How to Buy a Last-Minute Gift

So you forgot to go shopping. Steady on—it’s not too late to fix this. Read on for safe last-minute gifts to get the three most important(ish) people in your life.

73210344

Recipient: Your Kid

Children are easily fooled. You may use this to your advantage.

Timeframe:

1 Day: There’s still an opportunity to give an experience, like a tickets to a football or basketball game. Buy a ticket online, print, envelope and you’re done. Best. Dad. Ever.

1 Hour: Tell them that this year as a special treat, they get to pick out their own present—but be prepared because, like their old man, they’ve got expensive tastes.

**

82862532

Recipient: Your Wife

Unfortunately, she isn’t easily fooled. Exercise caution—your next move could mean the difference between sleeping on the couch and being, ahem, handsomely rewarded.

Timeframe:

1 Day: Reserve at her favourite restaurant. All booked up? Begging sometimes works—as does a handsome tip to the maître d’ if he comes through for you. Order flowers. Buy Champagne. Pour your feelings into a card. Done and done.

1 Hour: Want to know a secret? There are very few women on this planet who wouldn’t swoon at the presentation of a blue Tiffany & Co. box. Call ahead and let them know you’re coming and how much you’re prepared to spend. And don’t cheap out—she’ll know.

**

758627_0_9999_v1_m56577569852843784

Recipient: Your Boss

Don’t stress too much—he never got you anything for your birthday after all—but in this case it’s the thought and effort that counts more than anything. 

Timeframe:

1 day: Organize a group-gift with your colleagues. Scrape up as much cash as possible and buy a gift card for his favourite golf course online. Get a tasteful blank card and sign it “from the team.” He’ll know it was from you because you’re the one delivering it, but you’ll also come off as a team player.

1 hour: No sweat. Get to the liquor store, and purchase her favourite bottle of Scotch or something nice from Bordeaux or Piemonte. You do know what she drinks, right?