Aloha,

'Tis the season... for last minute shopping.

Maybe you procrastinate. Maybe you spent all your money on rum. Maybe you need a hostess gift for that party you are crashing tonight. Whatever the reason is, you need a gift and you need it fast. What to do?

If you haven't spent all your money on rum the go-to gift for the tikiphile in a hurry is something from the local liquor store. But if you are a procrastinator (or live in a state with lame blue laws) the store may be closed already. Now what?

You could find a 24 hour grocery or drug store close to the liquor store and assemble a gift basket of whatever you can find. Fancy fruit, bitters, shower gel, whatever. Be sure to check the clearance aisle. If you are going to a party just show up with limes and ice and that will probably make you a hero. Remember, it is the thought that counts.

But if you have spent all your money on rum you really need to get creative. Don't even leave the house, times like this require creativity and sacrifice and as they say, giving begins at home.

• Give the gift of duplicates. We all have extra tiki mugs in our collection. Take one down from the shelf, dust it off and toss some swizzle sticks in it. Tie the swizzles into a bundle with a ribbon and you don't even need gift wrap.
• Give the gift that doesn't fit. If the gift is for someone smaller than you grab that too small aloha shirt or dress in your closet and present it to them as a vintage store find.
• Give the gift of slightly used rum. Grab an almost full bottle from your bar and as soon as you arrive at the party make a drink with it. No one will notice it was already open.
• Give an exclusive gift. If none of your rum bottles are nearly full grab an empty bottle, print up a silly label for it with your computer and fill it with the dregs of other rum bottles in your bar. Then present it as your "private blend."

Remember, the difference between appearing frugal instead of cheap is all in the presentation.

Now, get out there and hit the holiday parties.

Mele Kalikimaka!

—Tagata Maori Rogorogo