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6 Places to Shop In a Pinch For Last Minute Holiday Gifts

Couldn't get to the mall or your favorite store to pick up a present for Aunt Emma? No worries, this list may come in handy.

It's down to the wire and your holiday gift list never got a glance. But no problem, there is hope in a pinch.

Last-minute gifts may be found in the most unlikely of places.

Here are six suggestions for picking out a gift for friends, loved ones, and even the mailman:

1. Drugstores: Most carry everything from cards and perfumes to electronics and books.

2. Gas stations: Yes, they often times carry stuffed animals, mugs and other trinkets.

3. Grocery stores: Who doesn't need a gift card to buy some of their favorite things or just every day staples?

4. Florists: Always great in a pinch for a bouquet of red roses or hand-designed arrangements.

5. Bakeries: Shops are typically loaded with cookies, cakes, and enough sweets you can even buy extra for yourself.

6. Hardware Stores: Some stores carry a lot more than nuts and bolts. Today's hardware stores have complete sections dedicated to home goods such as small appliances and knickknacks.

So, just when you thought you were no better than a lump of coal because you missed the boat on gift-buying, there is hope in the form of the most unlikely places for last-minute finds.

Frank Biafore December 23, 2012 at 04:46 pm
Tickets for future admission to Playland Not at the Beach in El Cerrito also make a great gift for those 5 to 95. One of the few local places you and your grandchildren can have fun together. www.pnatb.org
Jon December 24, 2012 at 03:02 pm
Printing and framing my favorite Patch articles has always worked for me as a great last minute gift.
Charles Ferrell December 24, 2012 at 03:37 pm
Since when is El Cerrito anywhere near Beaumont and Banning, I thought this was the "local" Banning-Beaumont Patch? Please keep stories local, Patch editors.
Lorraine Pozniak December 24, 2012 at 05:22 pm
Charles, it's obvious that Frank Biafore is promoting something that he's involved with. This wasn't put forth by Patch editors, anyway...
Frank Biafore December 24, 2012 at 05:49 pm
Charles, I apologise for this appearing on your Patch listing, I posted the infomation as a comment to an article that appeared on my local Patch, as many of our local Patch readers also support our local non-profit museum and family fun center.
Vito Spago December 24, 2012 at 06:14 pm
If you have not gotten all your gifts by now, then stop shopping and give that money to charity. Buying Christmas gifts is a waste anyway. Folks getting stupid things that they do not want anyway.

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Gregory Brittain May 21, 2013 at 10:01 am
If you want to know what "sustainablity" is really about, come hear Rosa Koire at RedlandsRead More Townhall on May 23, 6:30 pm at the American Legion Hall, 814 W. Colton Avenue. "Sustainability" is UN Agenda 21.
Gregory Brittain May 21, 2013 at 10:03 am
“Sustainability” = UN Agenda 21 = less liberty and less prosperity. One of the bestRead More sources is self-described “liberal democrat,” “feminist,” “lesbian” Rosa Koire and her book “Behind the Green Mask: U.N. Agenda 21.” For more information, please see: http://www.postsustainabilityinstitute.org/ http://www.democratsagainstunagenda21.com/ http://www.democratsagainstunagenda21.com/uploads/4/4/6/6/4466371/why_is_everyone_talking_about_un_agenda_21.pdf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDtCb45Lqt0 If the U.N. is involved, it can’t be good for America and it can’t be good for liberty. Liberty is not a value of the Left.
3rdPartyJoe May 16, 2013 at 11:31 pm
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Susana Leija May 23, 2013 at 12:34 pm
I have shopped at Staples for years and have yet gotten a so-called reward. Why the change of heartRead More now? The school supplies are overpriced anyway. I get things really inexpensively at Walmart right before school starts. There is no limit as to how many things one can buy like there is at Staples.
History & Reason May 23, 2013 at 07:37 am
Look at that. A turn style. Hey where'd the party go?
Gregory Brittain May 16, 2013 at 12:55 am
Hillary released another statement regarding Benghazi today.
Gregory Brittain May 16, 2013 at 12:55 am
"I did not have factual relations with the American people."
Gregory Brittain May 16, 2013 at 01:15 am
This lists the comments in reverse order that I posted them. The following is from a great cartoonRead More I read yesterday.
Papa Bear March 26, 2013 at 09:34 pm
Supervisor: "These are not the droids your looking for." San Bernardino: "These areRead More not the droids we're looking for." May the Farce be with you!