He proudly placed the gift into my hands.  I recognized the logo on the box immediately.

What gifts stand out in your memory?  A surprise something that was way beyond what you expected?  Something you gave a loved one that really delighted them?  An occasion when you had hopes of getting a certain something and were disappointed?  Presents you were never thanked for?  A gift you took a chance on giving and happily it met a need you weren’t aware of?

I remember  the gift my husband bought for me one Christmas many years ago.  He hates to shop, but he ventured into a good quality women’s clothing store and bought me something I needed and wanted and even in the right size.  We were young and so broke.  Clothing wasn’t high on the priority list- definitely under food and housing and kids which took almost everything we had.  There just hadn’t been enough for a new pair of slacks for me.  I was so impressed that he had secretly gone out of his comfort zone- a store, and had scraped together the money to get me the perfect gift.  Doesn’t sound very special now-a-days, but when finances were super tight, we appreciated small things.

Speaking of small things, here is a short list of

Small gifts under $25. that may solve some of your last minute gift dilemmas:

Silk Pillowcases:  affordable luxury that lasts a long time and offers many benefits such as no face creases from sleeping on wrinkled pillowcases, and no frizzy hair from rubbing on the pillow.  They wash and dry with the sheets and show no signs of wear after a year.  Oosilk is the brand I purchased. Found Oosilk for lowest price here:

Wool Dryer Balls.  Claims are made that they reduce dryer times, but I haven’t found that to be true for me.  But they do reduce wrinkles in my clothing.  You see, I can’t hear the dryer ding when the clothes are dry because the dryer is in our shed while we’re living in an RV.  But these balls have definitely reduced wrinkling even when I leave the clothes in the dryer after it stops.  It cuts down on static electricity.  Way better for allergy sufferers than dryer sheets.  If you must have fragrance, you can put essential oil on the balls.

Woolsies- given to me and I love them.  I don’t use fabric softener because of allergies, so it was nice to receive these from our sweet daughter-in-love.  I tried using essential lavender oil on the balls, but even that was too strong for my husband.  So I use them just the way they are. Buy here.

Brand X dryer balls.  Haven’t used these.

Colored Pencils and Coloring Books.  For girls and boys who enjoy making art in a relaxed way, especially ages 9-14.  A great way to just unwind and step away from the rat race.  Adults enjoy this, too.  I recommend pencils that come in a tin for safe shipping and storage.  Having their own special place is part of the charm.  Last year I purchased these for a grandson who cherishes them and has gotten hours and hours of enjoyment from this simple pleasure:

36 colored pencils for $18. In a plastic package.  I prefer a tin.
Coloring book of animals with detailed coloring guide and info on each animal.  He really enjoyed learning while coloring.

This year I purchased these for a granddaughter:
72 colored pencils in a tin for $22. Plus shipping
coloring book of illustrated Psalms

Magazine Subscriptions.  Educational gift that keeps giving all year long.  Kids love getting mail and each month is a new adventure in reading.  Choose by age and interests.  I’ve sent these magazines with good reactions from our grandkids:

National Geographic Little Kids, National Geographic Kids, Ranger Rick, Family Fun-activities for parents to do with kids, Clubhouse– teaches character values to 8-12 year olds, Clubhouse Junior for ages 3-7

For adults;  Smithsonian, Discover

Gifts under $100.

Classes- online and in person.  What’s better than learning?!  Learning together!  You may choose to take the class with the recipient for a shared experience.  Years ago one of my daughters and I took a calligraphy class together.  Then we took a stamping class.  Those skills gave us many hours of enjoyment together long after the class was over.  Or you can buy an online course and watch it together.

Gift Certificates- gives the recipient freedom to choose, and the money won’t get spent on groceries.  Etsy, Amazon, a store they like,  (great camera online store is B and H.  Really good customer service every time I’ve ever called them with a question.)

Gifts a little over $100.

Have a neat freak on your list?  Or someone who should be a little neater?  This little vacuum is the best!  Perfect for wood floors.  So lightweight that an elderly person can easily use it.  So can children!  I love mine and gave one to my very clean mother-in-law.  She loves hers, too, and that’s the best recommendation ever!  ElectroLux Ergorapido

This year we gave a family gift to some of our adult kids for their whole family to enjoy.  I sent them this high quality bean bag chair.  (After I asked them if they wanted one and which color they preferred.)  Next year I’ll let you know if that was a good idea.