5 Last Minute Gifts from the Supermarket that are Ace

For all our best intentions, sometimes time gets away from us or things just go totally pear shaped and we’re left to grab a last minute gift from the Supermarket on the way to the celebration. This can be totally overwhelming as it feels like there is nothing cool at the supermarket, but here are some fun ones that will totally save the day!

1. Gift Cards

This is a quick and easy one. Go to the supermarket on the way and go to the gift card stand that they have. (There should be one on the end of one isle or near the check out). Pick a gift card and take it to the registers and have it loaded with some cash. Pop it in an envelope and with their name on it and you’re good to go!

2. Make Your Own Gift Hamper

If you’ve got an idea of what the person likes, this can be a great gift idea. Either take an unused hamper from home or head to the storage container section of the supermarket and pick a container or hamper in the size of your choice.

Then grab some things that would make for a fun picnic or are things your gift recipient loves, including from the hair and beauty section and don’t forget to grab some ribbon or an oversized bow from the wrapping section. Pop all the things you bought into the container/hamper and add a bow to the front. Wrap in cellophane if you have time.

3. Stationery

Cute stationery and a sketch book/notebook is a great gift that you can get at the supermarket and they also sell sweet gift bags that you can put them in. Once, about 5 years ago, the gift I ordered online as a Christmas gift (for a Miss 8) didn’t arrive in time and in my optimism I had decided to wait until late afternoon Christmas Eve to finally concede that it wasn’t going to make it and the only shop open was the supermarket. I scoured the shelves for something to get her, and I found a cute notebook that clipped shut with a magnet and a ten colour pen. She was thrilled (phew!).

4. A Baking Gift

If you have a friend who isn’t too fussy on ingredients but loves to bake then a box of cupcake mix plus a cupcake tin or two and some wrappers all in a nice gift bag make a fun and easy gift. You can easily pop them all in the gift bag on the way to the car. Add some tissue paper to the top for some mystery! I did this one year, and it wasn’t even last minute. I think the baking tins makes it a great useful gift and the cupcake mix adds to the fun.

5. Glitter Jar of Cash

Head to the Glass Jar/Storage isle and get a glass jar that’s around the size of a pint jar (my supermarket was sold out so I went to KMart). Then find where they sell the glitter and buy some. Silver, red or green are great Christmas colours. Once paid for, add the glitter to the jar, close the lid and shake it up. It should stick to the sides a bit and look fun. Then add some cash to it, and you’re ready to give your gift.  (Even if the glitter doesn’t totally stick to the sides, turn it upside down and call it a money snow globe ;) There’s hours of fun in that!)

Hopefully these give you some fun last minute gift ideas that you can pick up on the way to your celebration. The great thing about these is that they can work for birthday celebrations and in most cases, housewarming gifts too!

What’s your go-to for last minute gifts? Tell me in the comments.