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31 Last-Minute Gift Ideas That Will Arrive Quicker Than You Can Say "Ho, Ho, Ho!"

It's never too late to snag cool gifts

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last minute gift ideas
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The only thing worse than showing up to a party empty-handed? Arriving with a gift that screams, “I bought this at the gas station on the way over.” But if you forgot to pick up a gift for your tween nieces and nephews before your holiday dinner or Secret Santa gift exchange, don’t fret. We've been there and done that, so we know a thing or ten about shopping at the eleventh hour. Better yet, we know at least 31 last-minute gift ideas that will arrive in time for all the festivities. Scroll on to find some of the most impressive last-minute gifts that won't seem like an afterthought, from a MasterClass membership (from $10), Star Registration gift card ($50) and crowd-pleasing Brooklinen gift card (from $50). My personal go-to? A pair of Nordstrom Moonlight Pajamas (was $79, now $47) and an ESW Beauty Raw Juice Cleanse Mask Set (was $30, now $19). Happy shopping—you’re going to sleigh. (Sorry.)

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

The Top 10 Last-Minute Gift Ideas

1

Best Last-Minute Gift Overall

Brooklinen Gift Card

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2

Best Last-Minute Gift for Anyone

Master Class Membership

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3

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Budding Mixologist

The Mini Bar: 100 Essential Cocktail Recipes

read more

4

Best Last-Minute Gift for Cookie Monsters

Levain Bakery Signature Cookie Assortment

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5

Best Last-Minute Gift for Coffee Addicts

Trade Personalized Coffee Subscription

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Where to Buy Last-Minute Gifts

While you can buy last-minute gifts at almost all your favorite retailers and brands, the best place to shop really depends on just how little time you have left. If you have a couple of days, chances are you can order online with expedited shipping and be fine. If you have one day or less, look for retailers that have in-store pickup, same-day delivery or overnight shipping, such as Nordstrom, Amazon, Macy’s, Target and Walmart, to name a few. And if you’re working with less than one hour before go time, digital gift cards and subscription services are a thoughtful and instant gift option with no immediate shipping required.

No one has to know you procrastinated this year, especially when you've got these 31 gift ideas up your sleeve. You can thank us later.

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

Best Last-Minute Gift Overall

1. Brooklinen Gift Card

Brooklinen

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

If they love quality bedding, cozy loungewear and luxurious bath essentials, a Brooklinen e-gift card will not disappoint. You can load up the card with up to $500 so they can snag some fancy-schmancy heathered cashmere sheets for the new year or an organic ribbed robe with an addictively cozy and soft texture. The possibilities will be endless, and the best part is that the digital card will be delivered right to their inbox, so there's no shipping required.

Best Last-Minute Gift for Anyone

2. Master Class Membership

MasterClass

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

A membership that includes access to countless classes—from cooking with Gordon Ramsey to scriptwriting with Shonda Rhimes—is the gift that keeps on giving. Not to mention, since this is a fully digital gift, your giftee can access it right away simply by logging in. Better yet, MasterClass videos can be viewed on smartphones, personal computers, Apple TVs, Amazon FireTVs and Roku streaming services, so your recipient can access them from just about anywhere. You can also get class recommendations for them (you know, to give the gift a personalized touch). Oh, and did we mention that MasterClass is running a deal that scores you *two* memberships for the price of one, so you can get in on the action, too? It's a win-win.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Budding Mixologist

3. The Mini Bar: 100 Essential Cocktail Recipes

Editors of PUNCH

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery, Saturday delivery 

This is the perfect present for people who are always manning the bar. That's because it comes with eight small books organized by base ingredient (whisky, rum, gin, vodka, tequila, Champagne, sherry and amaro), so new cocktail recipes are just a page away. But here's why one buyer is obsessed: "I love how it has interesting background information and history on every cocktail, simple recipes and even tells you what kind of glass each should be served in...The back of every booklet also has a notes section where you can write down your own recipes for reference." Say no more; your wannabe mixologist will love it.

Best Last-Minute Gift for Cookie Monsters

Levain Bakery

  • Expedited Shipping Options: one and two-day ground shipping ($12.50), two-day air shipping cost ($20), overnight air shipping ($49)

A gift from NYC's legendary bake shop, Levain Bakery, is just as sweet as the cookies themselves. No, seriously, they're some of the gooiest and chunkiest cookies around. Not only are they baked fresh *daily* and hand-packaged to ship nationwide, but you can also send an assorted box of four, eight or 12 cookies. All of which include their original flavors: chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, dark chocolate peanut butter chip, and oatmeal raisin. Sound delicious? Well, that's gift-giving at its finest.

Best Last-Minute Gift for Coffee Addicts

5. Trade Personalized Coffee Subscription

Trade Coffee

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

Does your roommate spend way too much money on Starbucks? Surprise them with a coffee subscription! Trade Coffee will not only introduce them to a new brand every month, but as the gifter, you’ll be able to decide how many bags you wish to purchase (three to 24) and the custom gift message so they know exactly who it came from. Trust, once your roomie gets their first subscription box, they’ll be excited to try the over 450 coffee selections from across the country.

Best Last-Minute Gift for Streamers

6. Disney+ Subscription

Disney+

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

Send your resident Disney buff a monthly membership to the streaming platform so they can access all of their favorite shows and movies, not limited to the entire Skywalker Saga and Glee seasons. With the $20 duo premium membership, they can also have an ad-free experience and download their favorite titles to watch on the plane back home.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Home Cook

7. Dusen Dusen Oven Mitt

Dusen Dusen

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime two-day shipping

“I was just scoping out ShopBop's home goods section looking for a gift! A lot of folks may not know that ShopBop has a ton of incredibly cool home stuff and that you can score free two-day shipping if you have an Amazon Prime account,” PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth shares. She’s eyeing something fun from Dusen Dusen for her best friend’s kitchen, and I couldn't help but fall in love with these wacky, cheerful oven mitts.

Best Last-Minute Hostess Gift

8. Cody Foster & Co. Brie Ornament

Cody Foster & Co.

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Free 2-day shipping to most major US cities for the holidays 

“If you need a cute little hostess gift for the holidays, Nordstrom has a ton of incredibly fun and cheeky Christmas ornaments, like this slice of brie cheese that looks so real IRL,” Hepworth says. “But they also have mini wine bottles, NYC taxi cabs, Fiery Hot Cheetos, naughty kittens and more—seriously, there’s an ornament to fit any hobby or personality. For a limited time for the holidays Nordstrom offers free two-day shipping for select zip-codes.”

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Fashion-Forward

9. Anthropologie Western Icon Bag Charm

Anthropologie

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Pickup in 24 hours, overnight (1 to 2 business days) shipping 

“I'm all about ordering/paying online and doing in-store pickup,” says PureWow Vice President of Editorial Candace Davison. “With bag charms so trendy this year, you could totally snag a design at Anthro (like this very horse girl aesthetic option)—and if it's available in a store near you, it will be ready for pickup within 24 hours. (Ditto for Target, except they'll have it ready to deliver to your car within 2 hours.)”

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Candle Lover

10. Anecdote Spiked & Spice Candle

Anecdote

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery, Saturday delivery 

“I feel like I can never go wrong with a good candle and Anecdote's not only smell amazing, but have such fun names, too,” says PureWow Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera. “And since they're on Amazon, they'll easily arrive in just a day or two.” LaBarbera is a fan of the Spike & Spice scent, which is an ode to mulled wine with orange, cinnamon, red currant and cedarwood. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Napper

11. Bearaby Napper

Bearaby

  • Expedited Shipping Options: overnight shipping for weighted blankets 

The Bearaby weighted blanket is a PureWow editor favorite, and also earned a spot in our list of best sustainable products. But aside from the brand’s many sustainability commitments, it’s also just darn comfortable. I tested the Napper, and appreciated that while warm, it remained breathable with an even weight distribution. Overnight shipping is available for all of Bearaby’s weighted blankets for an additional fee. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Foodie

12. Goldbelly Gift Card

Goldbelly

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

Have a loved one who just moved to a new city? Give them a taste of home with this digital gift card. Whether they're longing for a New York City babka or a Chicago deep-dish pizza, they can find whatever they're craving on Goldbelly and have it sent directly to their door.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Budding Photographer

13. Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera

Kodak

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery

Limiting screen time is tough when our phones also function as our cameras. Instead, gift an instant digital camera to the host of your celebration and watch guests have a blast taking photos the “old-fashioned” way. Everyone will go home with a memento from a fun night because, yes, it instantly prints up to 25 2-by-3-inch images on a single charge. Better yet, the prints are durable, water-resistant, tear-resistant *and* smudge-free, per the brand, so their memories will last a lifetime. Oh, and did I mention the camera is kid-friendly, too? After extensive testing, Davison named it one of the best kids’ cameras—meaning you can totally take this to a family get-together.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Fashionista

14. Stitch Fix

Stitch Fix

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instantly access the style quiz 

When it comes to clothing subscriptions, Stitch Fix reigns supreme. In fact, PureWow Associate Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz deemed it the best clothing subscription box overall after extensive research and testing. Once subscribed, you’re matched with a stylist to whom you can send inspiration photos and Pinterest boards, though you can also continually update your preferences. “Getting married soon? They can send you white dresses and blouses for events,” she writes. “Pregnant? Switch to maternity sizing only. Each box comes with five personalized items for a $20 styling fee, which can go toward your final purchase. With the average item coming in between $25 and $55, the cost is good for what you get.”

Best Last-Minute Gift for Meat Lovers

15. Chicago Steak Company Chicago's Best Seller Assortment

Chicago Steak Company

  • Expedited Shipping Options: overnight shipping 

Got a big ol' carnivore on your list? Their mouths will water over this prime steak assortment, which includes two premium Angus filet mignons, two Angus boneless strips, two Angus top sirloin and two Angus ribeyes. It's all delivered overnight from the Chicago Steak Company in a reusable cooler with more than enough dry ice to ensure they arrive frozen, so you can bet this steak box won't go to waste. In fact, the hand-cut steaks are aged between 28 and 40 days, so their flavor is top-notch. But don't just take our word for it. One reviewer shares, "The steaks are always excellent. I have been a customer for a few years, and it never fails to impress." If it can impress one customer for years, it can definitely impress the meat lover in your life this holiday season.

Best Last-Minute Gift for Toddlers

16. Lovevery Subscription

Lovevery

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

Did you forget to pick something up for your little niece and nephew? They'll love this subscription box that delivers stage-based play essentials for ages 0 through 4. Each play kit includes toys created by child development experts that are specifically designed for a kid’s particular learning stage. For example, 3- to 4-month-olds are given the Charmer play kit, a set of 11 toys that help babies develop their motor skills, learn to make sounds and use multiple senses at once. Meanwhile, 40- to 42-month-olds get the Storyteller play kit that helps them build a positive association with reading and math through puzzles, problem-solving and imaginative play. Translation? That favorite aunt award is practically guaranteed. BTW, their parent will get to choose the delivery date once activated, so it's convenient for everyone.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Francophile

17. Sézane Gift Card

Sézane

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery 

Trust me, all I want for the holidays is a gift card to Sézane. While renowned for their knitwear, the Paris-based brand produces a chic collection of clothes that my friends said give me a European flair. I mean, what more could I ask for? In addition to clothing, which includes coats, tops, trousers, skirts and accessories, Sézane also has an excellent selection of homewares that make their appearance during the holidays only. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Bookworm

18. Amazon Audible Membership

Amazon

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

If they're a bookworm, you can gift them up to a year-long subscription to Audible which will give them access to thousands of books from their device. But what if they already have a membership, you ask? No worries, you can send them credits to purchase even more audiobooks to take their collection to the next level.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Tea Drinker

19. Hiware Teapot and Infuser

Hiware

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery, Saturday delivery  

Coffee might have the culture in a death grip, but I’ve been pleased to start meeting more people who prefer tea—or, at least, get excited at the prospect of drinking it. I’ve had this teapot for years and love its versatility. You can use it on both the stovetop and microwave, and then throw it in the dishwasher. It makes enough tea for two people and the sleek glass design means it’s never out of place, no matter the surrounding decor. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Cook

20. Graza Olive Oil

Graza

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Order on or before December 13 for holiday delivery 

When I asked PureWow Food Editor Taryn Pire for her best last-minute gift recommendation, she immediately said Graza olive oil. According to PureWow content creator Kate Kesselman, who tested the brand in an episode of PureWow’s Take My Money, “I feel like I’m at an Italian restaurant and they gave me some special oil that had magic in it,” she says. “The flavors have such an interesting kick. Another great thing is that they’re not too expensive. The Drizzle [olive oil] made everything taste better.”

Best Last-Minute Gift for the 'Friends' Fanatic

21. I’ll Be There For You: Life According To Friends’ Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, Ross & Monica

Smith Street Books

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery, Saturday delivery 

Have they ever wondered which Friends character they are? Or what kind of dating advice Joey would give them? This book includes all that, along with recipes from Monica and in-depth profiles of each of the characters. Could there be a better gift than that? (Buy a backup for yourself and thank us later.)

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Sourdough Nerd

22. Lekue Silicone Bread Maker

Lekue

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery, Saturday delivery 

We may be post-pandemic, but plenty of people I know are still very much into sourdough and general bread making. Any true nerd knows that to make a solid loaf, you need a dutch oven—and those things are anvils. Luckily, one of my favorite kitchen brands, Lekue, makes a silicone model that’s much lighter but still yields crunchy, crispy, airy, golden loaves. With a 4.5-star average rating and nearly 4,000 reviews, it’s clear they’re on to something. “This clever product has made baking everyday loaves of sourdough bread for my family even easier,” one buyer writes. “Being able to mix the dough, let it ferment and rise and bake a single loaf in one easy-to-clean container makes it practically effortless to make a loaf of really tasty bread several times a week.”

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Wanderer

23. Mexico City Coffee Table Book

Assouline

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime two-day shipping

For the friend who’s always planning their next trip, the publisher Assouline has an incredible collection of coffee table books that take you around the world, from Mexico City to Lake Como, Mykonos, St. Barths, Palm Beach and St. Moritz. Each tome is filled to the brim with vibrant photographs showing off each location. Once you flip through the pages, you’ll be begging your friend to let you tag along on their next adventure. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for Ultimate Cozy Vibes

24. Jenni Kaune Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan

Jenni Kayne

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime two-day shipping

Jenni Kayne has dialed in the California cool-girl aesthetic that’s relaxed but refined, and everyone’s obsessed. PureWow editors can’t get enough of the Cocoon Cardigan, with former Beauty Director Jenny Jin noting, “I feel luxe whenever I wear this sweater, but that's more to do with how decadent the fabric feels against my skin—not just aesthetic it gives off, which is unassuming in the best way possible.” With a score of 94/100 on the PureWow100 scale, it has our firm stamp of approval, and is sure to be a staple piece in your closet for years to come. And thanks to ShopBop, you get the benefits of Amazon Prime shipping. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Snoozer

25. Nordstrom Moonlight Pajamas

Nordstrom

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Free 2-day shipping to most major US cities for the holidays 

Nordstorm’s Moonlight pajamas are a PureWow reader favorite, and personally, I can’t think of a better gift. PJs are one of my go-to presents because I’ve never had anyone unhappy receiving them. This beloved style comes in 20 colors and is made of a super-soft and stretchy Tencel/spandex blend. I love a pair of pajamas that makes me feel dressed up (even for bed), and the notched collar more than fits the bill. But what I love even more than feeling gussied up is easy-to-care-for garments, and you can toss these in the washing machine. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for Kids

26. The Adventure Challenge Kids Edition

The Adventure Challenge

  • Expedited Shipping Options: express shipping, two-day shipping

Packed with *30* fun, engaging and adventurous activities that will keep kids entertained for hours on end (with minimal supervision), this booklet will not only win over kids but their parents, too. Plus, the interactive scratch-off design will help them keep track of all the challenges they've completed and all the ones they have to look forward to, like building a house made of snacks and playing "Nature Bingo." So while this gift may come in a small package, it brings on big fun that any kid will enjoy.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Beer Afficionado

27. Gourmet Gift Baskets The Beer Expert Trio

Gourmet Gift Baskets

  • Expedited Shipping Options: 3-day shipping, 2-day shipping, overnight shipping, Saturday shipping

They'll want to make room in the man cave for this hearty gift basket, which comes with not one, but *three* craft beers, as well as savory cheese, summer sausage and water crackers. Your dad, brother or beer-loving holiday host will love it, and it sure beats showing up with a six-pack from the gas station.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Self-Care Guru

28. ESW Beauty Raw Juice Cleanse Mask Set

ESW Beauty

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery, Saturday delivery 

Aside from my pajama present hat trick, the other no-fail gift in my arsenal is an ESW Beauty sheet mask. They’re incredibly hydrating and great for long haul flights or just any day when your skin feels dry. (I like combining it with either my Amiro R3 Turbo or Medicube Age-R Booster Pro to help my skin soak up all the moisture.) A single sheet mask is just $5, but you can also pick up sets, like the Raw Juice Cleanse. My favorite scent is the rose/watermelon/grapefruit combo—divine. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Plant Parent

29. The Sill Digital Gift Card

The Sill

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

Send this digital gift card to a friend with a green thumb so they can add a few more plant babies (like a tropical palm and mini cactus) to their family. And with a 30-day customer happiness guarantee, the brand is bound to have something they'll love, which is all the more reason to send this their way.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Fashion-Forward

30. Abercrombie & Fitch Gift Card

Abercrombie & Fitch

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

ICYMI, Abercrombie & Fitch is a PureWow editor *and* reader favorite, from the basics like T-shirts and jeans to party-ready outfits. The brand also makes a decent selection of plus-size clothing, too. Whether your gift recipient is looking for a wardrobe refresh, wants to pick up some going-out tops or find an occasion piece, you can count on A&F to be a crowd pleaser. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for Outdoorsy Folks

31. Star Registration Gift Card

Star Registration

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

Want a gift that's truly out of this world? How about an actual star? Yes, there is such a thing as buying (naming) a star, and the process will take them only five to ten minutes to complete in a few simple steps. Prices start at $40 for a visible standard star with normal brightness, so this gift card will have them covered, though you can also spring for a higher amount so they can snag a star within a famous constellation. They'll receive a personalized star certificate as a keepsake, as well as a star map, which will help them locate their new celestial namesake. They can also use an app to find their star in the night sky, so if there's any last-minute gift they'll never forget, it's this right here.


purewow author

Freelance Writer

Caroline Thompson is a writer, editor and PR professional based in Chicago, IL. In addition to covering commerce pieces for PureWow, she is a regular contributor to VICE and HuffPost, and her work has also appeared in publications such as Chicago Magazine, Business Insider, TechCrunch and more. Caroline has a Master's degree in Journalism from Northwestern University and has been writing about retail for the last ten years. Find her on Instagram @coralinemaria yelling into the void about Britney Spears, pop culture and niche internet drama.

Destinee Scott Editor Bio Pic

Associate Sales and Deals Editor

  • Stays on top of the best sales and deals across the internet
  • Over 3 years of experience in commerce (covering tentpole sales, like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Way Day)
  • Studied Journalism at St. John's University

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.