This post is sponsored by Ross Dress for Less
Have you finished your Christmas shopping? I’ve been wrapping up my gift list this past week, but there are still a few items left to find. With so many events this month, it feels great to have presents ready so you can relax and enjoy time with family and friends.
For the past several months I’ve partnered with Ross Dress for Less to share affordable ways to decorate and celebrate. With only a few weeks until Christmas, here are three last-minute gift ideas that work well for any home or hostess. Ross often offers 20%–60% savings on brand-name items, making it a great place to pick up thoughtful, budget-friendly presents.
1. Stuff a Stocking
Instead of waiting for stockings to be filled on Christmas Eve, try filling a festive stocking and giving it as a gift. I found knit Christmas stockings on my last trip that make charming packaging for an assortment of small presents.
A stocking makes a delightful hostess gift or party favor. Fill it with small, useful items such as glass votives, cheese spreaders, wine charms, cocktail napkins, or coasters. The recipient gets the gifts inside and a pretty stocking they can reuse as seasonal decor.
2. Give Great Gizmos and Gadgets
Surprising someone with a gadget they didn’t know they needed is always fun. Look for practical kitchen tools like a popcorn popper, oil sprayer, garlic press, or a compact grill. On my last visit to Ross I found a handy immersion blender to tuck under our tree—it’s perfect for soups, smoothies, and dips and makes a welcome gift for cooks or anyone setting up a new kitchen.
To make a kitchen gadget feel extra personal, include a handwritten recipe card with a favorite soup, dip, or smoothie idea.
3. Create a Crate
Packaging matters. Choose a box, basket, crate, bag, or decorative bowl and add filler (tissue paper, fabric, or shredded paper) before arranging your items. A crate is an especially charming option because it doubles as functional decor after the holidays—perfect for holding napkins, utensils, or pantry items.
This gift is easy to personalize. Select items that reflect the recipient’s interests and assemble them around a theme, or mix and match for a curated surprise.
Themed crate ideas:
- Gourmet food selection
- Luxurious bath and spa items
- Coffee or tea lover kit with mug and treats
- Kitchen tools and gadgets
- Baking kit with mixes and utensils
- Gardening supplies
- Arts and crafts materials
- New homeowner essentials
- Holiday basket with treats and decor
What other fun, affordable gifts are you giving this year?
The items pictured—stocking, immersion blender, kitchen towels, mug, tea, food items and wooden crate—were found recently at my local Ross store. These ideas show how easy it can be to assemble thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts that suit a variety of tastes.