Christmas crackers: Last-minute gifts worth giving

The panic rises as the clock ticks ever closer to Christmas Day. What happened to all our good intentions with gifts for our loved ones?

Every year, we promise ourselves that next year we’ll get organised earlier and start a present cupboard. We’ll make a list of the things our loved ones like and keep an eye out for the sales and pop those precious items in the cupboard ready to be wrapped when the time comes. It makes financial sense, too, because we’re spreading our spending over the year, rather than copping it one big hit.

 

 

Great idea in theory. But, every year, we’re staring down the barrel of another last-minute rush to fill those stockings and pop something extra under the Christmas tree. Will we ever learn?

Even if you are organised, chances are there is someone you have forgotten about. Not deliberately of course (you’re not the Grinch), but maybe a family member you weren’t going to see until the new year can now make it to Christmas lunch, or a friend has returned unexpectedly from overseas.

Few of us willingly head to the shops on Christmas Eve. It’s full of people caught up in last-minute craziness and not even cheery carols can make the atmosphere feel anything less than flustered. So, given we’re already in the final countdown, what can you do about it?

Handle My Complaint’s elves have put their heads together and come up with some fabulous ideas that are bound to take the pressure off – most of them don’t involve you leaving the comfort of your living room - and put a smile on their dial.

Christmas gifts for the adventurous

Every family has a thrill seeker. Lucky for you, there are plenty of e-vouchers that will get their adrenaline pumping - from the air (think leaping out of planes or soaring over ravines in a hot air balloon), the land (revving around the track in a V8 or heading offroad for some 4WD training) or the water (swimming with whale sharks, or whitewater rafting).

If you’re not sure which particular eye-popping experience to give, opt for an e-card from a one-stop shop that offers a plethora of choices, such as Adrenaline Adventures or Red Balloon. Remember, we’re all about making it easy.

Admittedly, none of these things come cheap, so if the budget’s tighter than Santa’s suit, why not make up a nice card containing the promise to take them on a bush walk in their favourite national park, or down to the beach to catch some waves in the new year? Exploring the great outdoors doesn’t have to cost the Earth, and you're also giving the gift of time with you.

Christmas gifts for the arts lover

If your loved ones lean more toward the arts than the outdoors, don’t fret. Summer brings a host of festivals around the country, and with borders finally down, everyone’s touring again.

It’s best not to buy tickets for a specific show unless you know they are desperate to go but can’t afford it, or you might end up giving something they can’t use. We suggest a voucher to Ticketmaster or Ticketek, where they can choose their own concert, theatrical experience, or comedy session at a time that suits them. It also means you don’t have to fork out for two tickets to a show (no one gives a single ticket, right?) but can still contribute to the cost of their next night out.

 

 

Readers will always appreciate a book voucher. While you can take care of that easily with an online retailer, ask about their favourite local bookstore and see if you can arrange a voucher from there. Similarly, for film lovers, find out the cinema they frequent – it's so much nicer if the present of a night or three at the movies involves one close to home.

Of course, if their talents lean toward creating art, you can encourage their passions by giving some of the tools of the trade – or at least a voucher to buy them. Again, make the time to determine where they like to get their supplies, so that the voucher is meaningful, not just convenient.

Christmas gifts for the tech savvy

Inspector Gadget in the family? Don’t waste hours of precious time trying to hunt down the latest bit of tech gear. Chances are, unless you’re that way inclined yourself, you’ll buy the wrong thing anyway. Instead, pick up a voucher for a reputable outlet, preferably one that has a physical store near the recipient’s home, so they can "test drive” all the things you know nothing about at their leisure.

A voucher also really pays off for the recipient because prices often plummet on these products after Christmas, so they get extra bang for their buck. Well, it’s your buck, but there’s nothing more irritating than running around at the last minute to buy a thingamajig or a whatchamacallit only to find, come Boxing Day, it costs $50 or $100 less than you paid. Also vouchers should now come with a three year expiry so be sure to check the terms and conditions before you purchase one.

Christmas gifts for the foodie

Foodies come in all shapes and sizes. Some like to do the cooking themselves, others prefer to savour the creations of trained chefs. Think about their preferences and tailor your online order accordingly.

If they fancy themselves a chef, a voucher to their nearest (and dearest) kitchen outlet will have them salivating at the thought of what they can add to their collection - and you don’t have to worry about whether they already have that pasta maker or cake stand. A hamper of fresh, seasonal produce or nice pantry staples (think quality olive oil, vinegar or chocolates) will also fill their hearts.

Or give a voucher to a local cooking school, where they can find a class to take their culinary skills to the next level, or a subscription to a food magazine (isubscribe has a great range to choose from).

On the other hand, if your foodie is as handy with a spatula as the hapless Mr Bean is with, well, anything, then a voucher for a night out at a local restaurant will go down a treat. If you’re not sure what place to choose, write a nice card to say next time you have lunch or dinner together, it’s on you.

Gifts from the heart

This gift suggestion comes with a caveat: It involves a bit more effort on your part, so it’s only for those who like making things.

Unless you’re the world’s fastest knitter, it’s too late to break out the needles and wool to make a tea cosy for nana or a reindeer jumper for Uncle Bob (and, let’s not forget, it is summer). But you can still whip up something sweet that says “I’ve been thinking of you”.

With strawberries in abundance, why not make some jam? There are so many recipes on the internet, the hardest part will be choosing, but we like this one from Delicious for its simplicity – all you need is a couple of punnets of strawberries, some sugar and lemon juice. You can pick up glass jars at most thrift stores. Tie a little red or green ribbon around the lids for a festive feel.

 

 

Homemade chutneys, pickles and sauces also make lovely gifts, as do biscuits that you can decorate with a little seasonal magic, such as shortbread or gingerbread. When you’re searching for recipes, though, don’t over-reach. Keep it simple. Slaving away in a hot kitchen for hours in summer is unlikely to keep a lid on festive pressure.

And if they’re not happy...

We hope family and friends will refrain from dissing something you made with love (how rude). But if they do happen to have an issue with the gifts you have bought them, you can lower their stress levels by directing them to us. We are here to handle it – at any time of the year.