You’ve shopped oh so carefully for your inner circle, and now you’re feeling satisfied that each gorgeously wrapped package contains the perfect gift. As for those on the periphery? The roommate you last saw in the late ‘80s, Great Aunt Zelda, and the roster of cousins—first, second, and third—and their kids … Your boss?! Well, you just haven't gotten it together. Considering the size of your list alone, it’s not hard to believe that (only!) 16.6 billion packages get delivered between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
Speaking of which, Christmas Eve is next Thursday. Stress much? Don’t—you’ve got ‘til today to get your packages to the Post Office, as long as you send them Priority Mail. We strongly suggest shopping online, letting the sellers ease your shipping burden. Another fun, anxiety-inducing fact provided to us by the U.S.P.S: 97 million customers are in and out of the Post Office during the holiday season. Um, we’ll be sure to stop in during off-peak hours—as if there are any.
What you need are some simple crowd-pleasers—presents that look personal, but that can be given to essentially anyone. We’ve conjured up half a dozen no-fail categories on eBay. Skim the choices, simply and quickly. Then buy up versions of essentially the same item (but with a totally personal touch) for every last pesky person on your list.
Original Signed Photographs
Artwork, while quite personal, makes a great gift because it’s the sort of splurge that a lot of people don’t make for themselves. Photographs are the perfect medium because pricing is accessible, even for original signed prints, and subject matter is incredibly varied, from architecture and seascapes to nudes and still lives.
1. “The Church” Signed Monochrome Print (buy it now price, $219) 2."Sea Shells and Stone” Signed Giclée Print (buy it now price, $58.49) 3. “El Capitan Monument Valley” Signed Photograph (buy it now price, $27.95)
Classic Games
Really, who doesn’t like an old-fashioned parlor game? For anyone from kids to just-marrieds to retirees, a fancy version of a classic game like chess, checkers, marbles, or mahjong is fun and long-lasting, and so much more social (not to mention thought provoking) than the Wii.
1. Chinese Checkers Set with Wooden Board and Classic Marbles (buy it now price, $38.99) 2. Civil War Chess Set (buy it now price, $40.55) 3. Handcrafted Wood Mosaic Backgammon Set (buy it now price, $52.99)
Antique Bookends
While a lot of people give gorgeous coffee table books, you opt for bookends. Top that—give both!
1. Frankart Deco Antelope Bookends (buy it now price, $125) 2. Vintage Deco Sailboat Cast Iron Bookends (starting bid, $9.99) 3. Moore Era Bookend Figurines (buy it now price, $79)
Scarves
A scarf might not be the most creative gifting solution, but it serves a purpose. Plus, if you can capture the recipient’s personal style, it’s almost always appreciated.
1. Ralph Lauren Rugby Cashmere Scarf (buy it now price, $64) 2. Art to Wear Pleated Shibori Silk Scarf (buy it now price, $89) 3. Tolani Animal Print Fringed Scarf (buy it now price, $72)
Gourmet Food
Even if they don’t like to cook, chances are they like to eat. Find down-home goodness, esoteric ingredients, and everybody’s fave, chocolate.
1. 100% Pure Amish Made Whipped Blueberry Honey (buy it now price, $7.99) 2. 12 Bars of Toblerone White Chocolate (buy it now price, $31.29) 3. Black Truffle Extra Virgin Olive Oil by Ranieri (buy it now price, $12.90)
Rather than stocking up on impersonal pieces at the nearest off-price outlet, place a few bids on vintage vessels.
1. Estate Signed Cameo Etched Art Glass Vase (buy it now price, $39.99) 2. Ukriane Ceramic Art Pottery Vase (buy it now price, $24.99) 3.Double Handled Crackle Vase (buy it now price, $45)
Marni Elyse Katz is a Boston-based writer and editor who covers style, art and design for a variety of publications, including the Boston Globe Magazine, Boston Home and her own blog, Style Carrot.
