Buzz
The clock is ticking, and you're in desperate need of a gift. Maybe you dropped the ball on that 'Secret Santa' gift, or you’ve found yourself with an unanticipated guest who now requires a present to avoid feeling awkward. Online shopping won't save you at this point, and most stores have already shut their doors. The only option left? A hasty trip to the nearest 24-hour drugstore.
Fortunately, your drugstore dash doesn’t have to be as disastrous as it seems. With a bit of resourcefulness, you can pull together a thoughtful, affordable gift for that someone special (or not so special).
I’ve broken down your gift options into three categories. The first is for those willing to splurge a bit in their gift-buying panic to create something that feels more personal. The second category contains single-item gifts that will pass for something decent. The third category is simply a cautionary tale.
Tier One: DIY Signature Gift Sets
Much like a chef transforming mystery basket ingredients into a masterful meal on Chopped, this category of gifts relies on your creativity. These DIY sets are more than the sum of their parts, and all the components can be found at most major drugstores. Below are some themed ideas to inspire your creations, but feel free to personalize them to suit the recipient's style.
Movie Night: Popcorn. Creative popcorn toppings. Sweets. Hot cocoa. Cozy socks. A slip of paper with your Netflix login details. A cozy movie night bundle is always a hit.
Treat Yourself: Consider items for a DIY spa experience—face masks, nail polish, bath bombs. Add a calming candle for that extra touch of relaxation.
Health and Wellness: Browse the vitamin and fitness aisle for gummies, supplements, protein powder, and anything that catches your eye. Caution: This one can get pricey. (Also, we tend to think vitamins don’t do much, even when they're personalized.)
The Jetsetter: Pick up travel-sized essentials like earplugs or a neck pillow (with a note on the proper way to wear it).
The Tech Enthusiast: Visit the electronics section and grab whatever gadgets fit your budget. Portable chargers and Bluetooth speakers are always practical and appreciated.
Tier Two: It's the Thought That Counts
These gifts aren’t necessarily bad, but they’ll likely be recognized as last-minute selections. The success of tier two drugstore gifts depends on the giver’s charm and how relaxed the recipient is about the timing of the gift.
Gift cards
Candles
Cosmetic bags
Therapeutic massagers
Jewelry
Insulated mugs
Calendars or planners
Notebooks
Coffee/tea gift sets
Wine and a corkscrew (be mindful of your state's liquor laws)
Picture frames
Electronics such as earbuds or portable chargers
Tier Three: ‘Gifts’ That May Do More Harm Than Good
Looks like you’ve run out of options! My suggestion: tell a small fib about an imaginary gift that didn't make it in time. Unless you’re a pro at pulling off a funny gag gift, it’s best to avoid the following items.
Lottery tickets
Command strips
Batteries
Pregnancy test
Beef jerky
Laxatives
A toilet plunger
Laxatives and a toilet plunger tied together with a bow
There you go! With access to a drugstore, you should be able to put together a last-minute gift with decent success.
