So, it happened again. Last year, you swore that you’d never, ever leave Christmas shopping to the last minute, then life got in the way and there you are again – caught up in the procrastination trap, with a handful of names still to cross off your Santa’s list.

Don’t worry, it can happen to the best of us. And it’s not too late. Here are some handy gift ideas to save another Christmas.

The perfect quick gift?

They may not be the most creative, but gift cards are always appreciated. And the greatest thing about them is there’s a huge range to choose from, depending on the recipient’s taste.

Giftstation.co.nz offers a wide array of gift cards from leading retailers and well-known brands. In a few clicks, you can purchase a gift card online and have it couriered to any locations in New Zealand, along with a personalised message.

Otherwise, if you like a more old-school approach, you can head down to your favourite shop or bookstore, and see if they offer gift vouchers.

What’s in the box?

Gift boxes are another popular choice and, just like gift cards, you can easily purchase them online.

A simple Google search will turn out a ton of options. Just to name a few, you may find a good selection of gift boxes and hampers at Spoilme.co.nz, CelebrationBox, The Pressie Box, Little Koha, and BoxSmith.

You can shop by occasion, by recipient, and in some cases even by colour, or build a custom box and have it gift-wrapped and delivered.

It’s Christmas every month

What about a subscription box? Subscription boxes can be a great way to spoil your friends or family all-year-round. And there’s a good one for almost everyone out there – from beauty products to self care, chocolates, coffee and seasonal cheese.

Some good examples include My Treat Box (a monthly delivery of beauty products for busy women), Kimera (purpose-fit for students); My Chocolate Box (nine selections of NZ best chocolate flavours, delivered to your friend’s door); The Cheeseclub (for the cheeselover in your life); On the Grind (a coffee-lover’s heaven) and I Am Co. (delivering ethical, local and sustainable products all over New Zealand).

Lastly, if the recipient is a bit of a “dog person”, NZ Dog Box may be a good idea. Each monthly box contains five or six treats and one or two premium toys – just what your friend needs to spoil their pup on a regular basis.

Something memorable

Sometimes, the best gifts are experiences rather than items, and once again, there are plenty of options to select from.

Redballoon offers a range of adventures for every taste and budget, from food and wine to guided tours, extreme sports and once-in-a-lifetime driving experiences. Remember.co.nz, as the name aptly suggests, is all about memorable presents, provided by a large range of suppliers throughout New Zealand. Similarly, EverythingNewZealand offers a broad selection of locally-sourced gift vouchers, ranging from adrenaline-pumping adventures to relaxing experiences.

Get creative

If you’re feeling creative, there are plenty of great DIY ideas online that will not only help you save Christmas but also some hard-earned money.

For example, Forbes has published a list of “ten unique Secret Santa gift ideas that don’t require much time, effort or Pinterest-worthy crafting skills.” From herb-scented candles to homemade granola bars jars, map coasters and bookmarks, you might be able to sort out a present for your bookworm cousin and that friend who has a bit of a green thumb…

Happy shopping! Enjoy the break and see you in the New Year. 

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current development or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.