Last Minute Gifts for Those People You Haven't Thought Of (Yet)

Growing up, I thought that a ‘present cupboard’ was a typical household occurrence. The type of common regularity you would find in your average suburban household, just like a deep-freeze or a dodgy-looking tyre swing in the backyard.

The ‘present cupboard’, as coined by my grandmother, was located in a closet, tucked away in one of the bedrooms, where she would fritter away small, reasonably priced trinkets and other miscellaneous gifts. Over the years, whenever she spotted something that “looked like a good gift”, she would buy it and pop it in the cupboard to await its yet-to-be-decided recipient.

As a typical child, I, of course, thought the idea of a cupboard full of presents was a wondrous thing - the kind of tradition I’d most certainly continue once I reached adulthood. No matter how late the invitation, how chaotic the week, or forgetful the mind, there was always something in that cupboard, ensuring you never turned up empty-handed.

However, as I morphed into my adult life, I came to learn that a ‘present cupboard’ isn’t as typical as I once thought. And, based on the spatial realities of my current apartment, isn’t likely something I’ll have the room for in the near - or probably distant - future.

Despite the impracticalities of a real-life ‘present cupboard’, its lessons have stuck with me; it’s now just a digital process. Any time I spot a sweet or special something, I save it to my ‘Present’ Pinterest board. Then, when the inevitable happens, I can avoid present-panic because I’ve got a pre-populated list of things to pick from that I know anyone in my life will love.

So, whether it’s a last-minute invitation, a Kris Kringle call-up or you’ve just found out your new-ish partner's mum will be ‘popping by’ on Christmas day, keep reading for our list of gifts suitable to have on hand (or pinned) for every short notice, gifting occasion.