Are you truly a procrastinator? While everyone else has finished the holiday shopping, wrapped the gifts, and is relaxing, did you suddenly realize that it is truly the last day before Christmas and you need to find gifts for your nearest and dearest? Fear not! There are still plenty of interesting, easy to access, immediately send-able gifts you can still pick up localy, or “order up” on the Internet. Here are some of my favorites for every taste and budget:
scan the QR code on every bottle of Club W wine, to learn a lot more about it! I took this from an actual Club W Albarino!
For starters, get someone a “membership” in a club. How about a wine club? A brand new one that isn’t stuffy, but gives you or your lucky gift recipients a chance to indulge in good wines for great discounts, is Club W. They may not get the wine right away, but at least they’ll know it’s coming–something to look forward to in the new year! Entry price is just $40/month which allots you three wines plus free shipping (a $54 value). 6 bottles is $70/month and $120 gets you a dozen bottles a month. The wine is selected by experts, and comes from all around the world. If it is your membership, you can change quantity or color between any future monthly shipments.
If you love a certain wine, you can request it again and again, but otherwise, wines will not be repeated, so you really get a chance to learn about different wine regions. Even more interestingly, every bottle of wine shipped by Club W includes a QR code that lets you quickly access additional information about the wine you’re about to enjoy from your mobile device including video reviews by Club W sommeliers, tasting notes, and suggested food pairings. You can even order more of a wine you love directly from your phone! I have never seen this before in any wine club. I love really good wine, and I was suspicious of any wine club that could deliver great quality wines at what amounts to $13.33 a bottle with shipping, but I was really pleasantly surprised at the range and quality of the wines that editors sampled at the tasting/launch.
While not all the wines are or will be from California, the ones we had at the tasting were all from California and were very nice, for the price, including a Three Ceremonies Red blend, Infinite Monkey Theorem Malbec and also a Theorem Albarino, Jeanne D’Arc California Chenin Blanc, and a Central Coast Pinot Noir. If you are just starting to appreciate wine, or you know someone who loves wine, a membership in Club W is a last-minute, order online idea that you can’t beat! Visit the Club W Website * and sign yourself up, or someone special. Note: not all wines are available in every state.
Does your special someone like to read books, periodicals or magazines? An Amazon Kindle is the best gift of all for someone who loves to read, and doesn’t want to lug around heavy books or magazines. The flashy, color, Kindle Fire ($199.00) is the latest, but you can get some of the previous generations of Kindle for not a bundle (Kindles start at just $79.00) My choice is the Kindle Keyboard 3G with free 3G wireless (the 3G Kindle is just $139.00). It isn’t a color Kindle, but it does a great job with a clear, easy to read, black and white screen. Downloads are easy and fast, navigation around the Kindle is “child’s play.” I used to swear up and down and sideways that I’d never forgo a print book for an electronic device, but once I tried the Kindle, I was hooked. Instead of lugging a bunch of heavy books and magazines with me when I travel, my Kindle comes along. It is so lightweight and tote-able I can just tuck it into my purse. You really can’t do that with tons of reading material! Whether you’re delayed at the airport, or simply like a choice of reading material wherever you go, the Kindle is KING! IWhile at this late date it might be hard to get your Kindle to that special someone by Christmas, you can always download or print this review with the photo of the Kindle, and slip it into an “It’s on the way” card. Visit the Kindle Store, check out all the details, and make someone’s year truly merry and bright!
A new makeup bag is always a great way to start the new year, especially if it is filled with new makeup! Trina’s Kelly Stripe-Gold Essential Purse Kit is just $18.00 (there are other sizes). The sturdy, laminated fabric features navy stripes with gold, reminiscent of the disco 70’s. It has a nice zipper with Trina Logo pull tag and elegant, Trina logo lining. You can find Trina accessories at mass market retailers like Walgreens. While you’re there, fill it with some of the affordable, drugstore beauty items I’ve suggested in previous Advice Sisters beauty reviews. This makes a fabulous, last-minute gift. 
Or get yourself to a Walmart and pick up the exclusive, on-trend, Modella Cheetah Chic 3 pc Bag Set – $13.47 . Really strapped for cash? The Purse Kit (single makeup bag) is a nicely sized, zippered makeup bag with the same, chic, leopard spotted fabric, and it retails for just $2.97! Add a few lip balms and a cute purse mirror, and you’re go to go!
Are you a Target fan and need a fast gift for a beauty lover? Well high-tail it over to your local Target store, and, if you are lucky and they’re not all gone yet, you can’t go wrong with one of a number of limited edition makeup sets and makeup brush sets from Makeup artist Sonia Kashuk. I particularly love the brush sets that feature glittery handles that sparkle like the stars, and are appropriately called: “Diamond in the Brush.” The dressy handles make a boring brush, party-perfect. The Sonia Kashuk flat topped brush in this photo is a large, Kabuki style brush that is nicely boxed and makes an impressive holiday gift for just $12.99. I love the way the bristles feel so kitten-soft on your skin. Use it for buffing powder, liquid, or creme into the skin, applying bronzer, and blending for a flawless finish. If you can’t find these, you are sure to find something else at the last minute, at Target stores.
Do you know someone who just seems to struggle with the same issues or problems over and over again, but never seems to solve them? Life is too precious to spend it worrying, or grappling with an issue you just can’t seem to resolve. This season, give those special people who need a new view, something they will not return or recycle: the priceless gift of advice! As a relationship expert who helps people get “unstuck,” when they’re dealing with difficult issues of life, love or career, Alison Blackman (aka. “Advice Sister Alison”) provides a private, advice-by-Email service that is not just a quick way to get your shopping done, but also a chance for those on your list to see things differently, and move forward in 2012. This Email advice takes just a moment to purchase ($35.00 per email session) but the positive effects might just last a lifetime! Your recipients will receive a gift notice telling them about your gift, with instructions about how to redeem it. Visit The Advice Sisters Personal, Private Advice By Email Information Page for more details. Even if you have no time to shop, you can still send this priceless gift right away to anyone, anywhere in the world. Recommendations are essential when you’re considering private advice, especially when it is not from someone, face-to-face. While I have helped literally thousands of people with online advice, please take a moment to read what others have said about my work. If you need a little push to get “unstuck,” consider ordering up a few sessions for yourself, as well.
..and if you really want to impress, here is how to do “French wrapping” courtesy of L’Occitane!
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