Help, I Need a Last Minute Gift

My favorite gift socks this year, ones that make our feet look like cat paws. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

“I can’t believe I am saying this. I am terribly behind with Christmas shopping. Lots of colleagues but not a lot of money. Help, do you have a last minute gift idea?” — (Name withheld to protect the procrastinator)

I Need a Last Minute Gift!

Hi, you are not alone on either count - late shopping with a limited budget. Luckily I have a suggestion that may work quite well: socks.

Not just any socks, you may have to make a few trips to find good local sources. I am talking about soft, plush, warm socks. Some come in fun themes, too, and, if you can find them, the socks that look like dog and cat paws. Santa is bringing me a pair and I’m sharing them with close friends and family who have cats.

Socks can be practical and fun. When I used to lecture in a formal business suit, I would usually lighten things up with a pair of fun socks on my feet. I knew who the fun people were in the room when they would come up afterwards and admire my socks. Sometimes i wore them inside boots. No one else saw them but I knew they were there.

Wasn’t it George W. Bush who was known for his signature socks?

Examples of available gift socks from fleece and cat socks, left, to theme socks. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Now this may take a little doing this late in the season so I asked around. I am told the local chains of inexpensive items around a dollar may have some options. I happened to see quite a stash of new ones at our local Goodwill store earlier this month. And most department stores carry a few in the men’s and children’s department so be creative as you shop.

I have a pair of turquoise fleece socks someone gave me years ago that are still my go-to socks when I get cold. As some of us turn our thermostats down to conserve energy, having comfy socks are quite handy. Those came from the sporting goods section; I think they were camping socks.

Secondly, you can usually find them in an assortment of fun patterns so you can personalize them to match the recipient. A friend years ago gave me a whole set of theme socks marking favorite holidays she picked up at a naval-themed department store. Some of them are in the photo.

If all else fails, you can pick up soft socks and add small embroidered patches sewn on the side. Don’t pick up anything big, you want the socks to be comfortable, not scratchy.

Last but not least, you should be able to find marked down Christmas stockings the last few days before Christmas. Pick those up and add a favorite tube of hand lotion - better yet, make it foot lotion available at most drug stores.

Not a fancy idea, I know, but it is one that will keep on giving. Have fun shopping!

Charlotte