You are on your way over the river and through the woods when you suddenly remember that you forgot to buy your new brother-in-law a gift. A quick stop at a 24-hour grocery store, the local drugstore or anyplace else that is still open is the only way to avert a festive faux pas. Here are some suggestions for last minute gifts that are most likely still on the store shelves and can be picked up in a jiffy without regard for size, color or interests.
Blokus is an award-winning abstract strategy board game with Tetris-style shaped pieces that fit together during game play. There is a solitaire version that Uncle Joe can play alone or rules for up to four players. The game’s two rules take less than a minute to learn but the game is engaging for all ages. ($26.89 at Target and toy stores)
The Chia Gourmet Herb Garden, a great gift for cooks and gardeners, has three pots, saucers and growing sponges for planting a windowsill garden. The kit comes with seeds for parsley, dill, chives, basil, cilantro and marjoram. Pick your three favorites and follow the directions. ($19.99 at Walgreens, CVS and other drugstores)
Weekend warriors as well as the aging might welcome a gift of the latest design in heating pads. The Sunbeam TemperForm Heavy Heating Pad can be formed to fit around a stiff neck, a sore back or other aching body part. The pad, which is three times heavier than average heating pads, is held in place with adjustable snaps. ($49.99 at Walgreens and other drugstores)
The Houdini Wine and Beverage Chiller is a clever device that can chill a bottle of wine in 15 minutes or keep a chilled bottle of wine cold for up to two hours. Keep in the freezer to use as needed. The chiller stretches to fit all bottle sizes and is insulated with Neoprene, the same material used in diver’s wet suits. ($13 at Kohl’s, Bed Bath and Beyond and other home stores)
The Snuggie, the fleece blanket with sleeves, has become a pop icon in recent months and has even been seen in fashion shows. A zebra print option has been added to the color selections of burgundy, royal blue and sage green. Giving this comfy blanket as a gift is sure to get a response. ($14.99 at CVS, Target and other retailers)
Give a gift to the earth and your relative with the Duracell Battery Charger and batteries. Using rechargeable batteries reduces waste and saves money. The Duracell Charger uses NiMH technology with alkaline batteries. The unit can recharge both AA and AAA batteries, which are popular for portable electronic devices. ($18.49 at Target, Walgreens and other stores)
“Show Me How: 500 Things You Should Know” is an amusing gift for all ages and interests. This collection of picture illustrated instructions includes descriptions of how to serve and pair wines, how to shave, how to banish imaginary monsters, how to remove gum from a child’s hair and how to get out of quicksand. ($24.95 at Borders Books and other area book stores)
Earphones only last so long before getting lost or broken so an extra pair is a welcomed gift. Phillips just released a new line of in-ear headphones with a neodymium magnet to enhance performance. They come in several eye-popping colors. ($14.99 at Target, Walgreens and other stores)
When winter winds start to blow, car batteries start to go, so be practical and give the gift of booster cables for jump starting a car. Road Power has a sturdy 16-foot-long cable set that could save the day when temperatures dip below zero. This is a great gift for young and old drivers to slip into their trunk for emergencies. ($29.99 at Walgreens or at hardware stores)
Both beginning and experienced chefs can appreciate an ‘Ove’ Glove. Unlike bulky potholders, this glove has fingers with gripper surfaces to help in handling hot dishes. The glove, which protects to temperatures of 480 degrees, is made from Kevlar and Nomax, the materials used in firefighters’ gear. The stretchable fabric does not ignite when exposed to a flame and can be washed. ($15.95 at CVS and home supply stores)
