Last-minute madness in your house is the norm. (You've actually turned it into an art form.)
So you can easily handle a little hiccup this time of year -- forgotten gifts, suddenly out-of-stock orders, and too-late shipping dates. Keep calm and carry on savvy-style, with these last-minute gift solutions.
Why stress when you can get a spa gift certificate in mere minutes? SpaFinder is a spa aggregator which lists partners with locations across the globe, including most major urban centers in Canada. Type in the city you're looking for, ensure the spa you are interested in has the "Accepts SpaFinder Gift Certificates" on the icon, and follow the steps to purchase. Print out or email a gift certificate to your recipient with all the details and you're a hero this holiday.
Missed making it to the theatre to buy movie tickets to stuff in their stocking? A Netflix subscription (from one to 12 months) can make up for that. The online screening service offers Hollywood hits and TV shows from both current seasons and past. For the video voyeur in your life, this may be an unexpected hit, especially for cottage and ski cabin visits.
Philanthropic possibilities abound in the last minute gift arena, and are one of the best ways to give while giving back. Canadian programs like Blessings in a Backpack as well as more global initiatives including Plan Canada and Kiva (a microfinance lending organization for entrepreneurs in developing countries) offer swell gift solutions.
If your recipient is more grounded, they'll be game for gifts that give to Mother Earth. Adopt a coral reef in their name, or donate to a local project with Evergreen. For those who like to experience life to the fullest, there are some real adventures to be found online. Try That{!}, the experience company, co-ordinates unique experiences in seven provinces across the country including tidal rafting and introductory flying lessons (from $99). A gift voucher can be printed off immediately after being purchased.
For wine, beer, chocolate, or hot sauce lovers, a membership to Monthly Clubs means they'll receive a monthly delivery of their favourite goods for as long as you sign them up (as little as 1 month and up to 12).