To borrow a recently famous phrase: Because it's 2015.
That's why we now have electronic socks that will pause a Netflix show when the viewer falls asleep. The popular online video streaming service released a how-to video last week showcasing the schematics of the socks. Here's the catch: you have to make them yourself.
And unless you have more than a working knowledge of electronics, you're likely not going to be able to do it. Yes, it's a joke to suggest the average person could DIY such a contraption for the binge-watchers on their Christmas list, but it's also a clever idea. Let's hope someone invents a real product that works the same way but is available for purchase (ready-made) in time for next Christmas.
In the meantime, with Christmas Eve upon us tomorrow night, you may have to think of some other clever ideas for last-minute gifts. This is not the time to wallow in guilt or shame because you left your gift-buying to the last minute. There are many reasons a person might still be crossing names off their list two days before Christmas. Some valid, some not so much. But to loosely paraphrase Psychology Today: guilt can drag a person down into a spiral of inaction, or can catalyze a person into action. It's time to take action.
But time is of the essence, so DIY projects are probably out of the question now, unless you can find a do-it-yourself pottery or woodworking place to help you whip up a personalized platter or shoe rack. And if you've never made Chistmas cookies before, now is probably not a good time to try if you're counting on giving them as a gift. You may wind up with half-raw, half-burnt hockey pucks instead of the Pinterest-inspired masterpiece you envisioned.
However, supplies for DIY projects or art projects can be arranged in a nice gift basket or bag for the crafty ones on your list. Fill it with stuff you know they'll use (sketch pads, pencils, paints, brushes) and a few surprises with stuff they've never tried before. Maybe this is the year your best friend tries knitting or decoupage. Also consider that many art stores and studios offer a variety of classes for kids, adults, or families. A gift certificate for a class is a gift they might not be expecting. Cooking classes are also an option, but make sure the intended recipient won't see it as a comment on their bad Christmas dinner. Perhaps choose someone who has expressed an interest in learning more about cooking or baking.
Classes and other experiences (such as visits to local attractions) make a nice gift. After the rush of relatives over the holidays, a family might enjoy tickets to somewhere quiet they can be together on their own. Or swoosh around
ski hills or chase each other down with paintballs. Depends on the family. A dinner or brunch gift certificate may also be a nice gift to give someone a break from their own kitchen. In the same vein, many places that focus on activities and fitness, such as martial arts, also offer gift certificates for someone to try some classes. Kids generally enjoy trying new things, but don't forget about the adults on your list.
Maybe your sister always wanted to give karate a try. Or maybe your brother is anxious to break in some yoga pants. As long as they're physically able to do the activity, consider picking up a gift certificate for your sister, brother, friend, or other to try an adult beginner class. Recreation centres also offer various passes and gift certificates that would appeal to those who are already active or thinking about becoming active. Moving away from the area of activity and more toward
the sloth end of the spectrum, who wouldn't like to receive warm slippers, a warm blanket, and an even warmer housecoat perfect for curling up on the couch to read, sleep, eat, surf the net, or watch TV. Add some fancy hot chocolate and cookies and you've just created a theme pack of sorts. Creating your own gift basket is easy to do, but if you're out of time or not creatively inclined, there are plenty of ready-made options out there, some starting as low as $10.
Think about what the recipient likes to do: cooking, trail running, knitting, photography. There are plenty of fun accessories that can be pulled together for most hobbies and interests to make a themed gift basket (bag or hamper).
Sometimes the ready-made gift baskets are cheaper than trying to gather your own items, an endeavour that can get expensive quickly. But creating your own gift pack may be more personal and specific to the person you're giving it to.
Online shopping is not really an option at this point as
gift wouldn't likely arrive in time for Christmas. But if there is a special something only available from the Internet you could order it and enclose a picture of it in a sparkly card with the date of when it's expected to be delivered (and keep your fingers crossed it arrives when it's supposed to). Here's a short list of last-minute gifts in no particular order: socks, gloves, a sweater, movie theatre passes, scented candles, a new towel set, a remote-controlled car, a jigsaw puzzle, an adult colouring book with fancy pencil crayons, books, headphones, a Kindle or iPad, a new bike, boxing gloves, or a new hat. And, of course, anything Star Wars.
If you're out of time and ideas, go for the gift card. Most stores offer gift cards for their own merchandise and many grocery, department, and drug stores have a rack with gift cards for other stores. Gift cards for teens and pre-teens are probably your best bet to avoid that embarrassing moment when you realize your niece wanted a hoverboard, not a chalkboard.
When in doubt, consider a Netflix gift card. Even without the electronic socks, it's great for someone who already has an account (gives them a break from the $8 monthly charge) or for someone who hasn't yet dipped their toe in the Kool-Aid pool. Mixed metaphors aside, it's an easy and interesting gift, especially for older parents or grandparents who aren't signed up yet but may want to give it a try. And it makes you look hip, keepin' up with the young folks. In the end, don't sweat it if you forget to get a gift, can't afford a gift, or just run out of time. Don't get frantic and fussy. Whatever your reason for the season, remember that a kind word or gesture goes a long way. Telling your loved ones how you feel in person, on the phone, in an email, a text, or in a poem, can be priceless.
And being kind and considerate to everyone you meet out there may help the world heal just a little bit after a year that has seen far too many tragedies and could use a little peace and joy.
