10 Awesome Last Minute Gifts Under $10
I really thought 2015 would be the year that I get all of my Christmas shopping finished early. Unfortunately, despite my best intentions it just didn't happen. Fear not, fellow procrastinators! I have found 10 awesome gifts under $10 that you can actually buy in real stores.
Multi-Purpose Kids Easel
$9.99 / IKEA
I spent the better part of December trying to find a sturdy easel for my 3-year-old niece Allie. After hours of unsuccessful digging for online coupon codes, I almost settled on a $75 multi-purpose easel. A day later, I went to IKEA and while wandering around I spotted this gem for $9.99. It’s surprisingly sturdy and assembling wasn’t awful.
Perler Beads & Shapes
$6 & $2 / IKEA
When it’s the dead of winter and your family is stuck indoors, answer the inevitable “I’m booorrrred” with Perler beads. It will keep everyone (including parents) entertained for hours AND it’s great for hand eye coordination. Pro tip: The internet has thousands of free templates and the finished products make great little gifts. Who wouldn’t want a pixelated Mario magnet?
Monogrammed Coffee Mug
$5 / Target
If you’re going to buy a coffee mug, the bigger the better. A standard sized coffee mug holds a measly 8-10 ounces, while these behemoths accommodate a massive 16 ounces. They are big, modern and adorable.
Gift an App – Monument Valley
$3.99 / Apple App Store
If you have a friend or family member with an Apple iPhone or iPad, you can now give them an app as a gift. My recommendation is “Monument Valley,” a beautiful but tricky little puzzle game. In the App Store, locate the application you want to give, click the dropdown menu next to "Buy App" and select "Gift This App."
Lottery Scratchers
$1-$10 / Gas Stations Everywhere
I have never once been disappointed with a scratch-off ticket. I have however, been disappointed with other gifts that were clearly purchased from a gas station. Skip the faux flowers and candy bars and give the gift of surprise instead.
Gourmet Tea
$9.99 / Starbucks
Starbucks has a whole host of cutesy gifts under $10 in store. My pick is this Teavana Joy 2015 blend. This is the perfect tea for powering through those cold winter days.
Gift Cards
$5-$10 / Any Convenience Store
Gift cards are not a cop-out. A practical gift for almost anyone (as long as you choose the right one) they are the perfect substitute for giving plain old cash. Stick to gas cards—any adult with a car will be grateful.
eos Holiday Lip Balm
$8.99 / Ulta
It’s hard to find cosmetics that are natural and don’t cost a fortune. It’s safe to say I’m obsessed with eos’ spherical lip balms—I own almost every flavor. It’s inexpensive, lasts for months and lacks the harsh chemicals of other lip balms. The website boasts “eos lip balm is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free.” Sold.
Coleman ½ Gallon Jug
$8.99 / Sports Authority
This gigantic insulated jug has served my family well for years. It can be used for both warm and cold beverages. More than any other water bottle, this actually keeps liquids temperate for hours. Fill it with peppermints and it’s the perfect last minute gift for almost anyone.
Magnetic Poetry
$9.95 / Barnes & Noble
Got a word nerd in your life? Surprise them with this cute little magnetic poetry set.