We’ve all been there. You make lists and shop and plan for weeks (months, maybe?) only to find yourself in a pickle when your brother’s new girlfriend stops by, or you realize at the last minute that you’re the only one without a gift for the teacher.
Or maybe you forgot to get your husband something. Hey, it happens…
Here a list of some never-fail gifts that you can give to almost anyone, male or female, from the mail carrier to your secret Santa swappee. Just keep a couple wrapped up with a bow in your closet and excuse yourself for a moment if/when an unexpected gift-giving situation arises. (Tie a blank tag on each and stash a pen in there, too.)
You’ll be Ms. Perfectly Prepared, and look like you never missed a thing. (And if you don’t use them? They’re all awesome enough to keep for yourself, too!)
1. Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottle
2. A leatherbound journal
3. A Tervis tumbler
4. An entertainment book filled with coupons for local stores, restaurants, etc. You can often get these from community groups, boy scouts, etc.
5. A gift certificate for a local oil change (I LOVE this gift!)
6. Reusable bamboo lunch utensils (like those from To-Go Ware)
7. A gas station gift card tie to a bottle of dashboard wipes
8. 2 canning jars, one with a Cuppow lunchbox adaptor
9. Texting gloves (Make sure they’re good quality. Crappy gloves are kind of a crappy gift.)
10. A gift certificate for movie tickets and a box of Junior Mints
11. An assortment of all-natural candies (think The Lovely Candy Co.) in a mason jar tied with a seasonal bow. Add a toothbrush if you’re feeling funny.
12. A grocery store gift card wrapped up in a reusable shopping bag
13. 2 bars of really good quality organic, fair trade chocolate – one plain, one exotic (like a chocolate quinoa bar!)
14. A bottle of spiced apple wine. (If you can get local, do it! It gives your gift a story.) Maybe add a nice bottle opener, if budget allows.
15. An Oxfam donation. There may be no bigger gift than a goat for someone who really needs a goat. They even offer a printable gift card option on their website.
16. A set of Toockies fair trade scrub dish cloths 
17. A gift certificate for a local eatery (make sure it’s one you like, just in case) 😉
18. A set of glass straws from Glass Dharma
19. A set of Facebook Like and Dislike Stamps 
20. A whole buncha lottery tickets stuck in a box of tissues (to cry in, of course!) LMAO!
What would you add to the list?
Awesome Gift Ideas. Fantastic way to be prepared!
Debbie Denny recently posted…Dog-ma zen of slobber – Dogtastic Doggie Swag Bag Giveaway!
I’m so pinning this – what a great list!!! A Tervis Tumbler is my go-to gift!
Melissa recently posted…Black Friday Starts NOW at Carter’s – 50% Entire Store! {$50 Carter’s Gift Card Giveaway}
I really love those tumblers! They work so well on the go! Thanks for sharing this list as I am sure I am going to forget someone!
Allyson recently posted…Keeping Stainless Steel Sparkling with Steel Meister and a Giveaway!
Oh, that is so helpful. Inevitably, there is someone, especially for those of us who want to remember everybody!
Deborah E recently posted…Start With A New Day
Great list of go to gifts. My favorite is the grocery store gift card wrapped in a reusable bag. I am all about necessities.
Chrishelle @ Cheer MamaDrama recently posted…KEEPING A TIGHT SCHEDULE: MANAGING YOU CHILD’S EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Me too. I love practical gifts! That’s why I love the oil change gift card. It leaves my money in my pocket for something more fun!
Great list! I love the gas card idea. I can Apple Pie Filling and I love to grab a can for a quick hostess gift.
Homemade foods make FABULOUS gifts!!
Awesome gift ideas, as I am always forgetting SOMEONE. HA I love this and bookmarked it too
Mommy2Jam recently posted…Tuesday Juice day – I’m back
These are some awesome gift ideas! I am always forgetting something so these will come in handy!
Jennifer B recently posted…Zymbol Pendant Necklace Giveaway
These are great gift ideas.. I could really use these ideas because I always forget someone on my list
Carmen’s Life recently posted…Blogger Opp: Boba Baby Carrier Giveaway!!
This is a great list! I always pick up a few extra things just in case.
Shanna recently posted…It’s Flu Season! (Here Are a Few Tips To Help You Weather the Storm) #MC
I always keep sets of candles around and then body mist or good bottles of wine. Because there is always someone that surprises you with a gift and you want to be able to return the favor, pretending that you planned the gift all along 😉
hahaahah love the lottery tickets and tissues. i may borrow that
brett recently posted…Snowman Oreo Cookie Balls Recipe #cookieballs
This is a great list of last minute gifts. I always wind up forgetting one person.
Oh gosh, I hope to not forget anyone this year. Great suggestions!
Angela recently posted…Win 4 Tickets to See Disney Live in Augusta
I think the Kleen Kanteen idea is perfect! Everyone can benefit from this awesome product!
Amy Desrosiers recently posted…Pinypon Snow Ski Lodge & Pinypon Snow Adventure Car & Tow Sets #Review
There are a couple of things on this list that I really love. One is the oil change. I can never remember to do this and would love a certificate and a reminder call. The other is Oxfam. We give my daughter a gift of chickens every year. I love this organization.
Cynthia L recently posted…50+ of the Best Dip Recipes
I like the lottery ticket suggestion! Yes pls!
Robyn recently posted…Eye-Fi mobi: Photography Meets Social Media On The Go #HolidayGiftGuide
These are great ideas!!! I love my Tervis Tumblers and could never have enough!! I always get my family scratch off lottery tickets to tuck in with their gift….you never know!!
Laurie – Steals and Deals for Kids recently posted…VTech Innotab Software Only $12.50 + FREE Shipping!
This is an awesome list. I always keep a few extra presents around just in case I forgot someone.
Shannah @ Just Us Four recently posted…Carrot Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie
Fantastic list thanks for all of the ideas!
kathy balman recently posted…November and Black Friday Deals and Steals + A Few Freebies Too
Your ideas are very unique and I’m intrigued now with apple wine. I need to taste that! I LOVE Tervis tumblers. I use them every day!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted…Cheesy Chile Corn Casserole
Okay, you are amazing! What a fantastic idea, I am honestly going to bookmark this.. lol!
Dawn Lopez recently posted…Cupcakes, Chevron and Cookies? New eBay Collections #FollowItFindIt
These are cute gift ideas for things you can keep on hand to give out to peolpe at any time.
Janeane Davis recently posted…Walmart Family Mobile – Best Wireless Plan for Our Family?
OMG – I totally love this list!
Lisa recently posted…My Interview with the Frozen Directors, A Sneak Peak In Disney Animation, and What Is Rigging?!?!? #DisneyFrozenEvent
LOL! There is always someone I forget. EVERY YEAR. Great list, I’m pinning it 🙂
jordyn @ Almost Supermom recently posted…10 things I never thought I would say – then I became a mom
LOVE my Tervis Tumbler – these make awesome gifts! Great suggestion!
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Turkey Cookies, Not Your Typical Cookies!
I am so with the lottery tickets gift….I need to ask for them for xmas… that all I want.
Trice recently posted…Supporting the soldiers | Freaky Fitness Friday | Week 6 #CooperChallenge
I love this title, ‘for the person you forgot’ haha… anyway, I think the lottery ticket idea is awesome!
Danielle @ We Have It All recently posted…A Customized Mobile Plan From Best Buy Mobile Specialty Stores | Introducing Zact
This list is perfect for me! Pinning it!
katherine recently posted…Learning About Zact at Best Buy Mobile Specialty Stores
Great list! I love the idea of giving a goat etc. to someone who really needs it on behalf of someone who doesn’t need anything.
Chelsey recently posted…“1 Girl Nation” CD Giveaway
My mom had the gift of always having extra gifts on hand for people who would come by or come home with us from school when we were in college at Christmas time. She wanted to make sure everyone had a gift at christmas time. Close to the holidays she would buy small items, like colognes, journals, hat and scarf sets, thermal shirts…and if someone came by, she would have them ready to gift wrap in my parents room to gift.
Elizabeth Towns recently posted…EZ Paint Giveaway!
Great ideas!! Tervis tumbler – genius!
Oh, these are great! I especially love (LIKE) #19 with the stamps and reminder not to stamp them on people. Which, I’m sure my kids would be tempted to do. Thanks for sharing. 😉
Deborah E recently posted…A Happy Person Is…
What a great list of gift ideas, they’ll work for people we remembered, too! Thanks for sharing!
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