: ~$20
Find a special box to hold cards with instructions to open when [certain occasion]. In each card, you will share relevant affirmations to help them get through their day! Use stationary you have on hand or buy some at a local drug store or paper store.
- Open when... you need a giggle
- Open when... you need a pep talk
- Open when... you feel sad
- Open when... someone puts you down
- Open when... you feel accomplished
Coupon Book: $0
Staple together index cards or otherwise create your own coupon book with different acts of services you can perform another day for them. These gifts are particularly great for parents!
- Clean the House
- Help with Yardwork
- Home Theatre Night (I set the room up cozy, narrow down movie options and make snacks!)
- You pick! What do you need help with?
52 Reasons Why You Love Them: ~$10
Pick up a card deck (either a standard one or go to a gift shop to find more unique ones). On each card, write one thing you love about them. To help you think of ideas, consider
- Why do you look forward to seeing them?
- What is your favorite thing they cook?
- What traditions do they make extra special?
- What about their personality do you appreciate most?
- What do you count on them for?
- What do they do well?
- What ways do they show bravery?
- When do you seek their advice?
- What physical attributes do you admire?
Good luck with your celebration and be prepared for your next occasion with Reminded Me - a gifting website designed to take the stress out of gift giving for $24/year.