five things Friday: go-to giftables

My gift grid guides are done for the season (check them out if you're still shopping - I've got plenty of ideas for gifts that everyone wants, needs, can wear, can read...), and almost all of my shopping is done too, but there are always those last hard-to-buy-for people on the list, aren't there? If you're running into the same, I thought I'd share 5 of my go-to items for these cases, where you're shopping for someone who already has it all, or who doesn't want more stuff, so you're looking for something useful or consumable (bonus points that most of them can be gotten last minute).

1. Shutterfly custom calendars: a great gift for grandparents - I like to make calendars featuring Hendrik's artwork, but it's also fun to plaster pictures of their grandkid all over it of course. I've also made calendars for Peter for his office. Really, anyone can use a calendar, and they are endlessly personalizable. Their customizable ornaments also make for meaningful gifts that are useful. I do one for Hendrik every year.

2. Book of the Month Club subscription: for anyone who enjoys reading, this is of course perfect. They get the fun of picking out a new book for 3/6/12 months, and you don't have to worry about trying to find something they haven't read yet!

3. Blue Apron gift card: give the gift of delicious food and convenience - this one is a nice gift for couples, such as my in-laws, who might enjoy the chance to cook a meal together and try out some new flavors/recipes.

4. Paint by Sticker books: okay, I know I have mentioned these a million times (and they appear on a gift grid this year too), but seriously they are my go-to right now if I need something small - for teachers, for grandparents or anyone who enjoys puzzles, for gift exchanges that require a $10 type thing. And they have kids' versions too - all available via Amazon Prime, or I've also seen them in-store at Target.

5. Charitable donation: and I have to mention, in the spirit of the season, the idea of making a donation to a charity in your giftee's name. Heifer International always has a great "charitable gifts catalogue" where you can pick out things from goats to water pumps and education funding to help people around the world. They also provide nicely designed cards that you can give to the person you are honoring with your gift. And there are tons of other great places to donate to as well, based on the interests/passions of your honoree! Around here we also like to support World Bicycle Relief, Partners in Health, and SBP (disaster recovery).


And with that, I should be able to wrap up my gift buying this weekend. How about you?