It's Dec. 17 and the clock is ticking.

Soon Santa will arrive, and it will be time to exchange gifts.

Sadly, this time of year, heading to the city to search for that "perfect gift" is a "perfect headache."

The traffic, the store lines, the reduced inventories. This girl isn't doing it.

I may be a planner, but I still have some last-minute items to buy. Trying to get to town with three kids in tow, when I'm trying to buy items for them, just isn't feasible, so I started thinking about things I could buy locally or online in a hurry. It's actually impressive what you can find at the last minute without leaving town, or changing out of your pjs.)

Here are just a few ideas:

* Gift cards for professional photo services and products. They are good for session fees, photo restoration, prints, digital images and other fun products. There's no easier way to check a gift off your list that will last a lifetime. (Shameless plug, but it's just so easy) Danelle Hevron Studio

* In the same vein, why not create a custom piece of art by having your recipient's favorite snapshot or photo enlarged and framed. Bonus points if that photo includes you and the recipient.

* Local food products. Fresh honey and honey products like lotion and lip balm, Hevron Gold (second and final shameless plug); Mullins Dressing; fruit baskets, wine from area wineries, fresh breads and pastries from area outlets.

* Movie gift card and theater popcorn bucket. I think this was my favorite gift I received last year. The best part was with this prize from Eagle Theater, I could fill the popcorn bucket for discounted prices all year. Sweet.

* Gift certificates for spa services. Whether it's for a manicure, pedicure, massage, tanning, etc., I can't think of anyone who wouldn't be happy with this gift. There are places all over offering these services and associated health/beauty products.

* Gas cards. Perfect for college students or travelers.

* Newspaper subscription. 

* Fresh flowers from any of the local vendors make a beautiful addition to the holiday table.

* Car detailing. We live out of our vehicle. It would be nice to have someone else clean it.

* A night out for your favorite couple with young children. Offer babysitting services so they can escape (oops, I mean go out).

* Magazine subscriptions. 

* Subscription boxes. I love Naturebox.com for healthy snacks. Birchbox.com for grooming and beauty samples. Fabletics.com for athletic wear. Hellofresh.com for meals. The list goes on and on.

* Concert/theater tickets. Buy online and your tickets are in your inbox minutes later.

* Instead of gifting, plan an activity with the recipient - movie night, golf date, shopping trip, ballgame.

* Dinner delivery. Plan to make a homemade dinner for your recipient at a date after the holidays. Show up with it hot and ready to eat. 

* Storage containers. Because there's always that piece that doesn't have a lid...lol

* Still need ideas? Visit your local pharmacy. Wait, what? Harmon's Pharmacy in Oblong and Bertram's Pharmacy in Robinson have a great selection of gifts. Who knew?

Just a few ideas to get you through the next few days. Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!