Last minute gift ideas?

[City of Mills]

Alright, so I've been working long hours, taking care of errands, helping friends in need, etc. and as a result, I need to start thinking about christmas gifts for my mom, dad, and sis. I have to admit, I don't know where to begin - I was thinking about going the gift certificate route but really I'd rather have something to wrap up for them to open.

Now, my family has a pact, this will be the last year we exchange gifts, so don't rain on my parade - we're doing gifts this year and that's final. So, any ideas for me? Dad's a Sears Craftsman-type guy, mom's the kitchen gadget queen, and my sister is the live-at-home/single/love to be holed up in the house type.

Any ideas?

[tridim]

1. Dad - Sears gift certificate

Mom - Bed Bath and Beyond gift certificate
Sis - Cash

I too haven't had a moment of free time to shop for anything this year. Everyone's getting gift certificates from me. They're not as lame as everyone says.

[City of Mills]

3. Thanks - I'm going to try to stay away from gift certificates

this year, though I 'try' a lot of things :) I'll keep your suggestions in mind just the same.

[Left Is Write]

2. For your dad, how about the laser level or the laser measuring tool? (m)

Here's the measuring tool -

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00948252000

For your mom, how about a little something from Williams-Sonoma?

http://ww2.williams-sonoma.com/cat/index.cfm?cid=ctli&root=shop&sid=WSE5HP9YUJC2U94VWPPCMM7QB1UFBJLV200412211044&src=hme%2Fhme

For your sister - she likes to be holed up at home? Maybe you could give her a gift certificate to Borders or Barnes & Noble so she can pick out her own books/music/movies to stay home with. Throw in a big mug with a couple of cocoa packets or sample size coffee packets.

[City of Mills]

4. Bookmarked the Williams-Sonoma site

Though I think it's too late to order something in time for the holiday, just the type of stuff my mom's into. Maybe I'll take a cruise to Sears later, I've actually thought about getting that level.

[n2mark]

5. Last minute gifts...

well if people did not want to give a gift certificate, then I would opt for some nice candles and holders, plants or wind chimes. I have several wind chimes in my yard and enjoy the sounds when it is windy outdoors. If they enjoy tea or coffee, how about different types of teas/coffee?

What tools does your dad need? What are his interests?

I did receive an interesting and clever gift the other day which I appreciate. A vase filled with marbles, several pens, each pen has a flower and leaves wrapped around by floral tape and the pens were placed in the vase. It is not only a pretty bouquet but I now always have pens available. I am sure this gift took time to make though.

[NC Beach Girl]

6. quick ideas

I got my Dad one of those craftsman laser level deals after seeing a commercial for it on TV. It looks like something a guy should have in his workshop.

For Mom - a cookbook? Or the tried and true bath and body store type gift set.

For Sis - A dvd, a snuggly throw/blanket for her couch (for when she is holed up in the house), or tried and true bath and body store stuff.