Frugal Last-Minute Gifts Ideas

Frugal last-minute gift ideas: Is there really such a thing? Fortunately, there is. Save your budget and sanity by giving one of these quick but thoughtful gifts.

Plants
Do you have a green thumb? If so, your home is probably overwhelmed by plants. Choose one of them to give as a gift, and you'll free up space while giving a no-cost gift. To prepare for future last-minute gift needs, separate your plants regularly and place the transplants in attractive containers. Then simply nurse them along until you're ready to give them away.

Grocery store gifts
You've still got to run to the grocery store and whip up a dish to bring to the party. Sound familiar? If so, don't add gift shopping to the list. Instead pick up something gift-worthy at the grocery store. Go for a package of fresh ground coffee, a loaf of bakery bread and preserves, a wedge of gourmet cheese or a good-quality bottle of olive oil. These gifts don't have to cost much and will save you valuable time when you need it most.

Sample basket
Are you a freebie junky? If so, you probably already have the makings for the perfect last-minute gift. Just choose a theme and assemble a basket of samples that fit this theme. Think spa basket, gourmet coffee or travel goodies. To make this gift easy to assemble, get in the habit of placing all of your freebies in one location. Then you'll always know where to go for a great quickie gift.

Ready-to-bake treats
Food gifts are always popular, so seize upon this popularity by giving the gift of a homemade treat. No time to cook, you say? No problem. Just make up an extra batch or two of cookies every time you bake up a batch for your family, and then freeze the extra batter in a log shape. When you need an impromptu gift, all you'll have to do is grab a cookie-dough log from the freezer and wrap.

Be sure to jot down the recipe and cooking instructions for the recipient.

Do you can? Are you known for a special BBQ sauce or salad dressing? If so, these are all gifts that you can grab off of your pantry shelf and go. Just make up extra bottles for gift giving, and you'll always have a gift to fall back on when you get in a pinch.

Gift closet goodies
Gift closets are the frugal person's best friend. Designate an area of your home for storing future gifts, and then stock up on one-size-fits-all items like candles, bath products and costume jewelry. Once your closet is stocked, you'll always have an appropriate gift on hand.

Wrap and go with ease
When you're short on time, you don't want to have to fuss with picking out the right gift wrap and then wrapping up your gift. Ease this hassle by having everything that you need on hand. Pick up several rolls of solid-colored wrapping paper and you won't have to bother with buying wrap for each occasion.

Then pick up some attractive, blank note cards to include in your stash. Just add in a personal message, and you'll avoid all of that time spent trying to pick out the "just right" card from the store.

Last-minute gifts don't have to mean a last-minute trip to the store. Look around your home, and you may just find that you have the perfect gift ready and waiting.