Presents for the Procrastinator

Editor's Note: We originally ran this story last Christmas Eve, but found it's still useful today. The items in the stores may have changed.

Time is ticking and, oops, you've got zero shopping days left till Christmas. Still need stocking stuffers? Have you procrastinated on going shopping altogether?

Or maybe someone unexpectedly presented you with a present, leaving you stammering about going, uh, out to the car to get theirs.

Help is here — and look no further than Strongsville's gas stations and convenience stores to fuel some ideas for those last-minute presents.

The  on Pearl and Whitney roads, for example, has everything from toy cars to incense kits to air fresheners and cologne, ranging from $1.99 to $19.99.   For the movie buff, there is a wide selection of DVDs ranging from $6.99 to $9.99 each.  

Jeff Dochsie stopped in the store for a soft drink, but ended up browsing the shelves in search of some last-minute gifts.

"I'm shopping for stocking stuffers," he said. "Some of these things would be great. They're exactly what I'm looking for."

Across town at Sheetz gas station and convenience store on Prospect and Royalton roads, there is a rounder dedicated solely to gift cards.

"I think a gift card is always a good choice for the person who is hard to buy for," said Beth Wallace, who was planning on purchasing one from Sheetz for a last-minute gift.

Employees at Circle K say their Visa gift cards also make great gifts. Another popular item to bring to a party: gifts from the beverage cooler (like Great Lakes Christmas Ale).

Of course, a pair of Cleveland Browns gloves or an ice scraper start looking like mighty fine gifts on Christmas morning, too, when you're already running late for dinner.

But here are a few ideas for a "real" gift from that 24-hour convenience store you pass on the way.

In the right combination, grocery items can be made into a tasteful gift basket.  Put together a box of pasta, sauce, olive oil and a bottle of wine, for example, for an Italian-themed gift. For the sports fan, combine several snack items like chips, crackers, and pretzels and a favorite soft drink and place it all in a foam cooler.

For the TV buff, combine the above items and add a DVD (and maybe antacids). Buy coffee or tea, a mug and some books or magazines for the ultimate stay-at-home winter gift.

Or  you can always grab a lottery ticket or two at the gas station — because the possibility of winning some cold hard cash on Christmas would make even the Grinch smile. 

Most gas stations and convenience stores are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. So it is possible to grab and go — even if you are on your way to Christmas dinner.