"Phone It In" Holiday Gifts
I’ll admit it; we’re phoning in the holidays this year. But even when we are more invested in seasonal celebrations, we always keep a few wrapped “just in case” gifts handy for those people we either inadvertently left off our gift lists, or who might drop in unexpectedly. It’s almost easier to select personalized gifts than find something that will appeal to a wider contingent of various denominations and demographics, but over the years we’ve come up with some tried-and-true favorites.
A nice box of chocolates. Around here, See’s Assorted Chocolates are always a hit.
Scented candles. Small diptyques, or a selection of votives from Pier 1 or a favorite local boutique, in a gift basket with two or three simple votive holders. Or a pair of beeswax tapers, for those whom you suspect may actually own a pair of candlesticks.
Some nice milled soaps. L’Occitaine has some nice options, or again, something handcrafted from a local boutique or artisan always adds a personal touch, and supports a local business.
A bottle of dessert wine. Just a notch more festive than your average Merlot or Chardonnay.
What are your favorite “on hand” holiday gifts?
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Wonderful choices, I practically have a moat around my house, no one gets in without an invite, so no need to keep anything extra on hand!
Wonderful choices, I practically have a moat around my house, no one gets in without an invite, so no need to keep anything extra on hand!
Double Chocolate Chunk Biscotti that I make a large batch of and wrap in clear holiday sleeves and tie with raffia.
I keep a few extra bottles of good champagne all tied up with pretty ribbons. Everyone loves champagne but doesn’t often buy it for themselves so it makes a wonderful gift.
Funny, our respective posts today! The art is finding a generic gift that does not scream generic (which in turn says, I did not think of you, but had to give something), so I really like your choice of a more local/regional candy or chocolate than the ubiquitous mall choice (e.g., Godiva).
Always choose something you will use yourself if not gifted.
Vintage scarves and hankies! Works every time and my supply is endless.
Locally made items are always appreciated: Enstrom’s toffee, homemade preserves, and kitchen towels that are handwoven by a local cooperative.
I have a small stash of Porto soap — they have the most wonderful wrapping, so they already look like a gift! I also have small jars of blackberry jam that I made in the summer, if I want to personalize a bit more. And for variety, I just picked up a few triple-packs of Occitane hand cream in the purse size. They’re all items I’ll use myself if I don’t need to give them away.
These are lovely, I shall be stopping by unexpectedly at any moment : > We also have chocolates and wines, but I think soaps and jams would also be tres magnifique.
She hid them under her bed, so she wouldn’t have to share them.
Is that wrong?
Your list of gifts and mine are very similar!
I have some fancy olive oils and balsamic vinegars on hand instead of the wines.
As a former Chicagoan I always love Fannie May candy and Marshall Field’s Frango mints. Now having had See’s candy I can certainly understand the impulse to keep them to oneself; the toffee is especially wonderful. I love all of these suggestions, particularly the dessert wine and hostess’ suggestion of olive oil and balsamic vinegar – she may have just solved my puzzle of what to get for some non-drinkers who wouldn’t want candy.
Excellent choices. I use these and good box or homemade cookies (nicely packaged).
Oh I have no on-hand gifts – but it’s such a good idea – I really should be more organised. Had a last-minute panic yesterday, I was meeting a friend & ended up giving her somebody else’s present. Oops.
New Years resolution #1: climb through the barricades of Bourbon & Pearls ;-P
I like to keep the following handy:
1. handmade chocolate treats (mostly nuts coated in chocolate stuff) neatly wrapped,etc.
2. a few small plushies in case kids come around or something similar. Last year I gave them glo-in-the-dark bracelets
3. handmade soap (bought in a local store)
4. a wicker basket filled with homemade jam, relish and pickled mushrooms
Usually food items such as really good olive oil, vinegar, bacon I have cured myself, chutneys or jams – given in a (new) reusable shopping bag.
That way anything I don’t use just goes into my own pantry 🙂
Dessert wine…that I can get into! I sent fresh Christmas wreaths as gifts last year and they were a big hit…few people down here buy them fresh! These are excellent ideas as well.
I would be happy with any of these lovely gifts (especially candles!)I like to have a bottle of champagne in an organza bag as a ‘just in case’ gift.
http://missbbobochic.blogspot.com/
I have a bunch of new hardcover cookbooks–I thought they would work for many occasions, paired with some nice dishtowels, etc. Still waiting for an occasion!
Re Sees candy–the first time I visited Pasadena, home of future in-laws, my future mil–a chocoholic–was given a box of Sees. She hid them under her bed, so she wouldn’t have to share them.
Your emergency kit is splendid!
I might keep a few boxes of handmade chocolates in reserve.
I keep Sonoma Lavender lotions and some Italian soaps on hand. And, depending on the recipient, a nice bottle of wine works well.
Great idea about the luxury candle. I should pick a few of those up to have just in case.
I am big fan of giving consumable gifts like soap, candy, food and wine. That way you don’t force the receiver to make a decision about what to do with yet more stuff.
No matter how many fancy chocolate places open, everyone in the US has a special place in their hearts for See’s Candies. I love them, and have so many fond memories that come with them. Great choice! And retro too.
Mmmmm, See’s. I love the Mint Crispies especially (dark chocolate). We used to have a local pecan shop that sold candy coated pecans in decorative tins, very good gifts. Sadly they went out of business; wish I could still buy those.
So impressed. I have never, ever reached this level of civility. Always out scrambling last minute. Must bring you just that nice incremental bit of calm.
Veuve Clicquot champagne. I personally like Perrier Jouet better, but people get more excited about the orange label of the Veuve.
I bought three to have on hand for last minute gifts or invitations when Safeway had their 30% off wine sale (which I am still puzzled about because I don’t think it was much cheaper than their regular “club card” deals.)
The good news is, if I don’t end up needing to give last minute gifts, I get to drink it.
P.S. you’d be my best friend forever if you gave me the See’s.