Last Minute Gifts for the Gang

By Marni Elyse Katz
December 19, 2011

Ask any efficient multi-tasker the trick to dealing with last-minute gifts and she'll tell you: Get everyone the same thing (or at least a version of it). There are plenty of presents out there that are at once highly personal but also suitable for a wide range of giftees, from teachers to babysitters, little sisters to grand aunts, bosses to in-laws. The trick is choosing items that are generic enough to do way more than triple duty, but unique enough to be truly appealing. We scoured eBay for a dozen such presents we’d be happy to give and receive this holiday season. You could scoop up one of each, or pick a theme (from coasters to kitchen towels to candles) and get the same thing for everyone on your list.

Roll over items for details

Danish Coaster Set

John Derian Decoupage Bird Flying Left Plate

Kate Spade Bourgeois Bow Gold Stud Earrings

(buy it now price, $42.99)

Marimekko Kitchen Towel

Italian Leather Planner

(buy it now price, $15.63)

SoapRocks & Gemstones Gylcerin Soap Rock

(buy it now price, $9.95)

Voluspa "Dahlia Orange Bloom" Candle

Stainless Steel Hip Flask

(buy it now price, $5.75)

Xonex Tri-Tone Enamel Black Ballpoint Pen

(buy it now price, $10.59)

Tiffany Crystal Jewelry Bow Box

Iittala Alvar Aalto Small Apple Green Vase

(buy it now price, $70)

Tibet Turquoise Buddha Head

(buy it now price, $10.25)

1. Danish Coaster Set: An affordable find that pretty much everyone needs, a cheerful set of coasters will work well inside and out, in the city, country, or suburbs. (eBay search keywords: coaster)

2. John Derian Decoupage Bird Flying Left Plate: Derian’s decoupage pieces are all gorgeous, and signed by the artist himself. They’re little works of art that can be displayed on the wall or used on the table. (eBay search keywords: John Derian)

3. Kate Spade Bourgeois Bow Gold Stud Earrings: Stud earrings work equally well for nieces or the upstairs neighbor who always brings in your newspaper. Shiny gold bows like these are festive for the holidays, but can easily be worn all year long. (eBay search keywords: stud earrings)

4. Marimekko Kitchen Towel: We love this as a hostess gift; designer kitchen towels are festive and chic, and the kind of feel=good item people usually don’t indulge in for themselves. (eBay search keywords: kitchen towel)

5. SoapRocks & Gemstones Gylcerin Soap Rock: Chunky, multi-colored soap “rocks” make great hostess gifts, as well as subtle suggestions to your grandmother that she may want to ditch the little elf-shaped soaps. (eBay search keywords: soap rocks)

6. Voluspa "Dahlia Orange Bloom" Candle: Voluspa's triple wicked tins smell heavenly and look really pretty in bathrooms or bedrooms. (eBay search keywords: Voluspa tin)

7. Xonex Tri-Tone Enamel Black Ballpoint Pen: Pair one with a leather journal, or simply tie it with a bow. We certainly appreciate a pretty pen to keep in our purse, or in the kitchen for a grocery list. (eBay search keywords: enamel ballpoint pen)

8. Stainless Steel Hip Flask: Fill a flask with a surprise nip. Even better, first have it engraved with a cheeky saying. (eBay search keywords: hip flask)

9. Iittala Alvar Aalto Small Apple Green Vase: A mid-century classic that is truly timeless in a pretty green. Fill a vintage vase like this one with flowers or offer it solo. (eBay search keywords: vintage vase)

10. Tibet Turquoise Buddha Head: A fun little trinket that offers global peace and serenity that transcends Christmastime. (eBay search keywords: Buddha head)

11. Italian Leather Planner: Even in the day of the smartphone, plenty of folks still get giddy over a brand new notebook, especially in brightly colored leather. (eBay search keywords: leather notebook)

12. Tiffany Crystal Jewelry Bow Box: This tiny treasure chest truly spans the ages; everyone has a keepsake, from a just lost tooth to a brand new engagement ring, to a locket with a loved one’s photo.(eBay search keywords: small jewelry box)

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