Find Last-Minute Christmas Gifts in Charlestown

With all of the tree trimming, cookie baking and partygoing, there is so much to do during the holidays that it's easy to leave shopping for Christmas presents until the last minute. But by then, the malls and chain stores are usually chaotic and the mere thought of battling crowds is exhausting.

Here are some ideas for easy gifts that can be bought locally and require little stress:

• Go to Pura Vida Home Décor or The Joy of Old and pick out a unique candle, picture frame, art piece or other home décor item for teachers, relatives and neighbors.
• Go to Bunker Hill Florist or Raspberry Bouquet Floral Design for festive, holiday-inspired bouquets, or wreaths with candles that would make nice centerpieces for a friend or neighbor’s Christmas dinner table.
• Go to Barnes & Noble (Back Bay), Coop for Kids (Harvard Square) or another bookstore in a nearby neighborhood and pick out a few fun titles for the children in your family, or your kid’s friends. For ideas, check out our Patch Reads page.
• Go to Mike's Pastry or another North End bakery and order a cannoli, a festive cake or a box of cookies that would be a delicious complement to holiday dinners.
• Go to Townie Sportswear, Charlestown Yoga or another sportswear or fitness-focused business in the area and pick up a gift certificate, a new Charlestown Townies jersey or other item for the athlete in your life.
• Go to Olivia Browning of Charlestown for specialized stationary that makes for a simple yet personal gift.
• Go to Salon Forty-Four, Ambiance Salon and Spa, Reynee's, Element Day Spa or another Charleston salon and give someone in your life who needs a little relaxation a gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure, haircut or spa treatment.
• Go to Ace Hardware, Bunker Hill Florist, Joy of Old or Olivia Browning to pick up a copy of the Charlestown Preservation Society's "Charlestown History and Architecture." Click here for more local history gift ideas.

What are some of your own last-minute gift ideas? Know of some great items or deals around town? Share in the comments below.