The holiday season is usually filled with joy and happiness, but it can be sprinkled with moments of stress and awkwardness too. One thing that causes me anxiety is the unexpected gift. I will never forget the year that a relatively new friend of mine dropped by unexpectedly with a lovely apron and oven mitt set. It was thoughtful, exactly what I needed, and in a style that I loved. I had nothing to give her back. I stammered my thanks, mumbled something about how I had hers, but had not wrapped it yet, and rushed out to the mall later that day. Since then, I have realized the value in keeping a stash of pre-wrapped gifts on hand. Of course there are the old standbys like wine and chocolates, but I like to think of things that are a bit more personal. I stick post-it notes on each package to remind me of what is inside, and I can quickly choose something appropriate. Not only are these useful for those unexpected gift moments, but they also make great last minute hostess gifts. Here are a few of my favourites:
1. "Smart Cookie" Decorating Kit: Package a variety of different sprinkles, coloured sugars, silver dragee balls and other decorative goodies in a pretty box with a festive cookie cutter and a favourite family cookie recipe, and your recipient will have everything they need for an afternoon of festive baking fun.
2. DIY Hot Chocolate Bar: Select a high quality hot chocolate mix, and combine it with a bag of marshmallows, a box of candy canes, cinnamon sticks, vanilla or coloured sugar, and cigar style cookies or biscotti.
3. Just add Wine and Cheese: Rather than giving the wine or the cheese itself, give the accessories to go along with them. Gourmet crackers, small packages of dried cranberries and almonds, and a jar of high quality honey are all great options to go along with a cheese platter. You could even add a cheese board or cheese knife to make a more substantial gift.
4. Breakfast is in the Bag: This is a particularly nice hostess gift, but it works as a gift for neighbours and unexpected friends too. Combine a bottle of maple syrup, a gourmet fruit spread, and a few extra goodies like a high quality pancake or muffin mix, a muffin or loaf tin, or perhaps coffee or tea. You could even include a favourite family breakfast recipe.
5. Sundae Fun: Gifting ice cream might be tricky, but you can easily put together a basket with everything needed for an ice-cream sundae bar. Chocolate or caramel sauce, fruit syrup, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and candies such as Smarties or Reese's Pieces can all be fun ice cream toppings. You could also include an ice cream scoop, or parfait glasses.
6. Read all About It: Another great gift to have on hand if your friends have children, high quality children's books are almost always appreciated, and choosing books related to Christmas or the holidays makes the gift extra special.
7. Cook up Some Fun: Chose a cookbook with broad appeal, such as one by a celebrity chef, and pair it with a fun kitchen tool like a rasp or a silicone spatula in a bright colour, or a new pair of oven mitts.
8. Music to my Ears: A recently released holiday CD is always nice to receive. A small candle or a package of tea, coffee or hot chocolate makes a nice addition to the gift.
9. A Noteworthy Gift: A lovely set of blank notecards is handy to have on hand. Pair them with a notepad, a journal, a pretty pen, or even a set of stamps and your friend will have everything they need to stay in touch. If you are crafty, you could even make the cards yourself.
10. Board Again: Classic board games like Scattergories and Taboo are great for adults, or choose a kid friendly favourite like Candyland or Jenga for a family.
Do you keep a gift stash? If so, what is in it?
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