DECEMBER 17, 2009

Need Last-Minute Gifts?

Not through checking off your holiday list yet? You're not alone. 52 percent of PINK readers admit they're last-minute shopping this year. 

"The key is not to end up empty-handed, but to look like you've put some thought into it," says Robyn Spizman, foremost gift expert and founder of TheGiftionary.com. When ordering online, she suggests services with e-mail notifications for the recipient, in case the gift doesn't arrive on time. "Or print out a picture of the item and package it in a cute way."

Braving the crowds at the stores? Avoid the pre-wrapped gifts. Instead, "consider a theme. Think about brands (of gum, food, magazines or other goodies) you know the person loves, or create a gift basket that reflects some interest."

Spizman suggests these last-minute gifts.

Co-workers:  AmericanPersonalizedProducts.com has personalized, hand-forged steel products (like bookmarks and key hooks).  Wrapsody in Blue Esque candles leave hand-blown glass artworks when finished burning.

Clients:  Gourmet Season's Greetings cakes from Bake Me A Wish! can be shipped nationwide when ordered by 4:50 pm the day before.

Significant other: With these portable speakers, your sweetie can listen to his (or her) favorite tunes.

Parents: Call a toll-free number and record personalized messages for the recipient, who'll receive a keepsake box with the sentiments. Just click "Quick Ship" at VoiceQuilt.com.

Kids: Inspire some creativity with custom-made superhero and princess cape sets from Baby Pop.  For older children, consider a portable DVD player.

Minute Mentor Link: The best gift you can give other businesswomen? Your support. Former CNN exec, Gail Evans, tells how.