In-Case-of-Emergency Gifts

It’s always awkward when someone gives you an unexpected holiday gift and you have nothing to give in return. Take precautions against this embarrassing moment by stocking up on crowd-pleasing one-size-fits-all In-Case-of-Emergency gifts. Wrap them up and store them within arm’s reach so that instead of saying, “You shouldn’t have,” and meaning it, you can say, “Oh, I’ve got your gift in the other room. I’ll go grab it!”

For the Surprise Female Giver


Any gal, whether a baking beginner or a natural Martha Stewart, would love whipping up a batch of cupcakes dressed in pink zebra cupcake liners (60 for $2.50, at Bake It Pretty). Add a cookbook or apron and you’re golden. Or for only $4.80, you can’t go wrong keeping a few glittery cosmetic bags (available in pink and silver) wrapped up in the closet ($4.80, at Forever 21). Meanwhile, every working girl would appreciate a bejeweled mini stapler to brighten up her 9 to 5 ($3.80, at Forever 21). They come in silver, purple, and pink!

For the Random Male Gifter


Keep these guy-friendly gifts on hand to pass out to male elves that happen to surprise you with a holiday present. Keytars (6 for $5.99, at Insound) make a great gift for any man who can or cannot carry a tune. He’ll proudly carry his keys in style and may even bust them out as an air guitar. Keep a cool beverage on hand for any caffeine-addicted man with the USB Beverage Cooler ($19.99, at Think Geek). Put a smile on any gentleman’s face with the GPX digital audio player ($16.99, at Kmart). It holds up to 2GB of tunes.

Just in case you don’t end up giving these gifts away to unexpected Santas, stash them away for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, host or hostess gifts, or indulgent treats for yourself!

Related Links:
Awesome Gifts Under $25
Best Gag Gifts
Stocking Stuffers
The Most Expensive Gifts EVER

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.