Last minute gifts for Xmas Eve shoppers!

Left your Christmas shopping too late and starting to panic about what to buy everyone? Fear not - check out these frugal (and mainly shop-avoiding) gifts!

Left that Christmas shopping to the last minute?

You're no doubt wishing you'd just done it earlier - now you have to head into town on Christmas Eve, take two hours to park, then fight the crowds in search of the perfect gifts. And with the shops half bare, the chances of returning home with a novelty singing fish or something equally inane (and expensive!) are scarily high. Yikes!

But worry not - I've got a few ideas for thoughtful, often inexpensive and best of all, crowd avoiding gifts that may make your Christmas shopping far less of an ordeal.

So where can you go? Online shopping (in many cases) is out of the question and parking in town will undoubtedly be a nightmare, so the trick is to think laterally. Where can you go that won't be too busy?

Experiences

For: Anyone

If you're stuck in the office, one thing you can do instantly is buy an "experience" from an online retailer. Most will simply email you a gift certificate which can be printed and presented to the recipient.

If you have a couple to buy for, Lastminute.com currently has a choice of nine experiences for things for two people to do in London, and best of all is offering 20% off at the moment, making them £47.20 (normally £59).

Older couples may enjoy afternoon tea for two at the Park Lane Hotel, or a classic dining experience.

If you've a couple of teenagers to buy for a day's rock climbing for two may appeal, or a makeover photo shoot (including hair styling, make up and a print of the result) may be fun.

And friends may enjoy a Vinopolis wine tasting tour, or a Thames lunch cruise for two.

Create your own

Alternatively, why not save a bit of cash and create your own experience that you can enjoy with the recipient? Fashion and print your own voucher promising to take them rock climbing, bowling, ice skating or out for lunch and they'll have a day out to look forward to!

Babysitting voucher

For: Parents

If you're broke but have a lot of parents to buy for, one thing you can give cheaply is your time. So why not offer to babysit for your friends/relatives children?

Simply create your own "babysitting voucher" (or print this one) and fill in the details - then simply arrange a mutually suitable date to babysit. Believe me, this is a thoughtful gift that is bound to be greatly appreciated by any parent!

Cinema vouchers

For: Anyone

A great place to head on Christmas Eve is the cinema as they can be surprisingly empty. And the best bit is most sell some type of gift certificate that may even come in a nice envelope/packaging.

If you've got film fans to buy for (and this works well for kids and adults of any age) buy each one a certificate that will cover 2 tickets, and they can look forward to seeing a film of their choice in the New Year.

Don't forget the office

If you're stuck in the office, some large companies offer subsidised cinema tickets through their Sports and Social clubs that can be bought and picked up right away - so you could save even more.

Theatre vouchers

For: Anyone

Hot on their heels are theatre vouchers - head over to your local establishment and you could either buy vouchers, or if you know a date your recipient will be free buy some actual tickets for a play/show.

Once you've got the tickets, wrap them up beautifully (include a flyer of the show or guide to what's on next year) and you've a great gift that would suit young or old.

Alternatively, there are lots of discount websites you can use to buy cheap tickets to plays. Read Enjoy the theatre for less to find out more.

And remember, as an added extra for parents, you could always throw in a "Babysitting voucher"!

Restaurant vouchers

For: Adults

If you've a bit more to spend a great gift can be a gift voucher for your recipient's favourite restaurant - and the more "out of town" the better to avoid those crowds!

Hardware stores/Garden Centres

For: Anyone

Two places that can be very quiet on Christmas Eve are the hardware stores and garden centres- and anyone who's been into B&Q, Homebase, or Notcutts etc will know that they can be a veritable treasure trove of gifts for practically anyone.

Of course you could go for the power tool option, but you could equally pick up a print or two (some even come framed) a lovely houseplant, or home furnishings. How about a bird feeder/ bird house for younger relatives?

Animal lovers may appreciate gifts aimed at their pets. A good quality pair of gardening gloves or secateurs will be appreciated by keen gardeners, and there are always lots of labour saving gadgets to appeal to male relatives.

DVDs

For: Anyone

DVDs are generally well received at Christmas but shops such as HMV and WHSmith will be heaving on Christmas Eve. Head instead to rental stores such as Blockbusters - they usually have quite a selection for sale and most importantly, are unlikely to be very busy.

Speciality foods

For: Food lovers

And finally, foodies are bound to appreciate a fabulous box or basket of delicious, high quality produce. Why not whiz over to your local delicatessen or gourmet food shop (it's unlikely to be very busy) and create your own?

You can make it as simple or extravagant as you like. Jars of olives, truffle oils, artisan olive oils, dried wild mushrooms and pasta, wine and of course, fabulous chocolates could all make a fantastic, long-life array.

Alternatively, you could make a fresh basket with a variety of local and continental cheeses, charcuterie, smoked salmon and pates. Either way, the personal touch is bound to be appreciated - and you may even be invited to share in the goodies!

So don't panic - take heed of my tips and you should be able to find thoughtful gifts to suit all, without having to head anywhere near the High Street!

Happy shopping!

Get help from lovemoney.com

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First, adopt this goal: Make some extra money

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Finally, why not have a wander over to Q&A and ask other lovemoney.com members for advice?

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