Tasty and Teachable: Last Minute Gift Ideas

Even last minutes gifts can, and should be thoughtful expressions of how well you know your gift recipient.  But, even the best of us are stumped from time to time, or perhaps you don't actually know the person all that well. In that case, think consumables. Something you use up, like food, tickets, classes.


Here are some ideas from annual guest blogger, Lynne Favreau! Thanks Lynne!

They are easy to put together and they can be as creative or simple as you like. Try, food baskets with themes such as Tea and Cookies, or What's for Dinner? that has a specialty shape pasta, jar of sauce, breadsticks and bottle of wine or a collection of one item, like hot sauces, or chocolates for taste testing.

Fair warning, I've been seeing Monday, December 16, as last day to ship on some vendors.  Even if you do run out of time to order online these idea are easy to implement with products you can buy locally.

Online, I'll hit up my favorite tea vendor Stash Tea for prepackaged tea, mug and cookie gift sets.

Noble Deer Holiday Gift Set                                Lemon Lovers Gift Set



I think my family first received a Wolferman's gift of English muffins in the early 80's. They are delicious, and have expanded their line to include gorgeous cakes, and other gourmet offerings. They also have many Gluten-Free options.





I was kind of late to the game, but do you know World Market? It has the most amazing mix of gift possibilities, from dishes, to earring, to lamps, to the incredible food and wine selections. If you are lucky enough to have one near you be sure to run in for anything last minute, you can even order online and opt to pick up in store if it's too late to ship. 

These festive collections would be great on their own, but even better together to add to an antipasti feast.




Fun for a family gift


Rather the food, how about the gift of education?


I love taking online classes. I've done them at Udemy, and Coursera, but my next one is from Masterclass. With instructors such as Dr. Jane Goodall, Neil Gaiman, and Margret Atwood, Helen Mirren, teaching conservation, creative writing, storytelling, acting, you can find something of interest for anyone.



Right now, and for the next three days, Udemy has class prices slashed and they are steals. 
They have many categories of classes. Just to give you an idea, here's a list of categories with the Lifestyle offerings highlighted.



Sample of Class: Photoshop

Coursera classes are taught by many leading universities. I took one from Duke University and was very happy with it. Some also come with the option of certification and degrees.






Tickets are one of my favorite gifts to give and receive. With 26 cities around the country, Goldstar is one of the best discount ticket companies out there. Join on the website, or get the app and you'll see all the shows available, often at very discounted prices. There are tickets for music, theatre, dancing, comedy, family events, museums, and tours. There's something for everyone.

I live in Massachusetts, here is an example of what's being offered today.

For Theatre

For Music

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