It seems like every year, Christmas creeps up on us. We look up from our computer screens or stacks of dirty dishes and realize, “OMG, it’s Dec. 17!”

You frantically draft a list of people you need to buy gifts for and run around the mall, looking for that perfect gift.

Trust me, you’ll never find it.

I’ve been looking for The Perfect Gift my entire life. It doesn’t exist. You can only find The Almost Perfect Gift — or, in my case, The Perfect Gift That Doesn’t Blow My Budget.

So this year, instead of posting a gift idea a day, I gathered the best 15 gift ideas I could come up with this year — all of which you can buy locally. (Meaning, you can wait until the last minute to buy these gifts.)

Each gift is specific to a kind of person — the gardener, the eco-conscious, the foodie. You’ll be surprised, when you take a break and really look around, you’ll find something — maybe not The Perfect Gift — for everyone on your list. Promise.

Obi Belt

Image 2 of 15

One of my favorite pieces in my closet is an obi belt, a wrap-around belt that cinches your waistline and adds elegance to your outfit. This one — ccdoodle obi belt — is not only functional, but beautiful, too. Great with a simple black dress. $30, Eden In Love, Ward Warehouse.