Holiday shopping is a bit like writing term papers. You put it off until there is no choice but to get the job done. And if you do your job well, no one will know it was last minute. Good thing there are plenty of great gifts that won’t make it seem like you pulled an all-nighter.
Brother-in-law
What if–horror of horrors–the power went out during a really important Bears game? The Emergency TV Generator is a crank-generated, black-and-white TV that comes with a flashlight, radio, AC adapter and headphone jack. Oh, and it also includes an emergency siren, compass and thermometer in case things are really bad. $55 at macys.com or 800-289-6229. For Christmas delivery, order by Monday for standard shipping, Tuesday for premium two-day shipping and Thursday for overnight shipping.
Stick in the mud
Be practical with no-fun types. The Sweater Stone is for the nit-picky person on your list. Rub the stone against a sweater to remove those annoying little balls. $10.50, only at eddiebauer.com or 800-625-7935. Order by Tuesday and it will arrive via standard delivery by Saturday.
Young at heart
Some people were so-so about Winnie-the-Pooh when they were kids. But now that they’re grown up, Pooh rules! Give them the perfect Pooh present with the Pooh Set of 4 Drawer Pulls. These zinc alloy figures are drawer pulls in the shape of your favorite character from the Hundred Acre Wood. Each is more than 2 inches tall. $24.95 for the set of Pooh Bear, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore. Order by Wednesday for Christmas delivery at disneyshopping.com or 800-328-0368.
The acquaintance
Who had the bright idea to do an office gift exchange? Now you have to shop for someone who is practically a stranger. Play it safe with the Flameless Wax Sensor Candle. The outside is wax but the inside is a small bulb. It looks and smells like a real candle but glows for up to 100 hours with four AA batteries. Choose among seven scents such as vanilla or lavender. $20 for a 6-inch candle at Brookstone stores.
Adorable niece
Delight the little family princess with the Take a Load Off pedicure kit. It includes fuchsia and purple nail polish, toe spacer, foot scrub, foot lotion, nail brush and foam flip-flops. $14.50 at all area Club Libby Lu stores, including Oak Brook Center and Orland Park.