Best Last-Minute Gifts for the Holidays
Few things can be worse than forgetting to get a Christmas gift for somebody on your list. No matter how well you plan, special occasions like Christmas, birthdays, and anniversaries sometimes creep up on you. We’ve all been there, so don’t be too hard on yourself.
Don’t think that procrastinators are the only ones who buy last-minute gifts. Even if you’re always on your game, last-minute gift ideas can be a lifesaver, especially during busy holidays.
Thoughtful last-minute gift ideas can help you get the perfect gift, so you don’t have to stuff cash in an e-gift card for a loved one. For this reason, we’ve compiled our best last-minute gift ideas that are perfect for anyone you’re shopping for.
Top 40 Last-Minute Gifts for the Holidays
The holidays are a busy time for everyone, and sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect gift for your loved ones. If you’re looking for some last-minute ideas, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks for gifts that will make them smile.
Best Last-Minute Gift for Teens
Nintendo Switch
Buy on Amazon at $299 (At the time of this publication)
A Nintendo Switch takes us back to the golden days of gaming and is among the best last-minute gifts for gamers. This attractive item comes with neon blue and red joy-con controllers and up to 9 hours of battery life that’ll give your recipient an excuse to hide out all day in the den.
Top-rated Last-Minute Gift for the Music Lover
Apple AirPods Pro
Buy on Amazon at $200 (With a 20% discount at the time of this publication)
The 2nd generation Airpods Pro from Apple will give your loved ones a great time as they listen to their favorite tunes, podcasts, and more. It features a MagSafe charging case, spatial audio, and active noise cancellation to block out unwanted outside noise.
Best Subscription Last-Minute Gift
Hulu $25 Gift Card
Buy on Amazon at $25 (At the time of this publication)
Give the gift of unlimited streaming of the hottest shows with a Hulu subscription, which offers an updated selection of new movies and plenty of stuff for kids. From the most-watched “Only Murders in the Building” to Emmy Award-winning “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Oscar-winning “Parasite,” Hulu has it all.
Top-Rated Last Minute Gift for Him
HOW’ON Men’s Casual Sherpa Fleece-Lined Jacket
Buy on Amazon at $62 (At the time of this publication)
This stylish sherpa-lined jacket will keep him warm during the cold winter months. It has a good number of pockets and is machine washable. It’s a great addition to his winter wardrobe that he’ll appreciate.
Best Last-Minute Gift for Her
Kirundo Faux Shearling Warm Pullover
Buy on Amazon at $38 (At the time of this publication)
A fuzzy sweatshirt for the days she chooses to look proper for work calls without compromising comfort. She can pair this extra-soft pullover with leggings or jeans, depending on her preferred comfy-casual style.
Top-Rated Last-Minute Gifts for Gamers
BENGOO G9000 Stereo Gaming Headset
Buy on Amazon at $23.99 (At the time of this publication)
This is the perfect last-minute gift for your gamer friend or relative. With its feature that can support the New Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo 3DS, PSP, Laptop, iPad, and mobile phone, they’ll be in for a holiday treat.
A noise-canceling headset that can still give you ample brass and sound clarity. Not only that this can eliminate noise, but it can also boost your speaker unit’s sensitivity with its acoustic positioning precision.
Best Last-Minute Gift for Aunt
Luxury Cotton Large Bath Towels
Buy on Amazon at $50 (At the time of this publication)
This set of four white, soft cotton towels from White Classic will give anyone a wonderful feeling after a bath, like they were in a fancy hotel. They’re plush, thick, absorbent, and suitable for all ages.
Top-Rated Last-Minute Gift for Travellers
Twelve South AirFly Pro
Buy on Amazon at $55 (At the time of this publication)
Is one of your loved ones a frequent flyer? They’ll surely appreciate this Bluetooth connection device, which will allow them to connect their AirPods to the audio on the TVs of airplanes instead of buying headphones whenever they fly.
Most Recommended Last-Minute Gift for Coffee Lovers
Ember Temperature-Control Smart Mug
Buy on Amazon at $169 (At the time of this publication)
This last-minute gift is perfect for those who allow their coffee goes cold before they get the chance to finish it. With a 1-hour battery life, this app-controlled mug will always keep their coffee between 120-145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Best Toiletry Kit Last-Minute Gift
Herschel Chapter Toiletry Kit
Buy on Amazon at $35 (At the time of this publication)
This durable toiletry bag features plenty of storage compartments and waterproof lining to help guard against inevitable leaks and spills. Your recipient can travel in style with this bag, and it can contain their everyday essentials. It’s made from sturdy material and has an interior pocket for smaller items.
Best Skin Care Last-minute Gift
Weleda Skin Food Cream
Buy on Amazon at $15 (At the time of this publication)
Anxiety-induced skin problems can be a concern during the holidays due to the winter dryness and overall stress associated with this period. Welda Skin Food offers a wonderful addition to a hydrating, healing skincare routine that’s better than most.
This all-natural moisturizer is easy on the skin and provides great hydration and glow to your body and face. And since it’s free of harmful chemicals, the recipient of this gift will surely appreciate it.
Top-rated Last-minute Gift for iOS Users
Apple AirTag
Buy on Amazon at $25 (With a 14% discount at the time of this publication)
Do you know anyone who constantly misplaces gadgets or other stuff? This Apple AirTag is very light and will allow them to keep track of their items with their iPads or iPhones.
Top-Rated Last-minute Gift for Gadget Lovers
Mophie 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad
Buy on Amazon at $82 (At the time of this publication)
If you’re thinking of what to get for someone who’s a gadgets freak, you should consider this wireless charging pad from Mophie. With this device, your recipient can charge their compatible Apple devices simultaneously in one place without having cables all over.
This 3-in-1 charging pad features a 7.5W coil for an iPhone, a recessed area for AirPods, and a horizontal charging connector above the pad for Apple Watch. If you put your Apple Watch in Nightstand mode, you can have a great replacement for a bedside clock.
Best Tumbler Last-Minute Gift
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
Buy on Amazon at $24 (20% discount at the time of this publication)
Whether your gift recipient commutes across town or moves around their home, this vacuum-insulated mug is perfect for drinking hot coffee on demand. And they will love it as part of their everyday essentials.
The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is the best travel mug with its excellent heat retention. It has a compact design that’s easy to hold and fits most cup holders, and a locking mechanism to prevent leaks. This is among the best last-minute gifts for all-day coffee drinkers.
Best Last-Minute gift for Remote Workers
LapGear Home Office Lap Desk
Buy on Amazon at $40 (At the time of this publication)
This padded lap desk is the best last-minute gift for students or people who often work from home without an ideal setup. It comes complete with a device ledge, phone holder, and mouse pad and is suitable for up to a 15-inch laptop.
The LapGear Home Office Lap Desk comes in five colors and is very comfortable. Add this item to your holiday shopping list, as your loved ones who work from home will appreciate it.
Best Last-Minute Gift for Moms
Bin8 Multi Kitchen Tool Set
Buy on Amazon at $10 (At the time of this publication)
This essential kitchen tool packs eight different tools into one easy-to-store design and is great for those with a tight kitchen space. It comes in the shape of a wine bottle and looks great sitting on a counter.
Top-Rated Last-Minute Gift for Gym Goers
ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set
Buy on Amazon at $24 (With a 20% discount at the time of this publication)
This cushioned foam mat employs acupuncture to help in muscle relaxation and relieve neck and back pains. Laying on this mat and pillow will activate nearly 8,000 acupressure points to comfort stiff muscles and ease minor aches. It’s a good gift for people who work out.
Top-Rated Last-Minute Gift for Photo Enthusiasts
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
Buy on Amazon at $91 (With a 17% discount at the time of this publication)
Smartphone cameras are widely used these days to take great photos, but more fun options exist to create tangible pictures instantly. Our pick for the best instant or polaroid camera is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9, which is one of the cheapest available and is great for beginners.
This instant camera comes in several fun colors and offers high-quality photos so your gift recipient can take the best tangible pictures with their whole family on Christmas morning.
Most Recommended Last-MInute Gift for Board Game Lovers
Betrayal at House on the Hill
Buy on Amazon at $54 (At the time of this publication)
This is the best gift for horror and board game lovers. This engaging game is an incredibly simple tile game that lets players create their haunted house from scratch, creating a new exciting game board every time while encountering spirits and scary omens.
This suspense-filled game requires minimal strategy and is ideal for family, parties, or casual fun among friends.
Best Last-Minute Gift for Grandma
SG SUGU Dome Crossbody Bag with Tassels
Buy on Amazon at $22 (With a 51% discount at the time of this publication)
This adorable bag is an Amazon best-seller and the ideal gift for women for many reasons: It’s big enough to carry her everyday items, has a good balance, and comes in more than 30 colors.
Top-Rated Last-Minute Gift for Brothers
Foot Cardigan Fun Socks Subscription Box
Buy on Amazon at $12 per month (With a 55% discount on your first box at the time of this publication)
With Foot Cardigan’s Fun Socks Subscription Box, your recipient will receive a brand new pair of socks each month, with several color options and novelty designs like ninjas and bacon.
As a bonus gift, you can get them a Foot Cardigan gift card so they’ll choose their socks. These gift cards are sent via email and contain guides on redeeming them.
Best Last-MInute Gift for Trendy Sisters
Bronax Cloud Slippers
Buy on Amazon at $24 (At the time of this publication)
These comfortable slippers are having a major moment with all the rage on TikTok. They have great bounce and cushion, which gets even softer over time. Your recipient will enjoy this gift as they feel like walking on mushy clouds. Spftem Cloud Slides are available in many fun colors.
Best Coffee Maker Last-Minute Gift
AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker
Buy on Amazon at $35 (With a 13% discount at the time of this publication)
Another last-minute gift idea for coffee lovers, this compact coffee maker can brew delicious coffee. Not minding its syringe-like design, the AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker is super easy to make coffee on the go.
All that your recipient needs is ground coffee and hot water put inside the syringe, and they can make their delicious coffee wherever they are.
Best Last-Minute Gift for Uncle
ThisWorx Portable Car Vacuum Cleaner
Buy on Amazon at $22 (With a 45% discount at the time of this publication)
This powerful vacuum cleaner picks up dry and wet messes and is ideal for any driver. And though it’s designed specifically for automobiles, they can use this handheld equipment in the home.
It features a 16-foot power cable that they can plug into the car’s lighter port, so they can easily navigate between your front and back seats. The set includes three nozzles, a cleaning brush, and a spare HEPA filter.
Top-Rated Last-Minute Gift for your Girl Best Friend
Zealmer Gold Plated Zodiac Sign Necklace
Buy on Amazon at $11 (With a 20% discount at the time of this publication)
This cute gold pendant from Zealmer allows your recipient to show off their zodiac sign. This necklace has a card highlighting each sign’s attributes for a more personal touch. It’s a perfect gift if you’re shopping for your female loved ones.
Best Last-Minute E-Gift
Amazon.com e-Gift Card
Give your loved ones the ability to shop on a website where they can get about anything in the world and have it delivered on the same day. These e-gift cards from Amazon never expire, bear no fees, and are easily redeemable.
Once you have chosen your e-gift card design, you’ll choose the amount and delivery method. Amazon then sends a redeemable code and the e-gift card on your chosen day.
Top-Rated Last MInute Gift for Easy Streaming
Roku Streaming Stick
Buy on Amazon at $25 (With a 50% discount at the time of this publication)
If you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t own a smart TV, this handy device offers streaming content from Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and many others in an easy-to-access place on their TV screen.
With the Roku Streaming Stick, your recipient and their family can enjoy great 4K streaming with speedy Ultra HD and awesome picture quality.
Best Sweet Treats Last-Minute Gift
Universal Yums
Buy on Amazon at $25 per month (At the time of this publication)
A subscription box from Universal Yums is a great gift for a dedicated snacker who enjoys global options of yummy snacks. Each box contains sweet treats from different countries and a recipe booklet containing trivia and games.
The price varies depending on the delivery frequency and the number of snacks per box. You should note that the monthly fee is for a one-year Super Yum Box subscription.
Best Last-Minute Gift for Home Buddies
YnM Weighted Blanket
Buy on Amazon at $32 (With a 36% discount at the time of this publication)
This weighted blanket from YnM is perfect for snuggling in cold months. And this holiday season, it’s a great last-minute gift idea for anyone. It’s made from breathable cotton material and is soft and comfortable. It also comes in many fun colors and different patterns.
Best Last-Minute Gift for Book Lovers
Wishhacc Adjustable Bamboo Book Stand
Buy on Amazon at $14 (With a 32% discount at the time of this publication)
Cookbooks aren’t only meant for beginners. Even professional chefs have to refer to their prized printed recipes, and your recipient will benefit most from a stand that holds up their cookbook.
And if they have bamboo cutting boards or a few light wood kitchen utensils, this cookbook stand will match their style. It has an adjustable back at five different angles and a pair of clips to hold the pages of your book. It can also be folded flat for easy storage when not in use.
Best Last-Minute Gifts for Those Who Love to Cook
Lekue Silicone Bread Maker
Buy on Amazon at $30 (At the time of this publication)
This silicone bread bowl is the perfect last-minute gift for people who enjoy steamy, uneven crumbs but don’t have the space for a Dutch oven or breadmaker. The best part about this bowl is that you can weigh, knead, and bake inside it. You can prove and bake your bread in it too.
Its shape allows air and steam to circulate inside to moisten the dough while giving a lovely golden crust to your bread. Give this thoughtful gift to anyone who would love to bake their favorite loaf on Christmas morning.
Best Skincare Kit Last-Minute Gift
Buttah Skin Skin-Transforming Kit with Facial Shea Butter
Buy on Amazon at $60 (At the time of this publication)
Give your loved ones a gift of radiant skin with this well–known skincare kit with a three-piece set containing a cleanser, facial shea butter, and vitamin C serum, all packaged pretty nicely. This set is ideal for melanin-rich skin tones and makes your skin glow. In addition, you’ll get free gifting options such as a printed message and gift box.
Best Last-Minute Gift for Relaxation
Organic Aromas Raindrop Nebulizing Diffuser
Buy on Amazon at $99 (At the time of this publication)
If you want your loved ones to enjoy the calming scents of a candle without worrying about a possible fire outbreak, then you should consider gifting them an essential oil diffuser.
This nebulizing diffuser from Organic Aromas exudes enough scent to fill a large space while running so quietly that they can barely notice. In addition, it can give your space a great look when placed on a bookshelf, coffee table, or nightstand.
Best Personalized Last-Minute Gift
Felt Like Sharing – Felt Letter Board
Buy on Amazon at $22 (At the time of this publication)
With this fun letter board, your recipient can put any messages, quotes, and lyrics on display, and they can customize it as a holiday decoration. This black 10×10-inch soft felt board comes with a wood oak frame and 300 letters and symbols in a drawstring bag.
It’s a thoughtful gift for your loved ones to show their creativity and share moments. It’ll make a great last-minute gift for families and friends.
Best Alarm Clock Last-Minute Gift
Philips Wake-Up Light
Buy on Amazon at $80 (With a 20% discount at the time of this publication)
Unlike the screaming of a phone alarm, a sunrise alarm clock can give a more pleasing start to the day. Waking up can be hard at times, but this Philips Wake-Up Light will make it easier by creating an artificial sunrise to nudge your recipient awake.
It has five soothing alarm options, of which one is emitted when its highest brightness is reached.
Top Rated Speaker Last-Minute Gift
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2
Buy on Amazon at $100 (At the time of this publication)
This last-minute gift idea is perfect for music lovers. The Wonderboom 2 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that your recipient can listen to their favorite tunes anywhere, even in the shower. It features a natural sound and a sleek design in many fun colors.
This portable speaker is waterproof and built for any adventure, whether lounging on your outdoor porch, humming along in the shower, or having a solo karaoke session in the bedroom.
Best Last-Minute Gift for Kids
National Geographic Mega Gemstone Dig Kit
Buy on Amazon at $25 (With a 17% discount at the time of this publication)
The National Geographic Mega Gemstone Dig Kit offers kids a unique way to begin or expand their rock collection with their dig. The kit contains 15 gemstone samples hidden within a huge “dig site” block similar to chalk.
Your little archeologist will enjoy digging through this large brick until they come across these 15 shiny stones, including tiger’s eye, pyrite, and amethyst.
Best Last-Minute Gift for Readers
Studio Ghibli SteelBook
Buy on Amazon at $28 (At the time of this publication)
For decades, Hayao Miyazaki films and epic animation studios have awed audiences of all ages. Whether your recipient is a big fan of Studio Ghibli or a cinema lover, they’ll love to own a limited-edition SteelBook DVD/Blu-ray combo of their favorite Studio Ghibli production.
With this SteelBook, they’ll see interviews with producers, feature-length storyboards, informational booklets, and audio commentary from directors and animators. It offers new insights into old favorites like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and more.
Best Last-Minute Gift For Coffee Hoarders
FDC Monthly Coffee Subscription
This last-minute gift idea is especially perfect for coffee lovers. You can choose a prepaid monthly subscription to FDC’s spirit-infused coffee club, original medium roast, or coffee of the month club so your recipient can receive great-tasting coffee for either 3, 6, or 12 months.
Top-Rated Last-Minute Gift for Dad
HIGHEVER Magnetic Wristband
Buy on Amazon at $15 (With a 25% discount at the time of this publication)
This magnetic tool holder is ideal for the DIYer who enjoys undertaking a home improvement project. With this wristband, they’ll easily keep track of loose bolts, screws, nails, and other necessities. Give them this functional gift to ease their next project, and they’ll appreciate it.
Conclusion
These carefully selected options are the best gifts you can give someone at the last minute, and they’re affordable – most under $100. If you need a quick last-minute gift for your loved one or coworker this holiday season, choose something from this list they’re sure to love.
Originally published on 11/08/2022 – updated on 11/26/2022
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