Last-Minute In-Game Gifts

Did your guild decide to hold a gift-swap but forgot to send you the memo? Did you receive an unexpected present from a new friend? If you're stuck in a bind wondering what to get a fellow WoW player this year, try one (or more) of the following:

• Vanity Pets: The most accessible place to get these is in your capital city Auction House, but the prices here range from affordable to downright ludicrous. But, there's still a bit of time to play the market. If you're looking to purchase something a little more unusual, get on your flying mount and head to Stormspire in Netherstorm and speak to Dealer Rashaad. For 10 gold you can purchase a Red Moth or Blue Dragonhawk pet, or some other unusual critters.
• PvP Gems: Thanks to the new honor system, not all gems are bind-on-pickup! Which means you can spend some of your honor on gems for a friend, if you so desire. And there's sure to be a gem for everyone somewhere on this list. Speak to the Armor Quartermasters in Orgrimmar's Hall of Legends or Stormwind's Champions' Hall to purchase these.
• Holiday Garb: Prices for Winter Boots or the Green or Red Winter Clothes can be high, so why not help a friend by making these items a gift? If you're a tailor or leatherworker you can purchase the patterns for these by talking to Wulmort Jinglepocket in Ironforge, or Penney Copperpinch in Orgrimmar. Just don't forget - the patterns are bind on pickup!

A gift isn't complete without the proper holiday gift wrap! But don't worry, the goblins sell that too, in purple, green, or blue!

Don't have a lot of in-game gold? No problem! If you're willing to spend some time instead of money, you can try the old "IOU" system. Send your friends coupons for one or more of the following (or make your own!):

• one hour (or more) of help farming materials or reputation
• a run through a dungeon of the recipient's choice
• a free port (or summons) to Dalaran
• a Westfall Chicken vanity pet (this only costs 22 copper, so it's close to being free. For details on how to get this bind on pickup pet, see this article)
  

Shopping for presents in World of Warcraft shouldn't be nearly as tough as it is in real life. Good luck!