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

December 07, 2020 by Phoebe Youl

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 tire swing in the backyard.

The ‘present cupboard’, as tokened 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 to be found in that cupboard that meant never turning 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 slightly unrealistic implications 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 partners 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.