Pickett Street’s Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide
My husband and I are currently scrambling around shopping for our last few gifts, which is—arguably—one of the most exciting parts of the holidays. We’ve already shopped for our easiest loved ones, like our mothers who enjoy a wide range of goodies, from pretty jewelry and scarves to innovative kitchen doo-dads. Now, we just need gifts for those slightly frustrating individuals who insist that they “don’t need anything” or, who, when they do need something, immediately buy it for themselves (Dad, I’m looking at you).
This year, my family decided to do a non-materialist Christmas and buy each other experiences instead of objects. For our parents, my husband and I are buying gift cards to their favorite local restaurants. For my environmentally conscious brother, we donated in his name to the National Parks Service. For our extremely minimalist best friend, we are buying a massage gift card.
I also decided to ask the Pickett Street team for advice on last-minute gifts this year. Here’s what they had to say. (P.S.—if you’re looking for real-estate related gifts, you might reach out directly to the team at info@pickettstreet.com or (425) 502-5397.)
1. For those times when you forgot to pick something up earlier, what are your go-to last minute holiday gifts?
Margaret: I just found StoryWorth this year via Instagram—and I know I will use it again. You purchase a “story” for someone and they’re sent one question per week for one year. At the end of the year they get a book full of their stories! It’s such a fantastic idea.
Jessica: I find you cannot go wrong with a nice bottle of whisky or wine and delicious salted caramels. Even if you don’t drink, who doesn’t enjoy treats?!
Jesse: Total Wine is a good resource for last minute gifts. I recommend Angel’s Envy Rye and Meli Melo Cabernet from Napa Valley.
Amanda: I like to do theme gifts so it’s much easier to have some I can traditionally pull from (fave drink, movie basket, etc) that can be applicable to anyone.
2. What are your go-to gifts for the hard-to-buy-for crowd? You know, the people who say, “oh don’t get me anything” or “I don’t need anything.”
Margaret: Massage. Hands down. Everyone needs a membership to a spa!
Jesse: This takes discipline. I try to listen throughout the year to my friends, and pay attention to the things they say, even keeping notes when necessary. People love talking about themselves and their interests, so give them some time to talk and they’ll end up mentioning something they would like or need. These gifts don’t have to be expensive, just thoughtful.
Amanda: I traditionally only get gifts for those who are really close in my space because I do not like the pressure of having to give someone something. I think it takes away from the idea of Christmas and togetherness.
Christina: I like to get those people board games. Making people laugh is my game.
3. Are there any gifts you’re particularly excited about giving this year?
Jessica: This year we bought a new home that we’ve been renovating. We move in a few days before Christmas, so this is by far my favorite gift we’ve been able to give our children!
Jesse: I bought some retro Nike sneakers for my son, who loved the Air Force Ones I bought him last year. I know that he’s going to love getting these kicks and showing them off.
Amanda: I handmade my niece a Frozen blanket. She is obsessed with Frozen and I can’t wait to see her face.
Christina: I got my mom an Instant Pot. I’m hoping it doesn’t cause any burns.
4. What kinds of holiday gift-giving traditions or rituals do you and your loved ones have?
Margaret: My family has taken a Santa photo for 41 years now. It’s a tradition that my parents started prior to getting married. It is hilarious to look back at these photos over the years and see how we all change. I have so much respect for how much effort and love my parents put into raising me that I will do whatever they want (for the most part 😉 ).
Jessica: We have a blended family that has grown over the years, so the most important thing for us is the time we get to pause and spend together over the holidays.
Jesse: We let the kids open one present on Christmas Eve. Usually we try to make sure it’s a game or something that will entertain them and us that night.
And finally, in the words of Pickett Street’s new investor specialist Daniel Wessel, gift cards, gift cards, gift cards! Also, Daniel says his favorite holiday ritual is Christmas brunch around 11:00 AM—homemade coffee cake, scrambled eggs, eggnog.
What are your last minute go-to gifts? Which holiday rituals are you most excited for this year? From the Pickett Street team, we wish you the most wonderful winter holidays, with plenty of meaningful gifts, both large and small, both tangible and intangible. And we will see you in the new decade!