BY HANNA SHEEHAN

You stare blankly at the poster advertising “50% off all sweaters for the holidays!” You are with your friends at the mall, and you simply do not understand the meaning of “for the holidays” because it cannot be December already. It feels like it was Thanksgiving only a few days ago. Now, you only have a few days left to do your holiday shopping.

If you are one of the many who have found themselves in this situation, here are some gift ideas and shops to visit. You can never go wrong with a scented candle or some nice soap. Moms tend to like these bath-related items. So why not head on down to Bath & Body Works in the Westchester Mall? Another store that sells these types of gifts is Lush Cosmetics, a store originally started in the UK, which features all natural body and cosmetic products. And if your mom isn’t into the whole nice scented things, you can always get her a Bath Bomb. It is pretty much a bath explosive that sends out a light stream of leaves or dried flowers. It is a lot cooler and more relaxing then it sounds.  If you don’t have the time or the funds to purchase a Bath Bomb, you can simply make something nice because it’s the thought that counts!

You know that your dad is one of the hardest people to shop for. However, you can never go wrong with a gift card for him. A Starbucks gift card is simple yet useful. Or if you know your dad is a real coffee addict, you can get him some ground coffee or a mug.

If you don’t know what to get your friends and family for the holidays, you can also get them gift cards. This way, they can always choose a gift they truly will enjoy, and you can still spend the amount of money you wish to spend. However, picking the right place to get a gift card can be tough. When choosing a place, always take into account the person’s personality. If you feel the gift card approach is a little impersonal, you can always just ask. But, don’t stress too much; after all, it is “the most wonderful time of the year.”