Bad Santa

No time for checking it twice

by Monica Weymouth

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men, time with loved ones: all important parts of the holidays. But the thing is, last-minute shopper, people want gifts. Neighbors, nieces, co-workers and the cat expect a little something. Your mom and girlfriend expect more than you have time for. Fortunately, Philly has your late-December shopping needs covered. Read fast, include a homemade card and keep telling yourself that next year will be different.

Sat., Dec. 22, 1-5 p.m., LUSH, 1428 Walnut St., 215-546-5874

Bath products traditionally say, "I ran out of time and you smell weird, friend I don't know so well." While this is partially true, LUSH isn't your typical mall soap stop. At the Last Minute Gift Gala, they'll provide you with a personal shopper to navigate the endless scrubs, shampoos, cosmetics and lotions. Spend more than $50 and you get a free bath bomb, which your sister won't know was free.

Sat., Dec. 22, noon-6 p.m., Tony, 47 N. Third St., 215-592-8669

It's the shortest day of the year, but you can still get some serious shopping done at Tony's holiday party. The Old City boutique is giving you 10 percent off any of Crash and Burn's hoodies and tees, plus complimentary gift wrap. Spend $50 and you'll score a free pair of Biatta panties, which happen to go great with LUSH bath bombs.

910 N. Second St., 215-925-2153

Conspiracy Showroom, we loved you when you were a Thursday-through-Sunday kind of gal, but we lust you now. The Nolibs boutique is spreading some holiday cheer with tons of extra hours (Tue., Wed. and Sun., noon-6 p.m.; Thu., Fri. and Sat., noon-8 p.m.; Christmas Eve, noon-4 p.m.) and free gift wrap. The ladies just got in some of Jody Sweitzer's vintage-button rings, and Philly Skyline calendars by R. Bradley Maule are fresh off the press.

Sat., Dec. 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 215-739-5577

Fishtown-based artist collective Positive Space is, well, a Fishtown-based artist collective, so they know how this last-minute thing works. Their Procrastinator's Holiday Bazaar will feature pieces by about 20 local artists and crafters including handmade candles by Erin Hentz and silk-screened posters by Lucy Price. M Room will be serving brunch, but gifts before pancakes, naughty shopper.

750 S. Fourth St., 216-627-2357

It doesn't matter when you buy your girl a pair of shoes from Bus Stop as long as you do. Special holiday hours (Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.; Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and 10 percent off any shoe or handbag purchase make this almost too easy. What's on owner Elena Brennan's wish list? A pair of Marcello Toshi's Dos Huecos and some United Nude high-heel snow boots in case of a pesky wintery mix. You heard the lady.