During the Christmas season, the exchange of gifts is traditional all over the world. Despite the best efforts on the part of gift givers, the purchasing of some Christmas presents is left until the last minute. A well organized Christmas shopping list can help to reduce the number of last minute Christmas gift purchases. There are also a variety of thoughtful and creative solutions for the problem of last minute Christmas gifts.

To begin with, many stores are open on Christmas eve so that patrons can pick out the perfect last minute Christmas gift. Although stock may be greatly reduced, gift givers can use their creativity to find an interesting and unique last minute Christmas gift. Think about unusual colors of scarves and similar accessories that might flatter the recipient, or keep your eye out for something whimsical. A last minute Christmas gift can be a small item, as long as it was thoughtfully selected with the recipient in mind.

Another solution is online Christmas shopping. Thanks to numerous next day air services, it is possible to order presents as late as the 22nd of December for Christmas Eve delivery. Should the parcel become delayed, you can always write the tracking number on the inside of a Christmas card and give it to the recipient, explaining that the complete present is on its way.

Online Christmas shopping for a last minute Christmas gift offers a wider range of options than shopping on Christmas eve, as many online stores have large warehouses of stock. Many stores also have phone numbers you can call, if you would like to make sure that an item is in stock, or want recommendations to replace a sold out item.

A last minute Christmas gift can also be a card or certificate for a future gift. For example, you may offer to take the recipient shopping for something he or she has been wanting. For some presents, it is best to get the input of the recipient anyway, so this is an excellent solution. Gift certificates are also always an option for last minute Christmas gift giving, allowing a recipient to pick something out at his or her leisure.

Monetary gifts are also always appreciated, especially by students. Enclosure of cash in a nice card makes an excellent last minute Christmas gift. When enclosing cash or a check, spend the time to write a personal greeting inside the card, indicating your appreciation for the recipient and your hope that he or she will do something fun with the cash.

Craft gifts are also an option. Baked goods, knitted hats or scarves, and art can make greatly appreciated last minute Christmas gifts. Holiday cookies can be a thoughtful and excellent present, especially if you choose to make cookies with unusual flavors or decorations. If you don't have time to knit something or make art, you can give the recipient a certificate entitling him or her to help pick out yarn or suggest a subject for an art piece.

Another option is to stock up on small presents throughout the year. Maintaining a treasure chest of last minute presents in storage can eliminate the last minute gift giving problem. Get an assortment of useful, peculiar, or fun items to give out, and keep a stock of wrapping paper on hand as well.

At Christmas, it is the thought behind the present which counts. A thoughtful card, offer of flowers, or another similar gesture can make a big impression on a recipient. When looking for a last minute Christmas gift, think about your connection with the recipient, and what kind of presents would delight him or her and deepen your relationship.