Finding 5 Easy, Last-Minute Christmas Gifts in Birmingham

In a scramble to pick up a couple of last-minute gifts, but you're on a tight budget? Check out what Birmingham has offer that's sure to please this holiday season:

Give them what they really want

Looking for something you family and friends will love, but you're short on imagination? That's what gift cards are for. If you have a fashionista on your list, pick up a gift card from the downtown , , J. McLaughlin or . Or, if someone you know has a sweet tooth, give a gift card from the (if you buy a $25 card, you'll receive a $5 card for yourself).

Give the gift of entertainment

Do you know a movie buff? Uptown Entertainment, which owns the and the movie theaters, sells gift cards of various amounts. Gift cards cannot be used at new showings. For music lovers, give tickets for the , whose next show — "Water Music" — will be Feb. 12 at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. Purchase single-show tickets, ticket packages or season passes.

Give them a weekend away without leaving town

Know any tired parents or newlyweds? Send them away without really going anywhere with the various packages offered at the . Various packages are available, including the Platinum Package (starting at $400) and Romantic Encounter (starting at $360). If you're thinking ahead, check out the hotel's various Valentine's Day packages.  

Give them something delicious

Food gifts, whether handmade cookies or peppermint bark, are an easy way to give back to co-workers, family and friends. However, if you're not the best chef (and your friends aren't either), sign both of you up for a cooking class at or . Or if you still have time, check out this week's classes at Simply Good and The Community House and make this year's gift a contribution to the family holiday dinner.

Give something crafty

Want to make something for your friends this year but don't know where to start? Check out the website of Birmingham's newest craft and paper supply store, the Paper Source, for ideas, then head to the downtown store to pick out clever and unique stocking stuffers, ornaments and more. While you're there, peruse Birmingham's other craft stores — the , , and the — for even more ideas.