Last Minute Gifts for Everyone on Your List

by Corcoran McEnearney

It happens to all of us…you begin December with the best of intentions and make plans to get ahead on all of your holiday gift shopping, only for the middle of the month to approach in the blink of an eye! This festive season definitely goes by fast, and we don’t blame you if you need to tackle a bit of last minute shopping. We’re here to help make things easier on you with a few creative ideas for everyone on your list that certainly won’t make it seem like you procrastinated!

Photo courtesy of: South Block

Make Their Fave Workout a Bit Sweeter

If your spouse can’t get enough of SoulCycle, purchase a class pack at their home studio but take this gift to the next level by incorporating a gift card for some sort of post-workout treat. For example, who doesn’t love a South Block smoothie or acai bowl after getting a good sweat in? This combo can be purchased on the fly but will still appear thoughtful!

Get Cooking at Sur La Table

Have a budding chef in your life? Sign them up for an in-store cooking class at Sur La Table, which has multiple locations in the region. The company offers everything from macaron making workshops to brunch extravaganzas—consider buying a seat for yourself, too, so that your spouse or child will have a built-in plus one.

Pick Up a Beautiful Piece of Jewelry

Who doesn’t love receiving a nice piece of everyday jewelry for the holidays? Stop by Gorjana, which has a new location on Bethesda Row, and select a ring, bracelet, or set of earrings.

Plan a Weekend Getaway

January isn’t the most exciting month, but you can make it a bit better by surprising your lucky recipient with a winter getaway. Book a room at a famed spot like The Greenbrier or The Inn at Little Washington, or just plan a little staycation at a hotel in the area. It’s always nice to have something special to look forward to once the festive season is over!

Shop for Stocking Stuffers That They’ll Actually Use

If you’re in need of stocking stuffers that will delight, stop by Tatte Bakery, a Boston-based favorite that now has locations in Bethesda, DC, and Clarendon. Grab a bag of their signature granola or just stock up on gift cards. Tatte’s pastries, coffees, and grain bowls cannot be missed and perfect for the man, woman, or teen on the go!

Mini candles, perfumes, or luxe lip balms also make for excellent stocking stuffers. Stop by one of Bluemercury’s many locations in the DMV and grab a few items for the whole family. You could also consider purchasing a limited edition holiday gift set and dividing it up to fill several stockings!

Chocolate is a simple yet universally loved stocking stuffer that will never disappoint. The Chocolate House in DC is full of delectable, artisanal chocolates from all over the world that come in pretty packaging (always a bonus!). This would be an excellent place to snag any last minute hostess gifts you need to grab, too.

Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9