Today marks the last day of my quest to find some of the best gifts in Toronto. My final pick: Samba Days experiences. My dad has a knack for waiting until Christmas Eve before doing any holiday shopping, usually duping some poor suspecting offspring (namely me) into acting as mall co-pilot during the excruciating experience. To his relief, my parents put a stop to gifts a few years ago. For the not-so-lucky who still have gifting obligations (and liken shopping to swallowing thumbtacks), you can actually find incredibly thoughtful gifts outside of the mall. On Christmas Eve. And if you're really pathetic, on Christmas Day.

My local Shoppers is open on the 24th and 25th, and it just happens to stock Samba Days boxed "experiences". The concept isn't entirely new. The drug chain has carried a similar type of gift card for a while. What I like about Samba Days, though, is that you can buy a package based on a theme (and at a discount of up to 30%) - Getaways, Pampering or Adventure for example - and the recipient can choose from a wide selection of options within the theme.

A mani, pedi and paraffin bundle at Shizen Spa is just one of the choices in the $109 "Rejuvenate Package", for example. I know, I know, gift certificates seem like a cop-out, but this ain't the Gap. It's a chance to experience a little slice of Toronto with your sweetheart. And she doesn't have to know that you waited until the 11th hour.

Best for: Last-minute gifting, people who have everything

What they'll cost you: $49-$329

Where to get 'em: Shoppers Drug Mart locations across the city

Images courtesy Samba Days, used with permission.