Last Minute Gift Ideas

1. Gift Cards

Gift cards make a wonderful gift. A certificate to something fun like Firefly Studios or Painted Pig (pottery painting studios) would make good gifts, but Fresh Market and even Wal-Mart will be well received. Just be sure to give a gift card that can be used at a place the person normally shops, because around 27% of gift cards sent go unused. A Visa/Mastercard gift card can be used anywhere.

2. Membership Gifts

Memberships to local attractions make great gifts. For Christmas, the Little Rock Zoo is offering 50% off memberships. Season passes to Magic Springs are just $50.99. Again, be sure to get a gift at a place that the person actually likes to visit the attraction. Season passes to Wild River Country won't be much fun if nobody in the family swims.

3. Food Lover Gifts

A fun, quick gift is a bottle of Arkansas wine coupled with some cheese, crackers, a basket and maybe even a few glasses. Arkansas made wine is sold at most Wal-mart stores around the state, so you don't have to drive to Altus to get it. I've been told by wine connoisseurs that a lot of Altus win is pretty good. It's something that many haven't even thought to try.

You can find more great ideas for food lovers on a visit to the downtown area. 4Square has some unique food related gifts, and there's always something good to be found in the River Market and Argenta Markets.

4. Magazine Gifts

Magazines makes great gifts. My favorite Arkansas magazines are 501 Life and At Home Arkansas. However, you can browse the selection at Barnes and Noble and figure out which would fit your friend. Buying and wrapping the current issue with a note or adding some accessories is a fun way to present the gift.

5. Charitable Gifts - Heifer

One of my favorite things to give at this time of year is a gift from Heifer International. For various prices, you can help this Arkansas based charity help children and families around the world receive training and animal gifts that help them become self-reliant.

6. Photography Gifts

Photos make a great gift and photographs of Arkansas are always beautiful. An even better last minute idea? Buy the person a digital camera and give them a free Arkansas State Parks guide. One of my favorite books about Arkansas is Tim Ernst's "Arkansas Nature Lover's Guidebook." It may not make the "last minute," but it can be found in many gift shops around the state. The nature center in downtown Little Rock is a good place to look. If they don't have the Ernst book, they have other guidebooks, plus free Arkansas Parks guides.