Last-second gift guide: What you can buy right now

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 creative. 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:

Video Stores - Christmas has become a popular day to go to the movies, and the big video chains want a piece of that. If there's a Blockbuster or Hollywood Video store near you, chances are it's open at some point today. 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.

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  Contemporary Jewish Museum, you'll find some businesses open on the 25th.

FAO Schwarz and Apple's Fifth Avenue Store - If you're in the city that never sleeps this holiday, you'll ind two major stores open, right on the same block. Apple's never-closed Fifth Avenue location should still have some iPods, Macs and accessories in stock, and just up the street, landmark toy store FAO Schwarz also plans to be open, guaranteeing that you'll find at least something for the kiddies (note that, although the Apple Store is open around-the-clock, Schwarz's Christmas hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

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 tomorrow for some tips on post-holiday returns.