If the holiday season slipped away from you and all the good gifts were sold out when you finally made it to the store, don’t worry, last minute gift giving is still acceptable! They always say it is the thought that counts, and even if a gift isn’t given before December 25, that doesn’t mean that the recipient will like it any less.
Here are some last minutes gifts to consider this season:
Salon Capelli in Omaha has all the beauty gifts your employees are looking for. They offer gift certificates for any of their services so you don’t have to try and figure out what your employees would like to switch up their look this holiday season.
“We offer gift certificates for all services we provide including hair, skin and nail care,” Lisa Shafer at Salon Capelli said. “We also offer packages for gifts such as facial packages and more. Popular services include our haircuts, highlights, brow waxes and pumpkin peels.”
People lead busy lives and don’t take enough time out for themselves. Getting them a gift certificate to a salon will force them to go get some “me” time. “These gifts would be great for anyone, especially those looking for a new or refreshed look from a stylist that listens. These also work well for those you know who give and give but never find time for themselves,” Lisa said. “Buy gift certificates for those people who deserve to pamper themselves.”
This holiday season, Salon Capelli has some new products and services that would be great gifts to consider. “We are now carrying a new line of Pureology called “Precious Oils.” This product restores manageability, enhances color vibrancy and is highly recommended by all of our stylists,” Lisa said. “We also carry a broad range of skin care and hair care products such as Aquage, Moroccan Oil, Pureology, Image and American Crew for the men in your office. Any product and service we offer would make great gifts for the holidays, but feel free to call our salon if you have questions. We have a great team of stylists, skin care specialists and nail technicians who are talented, experienced and looking to make you over today! Head to our salon where you will feel comfortable and at home.”
Another option for holiday last minute gifts are at Colby Ridge Popcorn. “At Colby Ridge we specialize in last minute gift giving. We always try to have some gifts ready to go at all of our retail locations. Don’t get stressed out with gift giving, here at Colby Ridge we can take care of everything for you,” Jeff White, Operations Manager at Colby Ridge Popcorn, said.
With plenty of holiday goodies to choose from, here are some favorites of Jeff’s. “We have popcorn canisters, gift boxes, chocolate covered potato chips and assortment boxes that all make wonderful last minute gifts,” Jeff said.
Colby Ridge also has gift cards for those hard-to-purchase-for employees. “We have gift cards and you can put any amount on the card over $5,” Jeff said.
Edible Arrangements also has some great, yummy gift ideas! Ali Henrichs with Edible Arrangements said, “Our Christmas collection is filled with bright, beautiful gifts for everyone on your list this year. Choose the perfect gift from dozens of festive winter fruit bouquets with all your favorite holiday pineapple shapes, gourmet chocolate and more! Plus, for a limited time only, select arrangements are available in keepsake Christmas containers that you can use to decorate year after year. We have several new arrangements offered this year, such as the Joyous Bouquet collection and Luminous Star collection. We also have some of our returning favorites such as the Merry Gingerbread Man Bouquet and our Elegance Platter. You can view these and many more on our website (www.ediblearrangements.com). Gift cards are also a wonderful gift for the holidays and can be purchased at any location for any amount.”
Gifts of food are perfect for corporate gift giving and personal gift giving. They are especially good when you have a group of people you need to buy for (maybe you need something to bring to a holiday party as a hostess gift, need to thank your best customer by treating the office to something delicious or just want to surprise your employees with some tasty treats this holiday season). Many edible treats can be shared by at least a few people and having extra treats around the holidays has become a tradition for many.
Do you have any employees on your list who are extremely hard to buy for? I’m sure we all do. Why not take the easy route and purchase Lottery tickets from any Nebraska Lottery retailer. Who knows, it may be a winning ticket.
“During the holiday season, and throughout the year, the Nebraska Lottery suggests tickets as a gift option for those hard-to-buy-for individuals on your list,” Neil Watson at the Nebraska Lottery said.
The Nebraska Lottery also has games with holiday themes to stay in the holiday spirit. “We have three different Nebraska Lottery Scratch games that feature a holiday theme: $1 Bad Gifts, which can be used as a gift tag; $3 A Christmas Story, featuring artwork inspired by the classic holiday movie; and $5 Peppermint Payout, which features prizes of cash and free Nebraska Pick 5 Lotto plays,” Neil said.
Nebraska Lottery also gives people a chance to “win” even if it isn’t the grand prize. “Players who do not win playing the $1 Bad Gifts game still have a chance to win by entering the ‘All Me’ Shopping Spree promotion. Just submit five eligible non-winning $1 Scratch tickets at nelottery.com for your chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree. A grand prize drawing will be held on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. One grand prize winner will receive $10,000; one first runner-up will receive $1,000; one second runner-up will receive $500, and one third runner-up will receive $250,” Neil said.
Don’t put off buying your Nebraska Lottery tickets this season though as supplies of the holiday-themed tickets are only available for a limited time. “Nebraska Lottery holiday Scratch games are available for a limited time during the holiday season, and are perfect as stocking stuffers, gifts for co-workers, or something fun for the person who already has everything,” Neil said.
Giving a Nebraska Lottery ticket also gives revenue to good causes in the community. “The mission of the Nebraska Lottery is to generate proceeds for good causes while providing quality entertainment options to Nebraskans. Over $458 million has been raised for the Nebraska Lottery’s beneficiary funds since the Lottery began in 1993. All 93 counties in Nebraska have benefited from projects funded with these Nebraska Lottery proceeds,” Neil said.
Are there any golfers in your office? If there are, which I am sure there is at least one, why not give a last minute gift certificate to Quarry Oaks? “If you are looking for a last minute gift, the Quarry Oaks gift card is the perfect solution for the golfer on your list. Consistently rated as one of Nebraska’s top public golf courses, Quarry Oaks is a destination golf course that combines a fabulous golf experience with some of the most beautiful scenery in eastern Nebraska,” Jen Smith, Director of Marketing for Quarry Oaks Golf Club said.
Quarry Oaks also has numerous options for gifts and gift certificates to choose from. “Purchasing a Quarry Oaks Holiday Package is the easiest shopping you will do this season as there is no waiting in long lines! Your best value is to purchase the Quarry Oaks Holiday Golf Package. This is our once-a-year-special on golf, so it is important to take advantage now and complete your shopping for the golfer on your list,” Jen said. “Or, take advantage of our great special and stock up on rounds of golf for yourself. For only $62.95, you will receive a gift card that is valid for: one 18-hole green free and cart rental, practice balls, Quarry Oaks logo ball, or full color yardage guide. And, as a special bonus, when you purchase four packages at $62.95, you’ll receive a fifth absolutely free. It is the best golf offer in the area, and the package can even be used on weekends. Plus, your gift card will never expire. We also offer gift cards for purchases in $25 increments that can be used in our golf shop or restaurant.”
If driving out to Quarry Oaks can’t fit into your schedule, you can also buy gift cards on-line. “To order your Quarry Oaks holiday package, just log on to quarryoaks.com and click on the Holiday Package Link on your home page or the gift card link at the bottom of the page. We promise to process you order quickly. If you live in the Omaha or Lincoln areas, our gift cards will be available at all area Austad’s Golf Stores. You may also call the golf shop if you prefer to order over the phone,” Jen said.
Gifts of golf are an especially great idea for that outdoor summer lover who is dreading the winter season and being cooped up in the house. They can look forward to using their golf themed gift from you and spend the cold winter months planning the perfect golf outing with their buddies as soon as the weather warms up!
Gift cards are also something that Denise DuVall at Lied Lodge and Arbor Day Farm suggests for last minute gift giving. “When people impulse buy (or panic buy when they are really shopping at the last minute), the purchase may not be exactly something the receiver will like,” said Denise. “Gift cards that have multiple outlets are great gifts for someone who may be a little finicky and they are quick and easy to purchase. Gift cards to Arbor Day Farm for the holidays are perfect because they can be used for overnight stays, meals in our dining room, a massage in our spa, entrance to the Tree Adventure or purchases at one of our three gift shops. For those special gifts that you want to wrap yourself, the gift shops at Lied Lodge, The Tree Adventure, and The Arbor Day Farm Apple House all have their own unique themes. Gifts are inspired by nature and include gourmet foods, award-winning Arbor Day Farm wines, Arbor Day Farm coffee, jewelry, Nebraska-made items and much more.
Clothing and accessories also make great last minute gifts. Susie Keuck at Nouvelle Eve says, “We have bamboo chic, barefoot dreams blankets, hoodies and robes, which are the softest cozy-up pieces around. We also have unique scarves from around the world and Votivo candles in all the wonderful scents of the season. We have the ever-so-popular Echo Touch gloves that were touted on Good Morning America, which are unique in the fact that they are the original smart phone accessible glove. Finally, we have the most unique jewelry from across the nation that would make wonderful gifts.”
When purchasing last minute gifts at boutiques, you should keep two important things in mind:
1. Always try to shop at locally owned boutiques. Not only are their return policies usually better, but you can also find more unique choices and are supporting your local economy with every dollar you spend there. There are plenty of wonderful boutiques in our area and all of the owners would be thrilled to see you this holiday season. If you want something specific for a gift and are planning to order it online or at purchasing it at a chain store, always give a local shop a chance first. You might be surprised at what you find!
2. Gravitate toward accessories. When you’re in a rush, you don’t want to try to figure out what size everyone on your list might be and you don’t have the time to ask them. It’s better to pick out scarves, jewelry, gloves and other accessories that can come in any size. If you really can’t decide what to get but still want to support local boutiques, most (if not all) shops have gift cards or gift certificates that you can get and that the recipient can use to pick out whatever they like. This also carries the bonus of introducing the recipient to a new store they may not have known about before.
Although it’s probably not possible to forget your kids this holiday season, many parents have troubles figuring out a gift for their children that does not involve toys, video games, or other items that will either be forgotten in a few weeks or months or that may not be altogether good for them. That’s where Strategic Air and Space Museum comes in.
“We believe that the summer camp experience is the greatest gift you can give your child,” explained Angela Roeber with The Strategic Air & Space Museum. “The Strategic Air & Space Museum is committed to fueling the curiosity of our youth and educating them with a special emphasis in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Not only that, but your child will gain self-confidence, personal accomplishment and lifelong friendships, a gift that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Each summer camp is a new experience, a new challenge and our campers will meet new people and learn something new about themselves, while having more fun than they ever dreamed possible. This is the gift of summer camp. Keep in mind that often times, the gift of experience is far more valuable than any tangible gift and the memories will last a lot longer, too.”
Other ideas for kids gifts can be equipment to enjoy a new sport or activity (golf clubs, soccer ball and cleats, a keyboard to practice the piano), art classes or even a family vacation that everyone can take part in and enjoy! What you need to remember is that ‘things’ will fade away (or break, or will lose their appeal) and will likely not even cross your child’s mind in a few years. Memories and new skills learned last forever. If you really feel the need to give them something physical to put under the tree, you can always buy something to get them excited for the upcoming experience. A model of a spaceship if you are giving them a workshop on space, a new swimsuit if you are taking a trip somewhere warm, etc. is a good thing to wrap and put under the tree and watch when their faces light up when you tell them the experience that comes with the gift!
Of course, you still want to have stocking stuffers for the kids this year if they are at this age. Actually, at ANY age. I know people who are in their 20s and 30s who continue to get their stockings filled by ‘Santa’ each year! Stocking stuffer items can include small toys, books or candy for the smaller kids and for the older ones, scarves, lottery tickets, jewelry, treats or gift certificates to their favorite stores are always well-received.
Even though the holidays are right around the corner, you’re not out of luck when it comes to gift shopping! Concentrate on shopping locally and purchasing quick items such as gift cards and you’ll be right on track to giving everyone on your list a merry Christmas!
Gift Giving is not the only thing that sometimes gets pushed to the last minute this time of year. If you’re a business owner and are trying to schedule a company holiday party, you may also feel like you are running out of time. Don’t stress out this holiday season about trying to squeeze in another party before December 25th! Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, by both you and your employees, and stress is never enjoyable! Why not think about holding your office party after the holidays this year?
“People’s schedules are so busy with parties and family events leading up to the holidays,” Laurie Wolford with Spirit World pointed out. “Often you will get better attendance if you hold your company party after the holidays because there are fewer scheduling conflicts. Generally after New Year’s, people’s social schedules lighten up significantly. It can also create some excitement at a time of year that can be a little bit of a letdown. Sometimes it’s nice to have something to look forward to after the dust settles on the busy holiday season.”
Not only will your guests’ schedules become more open after the holidays are over, but so will the schedules of those professionals you want to work with. Reception halls will not be as booked, caterers will have more evenings available and if you are renting linens or other supplies, you will have a larger selection. You don’t want to have to settle on a second, third or even fourth choice because everyone has already been booked and will probably find that you can almost always get your first choice if you wait until January, February or even March to have your party.
Wondering what you should do for your holiday party when you aren’t technically holding it during the ‘holidays’? “Have fun with it,” suggests Laurie. “It doesn’t have to be a ‘holiday’ theme, per se. It can be a winter theme, a ‘celebrate what a great year we had’ theme or something entirely different. It can be a great opportunity to recognize some of the accomplishments of your employees throughout the entire previous year, since you have your year-end data complete. Also, if you have employees with different backgrounds, this can be a way to have a holiday party without too much emphasis on any one religious celebration that might offend some attendees.”
The theme of your party isn’t the most important thing. The most important is to have some great entertainment, wonderful food and plenty of opportunities to get to know each other better and to congratulate each other for all your hard work. Here are some ideas of where to hold your party:
Retreat Center: Why limit your party to one evening? Once the holidays are over, schedules free up and you can extend your party into more of a retreat and hold it at a location where you can reserve space for everyone to spend the night or even the weekend. This gets everyone out of the office, possibly even out of town, and allows you all to bond in a new environment.
Hotel: The same that holds true for retreat centers holds true for hotels. You can reserve a block of rooms and let your employees take a night or weekend away. This is also a good idea because no one has to worry about driving home late at night (and possibly after having some drinks) and you can all have breakfast together the next morning.
Bar or restaurant: Bars and restaurants always make festive locations for company parties and the refreshments (and sometimes even the entertainment) are already taken care of. If you have a small group, you can usually just walk in and get a table. If you have a larger group, call places to inquire about private party rooms or to reserve a table large enough to accommodate you. The good news about holding your party after the holidays is that it should not be that difficult to find somewhere that has room for your party, no matter how large.
Your home: If you have your party in January, you can leave up your holiday decorations for a few extra weeks and have the party at your home. If you’re holding it later in the year, you can decorate your home for the party’s theme. The important thing is, you’re inviting your employees to celebrate with you where you live, which is a very personal way of saying ‘thank you’ and that you are welcoming them into your and your family’s lives. You can either bring in outside catering or cook for the event yourself or even hold a potluck where your employees can bring in some of the new dishes (or old favorites) they’ve discovered over the holiday season. A few board games, a short speech by you or just some visiting and great refreshments and you’re done!
“As a retailer and a caterer, the period from Thanksgiving through New Year’s is extremely busy for us, so we’re exhausted by January 1st,” wrapped up Laurie Wolford with Spirit World. “We have our holiday party in January to celebrate surviving another holiday season! It’s a time we all get together to relax, enjoy some good food and drinks, and toast our accomplishments from the holiday sales season. It’s great bonding for our team and a way for us to say thank you for all their hard work. If your business is seasonal, you might consider having a holiday party shortly after your busy season to celebrate and reward all the hard work your staff contributed.”
If you do decide to push the date of your holiday party this year, you may want to consider doing so next year and the year after that. Perhaps your employees have been stressing out about the party for the past month or so and will be relieved when they hear the date of the party has been extended. Why make them go through this stress every year? Make it known that the office’s new tradition is to hold the holiday office party in January (or February, or whichever month you choose) each year and that everyone can plan on this. Your employees will appreciate the information and will be to schedule their own holiday get togethers more freely without worrying that they will need to shuffle things around to accommodate the office party.
Don’t stress out this holiday season! It’s a time to enjoy the blessings in your life, including your family, friends and the wonderful team you’ve built at work. This is not a time to stress out about standing in lines to buy gifts or to run around crazy trying to find somewhere to hold a holiday party that no one has time to attend anyway. Enjoy your holidays and focus on what matters most! Happy holidays!