Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanza Hanukah or Festivus, you’re running out of time to shop. If you’re still staring at that blank space under “Gift for that friend-of-your-aunt’s-coworker’s-sister you drew in the Secret Santa pool”, I’ve got you covered with some last-minute shopping wisdom for women over 50 that won’t scream “I totally forgot about you until now!”
Your “Oh Thank God They’re Still Open” Options
Walmart
Most locations are open until 6pm on Christmas Eve, which means you’ll be joining the hordes of other procrastinators in what I like to call “The Hunger Games: Holiday Edition.” But if you’re brave enough to battle the crowds, here’s what to grab:
– Sweats or Pajamas: The universal “I care about your comfort” gift. They’ve got everything from classic plaids to adult-sized unicorn onesies. Pro tip: If your gift recipient has cats, there’s probably a cat-themed option that’ll make her laugh. And sizing is generous enough that you won’t have to guess whether she’s a medium or a large—because nobody needs that kind of stress right now.
– The “I Totally Planned This” Gift Basket: Grab a cute wicker basket or one of those fancy plastic organizing bins (because who doesn’t need more storage?) and fill it with themed goodies. Is she crafty? Hit up the stationery aisle like you’re on a mission. For your wellness-obsessed friend? Toss in some fancy waters, healthy snacks, and those magazines that make us feel guilty about not doing yoga at 5am.
– Plants: Because nothing says “I trust you with responsibility” like a living thing. Most women love the life and color a houseplant brings inside. If you’re not sure how often she’s home or what kind of plant mom she’ll be, a succulent is a safe bet and often come in adorable planters. (If she kills it, that’s between her and the plant, so don’t ask about it. Ever.)
Target
Open until 8pm on Christmas Eve (but check your local store, because times may vary and showing up to closed doors is not the kind of holiday memory you want to make). You can choose from any of the Walmart suggestions above or you can go “Choose Your Own Adventure” with a Target gift card.
Target gift cards are essentially giving someone permission to treat themselves, but they also scream “I waited until the last possible minute!” The secret? Add one thoughtful item that shows you actually know something about them like a pair of taco socks (yes, you know she stops for one after work every day) or a rainbow pack of sticky notes (because her mantras have taken over the bathroom mirror) to add an ‘I get you’ vibe.
Starbucks (Or Your Local Less Evil Coffee Spot)
Nothing says “I care about your caffeine addiction” like a gift card tucked into a shiny new travel mug. Bonus points if you add a note about how their peppermint mocha addiction inspired you. Double bonus points if you can do this without leaving your car—because at this point, the drive-thru is calling.
CVS, Walgreens, or Other Convenience Store Near You
These magnificent beacons of last-minute hope often stay open when everything else has shut down. Here’s what to grab:
– Lotions: Stick with the classics like [CeraVe](https://www.cerave.com) or [Neutrogena](https://www.neutrogena.com). (Pro tip: Skip anything with “anti-aging” on the label unless you want to start 2025 with major drama.)
– Face Masks: Because nothing says “treat yourself” like putting goop on your face that makes you look like a sci-fi character for 20 minutes. Their fun, colorful packaging makes it easy to create a bouquet of self-care cuteness.
– Gift Sets: Yes, they’re obviously holiday sets, but with a heartful note, nobody has to know you bought it while picking up your prescription. Look for real brands you see on the shelves rather then unbranded reindeer-scented garbage that might make her break out in holiday hives.
The Gift Card Strategy (AKA How to Make Lazy Look Thoughtful)
Look, we all know gift cards can feel impersonal, but there’s an art to giving them that doesn’t scream “I bought this while buying gas”:
– The Dynamic Duo: Pair a movie theater card with a restaurant card. Boom—you’ve just gifted an entire evening out.
– The Food Quest: Instead of one fancy restaurant card, give three $20 cards to different places with a note challenging her to find the best mozzarella sticks in town. (Because who doesn’t love a mission involving fried cheese?)
– The Quality Time Card: For that aunt you never see enough, get something you can do together. Mani-pedis, wine tasting, escape room—anything that says “I want to hang out with you without having to actually plan it right now.”
The Make-or-Break Element: The Card
Here’s where you can really save yourself—a thoughtful note can transform even the most obvious last-minute grab into something meaningful. Write something genuine, funny, or both. Make it rhyme if you’re feeling fancy. Just avoid “To: Karen, From: Bob” because honestly, we deserve better than that.
Remember, your Old Maid has probably mastered the art of last-minute shopping herself, so she’ll appreciate the effort—especially if you make her laugh along the way. And if all else fails, there’s always next year to do better. (But let’s be honest, we’ll probably be posting this same guide again next year.)
Have a hilarious last-minute gift story? Drop it in the comments below—misery loves company, and we could all use a good laugh!
