Last, last (really last) minute gifts

If you can read this, you're too close. Too close to the deadline for holiday shopping, that is. But, of course, it's never too late, if you're willing to be creative. And with the growth of convenience stores, gas-station minimarts and other never-closed businesses, the choices open to those who've waited until Christmas Day to buy their gifts now go far beyond online gift certificates (though that, of course, is still an option). Here are a few ideas if you've just checked the calendar and realized that St. Nick has come and gone, and the stockings you're expected to fill are still empty:

Blockbuster - Christmas has become a popular day to go to the movies, and the big video chain apparently wants a piece of that. Though most stores don't open until Noon, you should be able to find at least a handful of good DVDs and video games available before you sit down for Christmas dinner.

Drug Stores - Many branches of chains such as CVS, Walgreen's and Rite-Aid will be open on Christmas day, and offer a range of gift cards, perfumes and cosmetics, along with greeting cards, wrapping paper and other accessories. These stores also frequently stock inexpensive toys, low-end electronics and other items suitable in a pinch. Just don't be surprised if pickings are slim, and you end up buying things like blank recordable DVDs or disposable digital cameras.

Convenience Stores - Yes, you may just find yourself thanking heaven for 7-Eleven, if it's along the route you take to your holiday gathering. Of course, you'll also have to hope the neighborhood store hasn't been cleared out of all of its higher-end merchandise; a Big Gulp and chili dog combo just won't cut it as a gift.

Supermarkets - Some chains will have at least a few branches open on Christmas morning, giving you a chance to throw together a last-minute food basket or bouquet of flowers, pick up a small appliance or grab one of the ubiquitous gift cards (of course, if all the premium cards are taken, it's up to you whether or not you want to show up at mom's with a Winn-Dixie gift card).

Ethnic Businesses - Not everyone celebrates Christmas, though many businesses run by those who skip the holiday will still be closed. However, from New York's Chinatown to San Francisco's Jewish Contemporary Museum, you'll find some businesses open on the 25th. (Many ethnic restaurants are also open on Christmas, so if you were supposed to bring dessert and forgot to bake, you may just be able to pick up a plate of egg tarts or almond cookies for the family.)

Of course, it's the thought that counts. Which means that if you're just thinking about your gift-shopping needs on Christmas morning, you shouldn't expect a lot of options. Check back here on Boxing Day (so named, we assume, because it's the day when people box up all the gifts they didn't want) for some tips on post-holiday returns.