6 Inexpensive, Last-minute Christmas Gift Ideas

Alright. So there are seven days (or less, depending on when you're reading this) left until Christmas, and you still haven't done all (or any) of your holiday shopping. You have a few ladies left to shop for, but you can't think of anything awesome to get them. You've thought about taking the easy route and just buying them a bucket of assorted popcorn or a packet of socks, but then you realized that those are pretty crummy gifts. Well, worry not, sweet reader, because I've got you covered! Here are ten inexpensive and easily-attainable last-minute gift ideas...and no rush-order shipping required:

For Your Older Sister, Who You Love To Death, Even Though She Always Manages To Get On Your Very Last Nerve

A brilliant watercolor iPhone case, $35.

This wine-hued lipstick, $15.

A set of pretty gemstone magnets, $36.

A quirky cow print to remind her of the time Mom dressed us up as cows for Halloween, $25 and up!

A bird peephole cover, $20, to add a bit of flair to her door.

A grown-up wallet, $26

The super versatile and widly-acclaimed Urban Decay 'Naked' palette, $50.

A fabulous camera strap, $130, accented with a layer of tulle and festooned with rows of silver sequins.

A soup and sandwich tray, $30, for her ramen noodles and bread with butter.

An easy tote bag that lists all of the major cities she'll one day visit, $36.

A mug for her lattes,, $20.

A micro lens for her cell phone camera, $15.

P.S. More gifts for sisters...

For Your Sweet Dad, Who Used to Carry You on His Shoulders and Give You Bites of His Cereal

Wool and salmon skin house shoes, $59.

A bull-shaped corkscrew and bottle opener, $20.

Reasonable Doubt LP, Jay-Z's first (and arguable best) album ever released, which Dad will appreciate for the exceptional lyricism and smooth beats that seem to be lacking in today's Hip-hop music, $27.

Delicious maple syrup, $24.95, with just a hint of bourbon.

An adjustable iPad stand for watching movies with Mom and typing long emails, $39.95.

A sampling of six dry spice rubs, $14.95.

A chance to take a Ferrari (or some other fancy pants car) for a spin...prices vary!

A curiously perfect lasagna pan for neat, mess-free slices, about $30!

A knit beanie for his bald head ^.^, $19.95.

A stainless steel mug that will keep his evening tea hot and his morning smoothie cold, $22.85.

A couple of vintage comic books, featuring his favorite superhero, $5 and up.

A wine aerator, about $30, for the perfect glass every time!

A classic and comfortable shawl-collar sweater, $75.

The ever-popular beer-of-the-month club subscription, $37/month.

(Comics image; beer image) 

For Your Fabulous Momma, Who Now Has a Chic Little Afro and Who Has More Shoes Than You Do!

A delicate rough diamond necklace that will lie perfectly against her collarbone, $45

A teak tea light candle holder, $10.

A more elegant version of the tops she used to spin as a girl, $21.

A delicious assortment of cheeses from Gilt Taste, which she'll eat with red wine and crackers. $40 and up!

A beautiful candle, $55, that's been sculpted underwater!

A colorful and comfy, slim-fitting lambswool sweater, $89.50.

An iPad case in a dip-dyed print, $58.

A sweet fawn mug, that would also function beautifully as a tea light, $16.

A leather makeup bag with a metallic finish (so she can easily spot it in her purse), $35.

 A tea towel, $25, that looks like it could be a lovely wall print.

Good Fish, for great tips on how to purchase, prepare and present the best and healthiest fish. About $20.

A flower bottle stopper, $10.

Ultra-luxurious shower oil, $24, for soft, supple, and sweet-smelling skin all winter long.

A lipstick brush, which will make her feel so sophisticated and feminine as she applies her makeup each morning,  $22.

A back issue of Vogue that she would have read when she was your age.

P.S. Even more gifts for Mom!

(Vogue; Good Fish)

An Air of Surprise 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Last year's gift guide series was such a big hit that I decided to do another one! Yay!!

Since I'm now a poor and pitiful college student, I decided to pick gifts that universally affordable. Most guides, however, will feature a few big ticket items for those who want to splurge just little.

Everyone ready? Let's get started! I'll do about one post per day.

First up, gifts for our lovely mommas!

P.S. Here is last year's gift guide if you want some more ideas!