Your Guide To (Last-Minute) Gifting!

Written by: Lauren Groff 

There’s one more week of school left until winter break and the holiday spirit has hit us over the head with a hammer! Christmas commercials are flooding television and Christmas songs are appearing once again on the radio. With the overload of holiday time commercialism, it's time to start wrapping up presents for all of your friends and loved ones. Is the stress of finding the perfect present leaving you wondering if it really is the most wonderful time of the year? Have no fear! The Oracle is here to help you find the perfect presents for everyone on your list.

For your teacher: Mugs

This may seem like the classic teacher gift, but mugs are often a nice and practical gift for your teachers. Many decorative mugs that include quotes or designs, so if you know that a certain teacher has a love for a television show, find a mug related to that! (It’s easier than you would think, trust me.) If you're looking to spice things up, you can always add candies, cookies, or hot chocolate mix in the mug and tie it with a bow for decorative presentation.

For your friends: Gift cards to local restaurants or their favorite store

Gift cards may seem impersonal to many, but if they are tied to local businesses or restaurants, they will be of much more use. Some gift card ideas for around town include Nail Q, Cloveberry, Krogh’s, or the Sparta Diner. Giving out gift cards to any of these places is also a good excuse to find some time to hang out with people you haven't spent time with in a while. Benefit your friends and help support local businesses all in one by giving gift cards this holiday season.

For your parents: A Parent’s Night Out

You have creative liberty with this gift idea: Pick your parents’ favorite restaurant and offer to watch your younger siblings for the night. Let them have a night out for dinner together without the stress of worrying about hiring a babysitter. Adults value time with each other greatly: when you think about it, they spend most of their time taking you and your siblings to and from your own sports and activities all of the time! This simple gift idea will be very appreciated and remembered for years to come.

For your coach: New cones or more equipment

Have a favorite sports coach in mind? For a useful present this year, try gifting cones or equipment that can be used in practice. Not only will your contribution serve as a Christmas present for your coach, but it will benefit the whole team - coaches love a team player. For inexpensive options and a wide variety of colors and sizes, check Amazon, Model’s, or Dick’s Sporting Goods for packages of cones, balls, ladders, etc.

For your Grandparents: Homemade Crafts

With most all Grandparents, home made and from the heart always wins. Try browsing Pinterest or simply Googling “DIY Christmas Gifts” for a plethora of how-to guides on how to make something amazing for that Grandma or Grandpa that you have in mind.

Whether you’ve had the perfect gift in mind since November 1st or find yourself in need of help, hopefully this list gave you some good ideas!