It is bound to happen, you get invited to a last minute party or suddenly realize you forgot to get something for your husband´s great aunt Bertha. Since work at home moms don´t have much time anyway, these last minute gift dilemmas can be a big problem! Here are a few ideas:

Cookie basket: If you have time to bake (or already have a supply of Christmas cookies) lay a pretty napkin in a basket and fill it with cookies. Homemade treats are always well-received.

Gift in a Jar: Whip up a last minute gift really fast by just layering ingredients in a jar. They can be for cookies (alternate flour, raisins and chocolate chips, etc.) or for a soup (lentils, beans, dried veggies and consomme). Print off a little label with instructions and cut a square of fabric to top the jar, screw on the ring and tie a ribbon around it. Fast and easy and really a nice gift to receive.

 Relaxation basket: This is ideal for any women you need a gift for and can be a good generic gift for parties. Take a basket and add a mug, some packets of hot chocolate and/or tea, a package of tea biscuits (or cookies you´ve made) a couple of crosswords or word searches (print off from online sites) and wrap in cellophane.

 Christmas ornament: These are the perfect gift for someone you don´t really know. If you´re really desperate, just grab one off your own tree:

This is the season of peace, joy, and stress, but being prepared helps, so for next year, try picking up a few things ahead of time for those last minute gifts and tuck them away in your closet . . . just in case.