20 Last Minute Christmas Gifts You Can Still Pull Off: Quick & Thoughtful Ideas

Stressed about needing last minute Christmas gifts you can still pull off? Don’t worry. We’ve got a list of quick and thoughtful gifts that you can still get in time. Read on for ideas that are easy to execute, practical, and sure to impress.

Key Takeaways

• Instant e-gift cards provide convenience and personalization, making them ideal for last-minute gifts.

• Subscription services and DIY gift baskets are thoughtful gifts that offer continuous enjoyment and customization.

• Charitable donations reflect the holiday spirit, making a meaningful impact while honoring the recipient’s values.

Instant E-Gift Cards

When time is of the essence, instant e-gift cards are a lifesaver. They’re the perfect gift for any family member or friend, offering:

• Convenience and immediacy at the click of a button

• The ability to send your gift quickly via email, making it ideal for last-minute Christmas gifts

• Personalization options with various designs and messages, adding a special touch to your present

Gift cards offer several advantages:

• They allow recipients to choose their own gifts, significantly reducing the need for returns after the holidays.

• They support eco-friendly practices by eliminating physical waste.

• On average, gift cards are generously valued at around $47.91, making them a great gift option for your loved ones.

Subscription Services

Subscription services are a fantastic last-minute gift option that keeps on giving throughout the year. Whether it’s a streaming service like Netflix or Spotify, an audiobook subscription like Audible, or even cooking classes, there’s something to cater to every interest. With streaming subscriptions starting as low as $7.99, these gifts offer extensive content selections that provide long-term entertainment.

Subscribers to music services, for instance, receive plenty of options to explore new genres and artists. Audiobook lovers will appreciate an Audible subscription, providing access to a vast library of audiobooks for $15 a month.

The best part? Many streaming services and subscription boxes allow for immediate gifting, making it easy to give a thoughtful present that checks all the boxes at the last moment.

DIY Gift Baskets

Creating a DIY gift basket is a wonderful way to show you care, even if you’re pressed for time. Personalize your basket with items that cater to the recipient’s tastes and interests. For instance, a cozy gift basket might include fuzzy socks, a warm blanket, and a hot drink mix. Including a handwritten note can add a heartfelt element to your gift basket.

You can also theme your baskets around personal interests, such as a movie night box with popcorn and candy, or a healthy snack basket with protein bars and superfood blends to eat. Incorporating local products, like artisan jams or handmade soaps, enhances the uniqueness of your shop bag and provides creative ideas for customization.

This thoughtful and creative ways best gift ideas for mom is sure to delight anyone on your list, including your loved one, and may even bring a surprise. If you’re looking for last minute gift ideas, this list is perfect for you.

Homemade Treats

Homemade treats are a delightful way to share the holiday spirit. Baking Chocolate-Peppermint Crinkle Cookies or other seasonal sweets can be a fun and rewarding gift idea. Present your baked goods in decorative boxes to add a charming touch.

Gifting homemade treats provides a personal touch that store-bought items can’t match. Whether it’s cookies, cake, or other baked goods, these treats are sure to bring a smile to the recipient’s face. Plus, you get to enjoy the process of baking and creating something special for your loved ones.

Personalized Photo Gifts

Personalized photo gifts are both sentimental and thoughtful, making them a great last-minute Christmas gift or last minute christmas presents. Many photo gift services offer same-day production if ordered before 8 am (EST), ensuring your gift arrives on time. Customized photo calendars and photo books are popular choices that can be created and dispatched quickly.

For a more immediate option, consider devices like the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 Printer or the HP Sprocket Smartphone Printer, which allow for portable printing of vibrant smartphone photos. An Instagram photo book from Artifact Uprising is another unique way to compile and present cherished memories. These personalized gifts are sure to be treasured for years to come.

Streaming Device

For entertainment lovers, a streaming device like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick is an ideal gift. These devices provide access to a wide range of channels and apps, ensuring endless entertainment options. The Amazon Fire Stick, for example, offers both Amazon Prime content and additional streaming services, making it a versatile choice.

Compact and portable, these devices are easy to transport and set up, providing immediate enjoyment.

Cozy Clothing

Cozy clothing is a practical and thoughtful gift, especially during the winter season. Items like cozy scarves and soft, cozy mittens are sure to be appreciated. Look for retailers that offer quick-shipping options to ensure your gifts arrive on time.

Gifting cozy clothing is a way to show care and warmth during the holiday season. Whether it’s a cozy sweater or a pair of warm socks, these items offer comfort and are perfect for keeping the winter chill at bay. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to spread holiday cheer.

Kitchen Gadgets

Kitchen gadgets make for great gifts, especially for those who love to cook. The Keurig K-Classic coffee maker is a highly recommended option, priced at $99.99. For college students, practical gifts like an electric hot pot or a microwave ramen bowl set can be incredibly useful.

Other fun and practical options include:

• Sandwich makers for quick meals

• Music-themed kitchen utensils for music lovers

• The Red the Crab silicone utensil rest, which is both functional and whimsical

For tea enthusiasts, the Hario ChaCha Kyusu ‘Maru’ Teapot is a great choice, offering a capacity of 24 ounces.

Kitchen gadgets are both practical and thoughtful, making them ideal Christmas gifts.

Board Games

Board games are a fantastic gift for family game nights, providing entertainment and fun for all ages. Hasbro’s Clue, Monopoly, and the Pun Intended card game are all recommended options. For something unique, consider Hasbro’s Clue: Downton Abbey Edition, which adds a twist to the classic game.

Board games are a great way to bring people together and create lasting memories. The Pun Intended card game, priced at $24.99, and Hasbro’s Clue: Downton Abbey Edition, available for $19.95, are both affordable and enjoyable choices. These games make for a fun and engaging gift that the whole family can enjoy.

Self-Care Kits

A self-care kit is a pampering gift that shows you care. Items like face masks, homemade lip balm, and bath salts can create a relaxing experience for the recipient. For those sensitive to synthetic fragrances, including natural scented items like essential oils is preferred.

Consider adding the following items to the self-care kit:

• Single-serving beverages like stress-relieving tea or instant coffee with adaptogenic mushrooms

• Cozy items such as soft socks or light cotton shirts to enhance comfort

• Both sweet and salty snacks

• Inspirational or funny items like magnets or journals to make the kit more thoughtful

Tech Accessories

Tech accessories are practical gifts that cater to various interests. The Courant Mag:3 Leather Bedside Charger, priced at $160, is a stylish wireless charger suitable for multiple devices. The Tile Mate (2024 Edition), a Bluetooth tracker priced at $24.99, helps users keep track of their belongings.

Other useful gifts include:

• The Amazon Smart Plug, which allows users to convert standard outlets into voice-controlled ones

• The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 speaker, known for its natural sound and water-resistant design

• Tech accessories like phone grips and wireless earbuds, which are popular choices that are sure to be appreciated for Amazon shoppers.

Houseplants

Houseplants make for a thoughtful gift that can brighten up any room. For those who struggle with keeping plants alive, a terrarium candle is a great alternative. The Qilebi Indoor Watering Can features a cute design and practical elements for plant care, making it an ideal gift for plant lovers.

A beautiful houseplant can add a touch of nature to someone’s house and is a perfect way to show you care. Whether it’s a succulent, a fern, or another type of plant, this gift is sure to be appreciated by anyone who loves greenery.

Books

Books are a timeless gift option that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, there’s a book for everyone, making it a versatile gift choice. Coffee-table books can serve as decorative pieces while also providing engaging content.

Popular titles and bestsellers are often safe choices for book gifts, appealing to a broad audience. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, family member, or colleague, books are a win-win gift that can provide hours of enjoyment.

Travel Mugs

Travel mugs are a practical gift for coffee or tea lovers on the go. The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is a standout option, known for its excellent heat retention and leakproof lid. Available in multiple colors, this mug keeps coffee hot for hours, preventing those dreaded cold sips from your coffee cup.

Smart coffee mugs that maintain the ideal temperature for beverages are another thoughtful choice. When choosing a travel mug, consider stylish designs that reflect the recipient’s personality. This gift is perfect for anyone who enjoys their drinks hot, even while on the move.

Personalized Jewelry

Personalized jewelry is a heartfelt gift that can be cherished for years. Layered pendant necklaces, available in materials like gold and silver, are a popular choice. The price for a zodiac constellation necklace starts at $19.20, making it an affordable yet meaningful gift.

These custom jewelry pieces are hypoallergenic, making them suitable for sensitive skin. Whether it’s a necklace or a bracelet, personalized jewelry is a perfect last-minute gift available from online retailers. It’s a great way to show someone you care with a unique and thoughtful present.

Cooking Classes

Online cooking classes are a unique and interactive gift for food enthusiasts. These classes allow participants to learn from professional chefs while at home, enhancing their culinary skills. Whether it’s Italian, Thai, or sushi, there’s a cooking class to suit every palate.

This gift is perfect for both novices and experienced cooks looking to expand their repertoire.

Fitness Gear

Fitness gear is a great gift for health-conscious individuals. Portable workout equipment, like adjustable dumbbells, allows for effective training in small spaces. Yoga and meditation accessories, such as mats and blocks, enhance practice and are suitable for various fitness levels.

Stylish water bottles that keep drinks at desired temperatures can encourage hydration. Vibration platforms assist in recovery by relieving muscle tension and promoting mobility. Fitness gear is a thoughtful and practical gift that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Art Supplies

Art supplies are inspiring gifts for the creative person in your life. Airtight resealable palettes keep acrylic paints workable for an extended period, making them ideal for artists. Faber Castell’s Matt Pencil Kit helps achieve darker shades without light reflection, enhancing the quality of drawings.

Pentel Brush Pens are versatile tools for adding fine lines and shapes in sketches, staying workable over time. High-resolution scanners like the Epson Perfection V39 II are excellent for digitizing drawings and paintings.

These art supplies are sure to delight any artist and encourage their creativity.

Virtual Experiences

Virtual experiences make for unique and memorable gifts that can be enjoyed from anywhere. Gifting a virtual museum tour allows someone to explore famous museums without the need to travel. Virtual concert tickets enable recipients to enjoy live performances from the comfort of their homes.

Online wine tasting sessions help participants learn about different vineyards and wine styles, making for a sophisticated and fun gift. Personal development webinars can help individuals enhance their skills in areas like leadership or time management.

These virtual experiences offer a novel way to give the gift of knowledge and enjoyment to the world.

Charitable Donations

Charitable donations are a meaningful last-minute gift that embodies the spirit of giving. Consider making last minute gifts to:

• Local charities

• Food banks

• Wildlife conservation efforts

• Medical research foundations

This type of gift reflects the holiday spirit of generosity and can make a significant impact on the community.

Making a donation in someone’s name not only honors them but also supports a cause they genuinely care about. Charitable donations are a great gift option that can truly make a difference, spreading joy and goodwill during the holiday season.

Summary

As we’ve explored, there are countless last-minute Christmas gifts that can still be thoughtful and impactful. Whether it’s the instant convenience of e-gift cards, the personalized touch of photo gifts, or the unique appeal of virtual experiences, these ideas ensure you’ll find the perfect gift even at the last moment. Each suggestion offers a way to show you care, no matter how tight the timeline may be.

This holiday season, embrace the opportunity to give gifts that are not just quick but also meaningful. From cozy clothing to charitable donations, these ideas are sure to bring joy to your loved ones. Remember, it’s the thought and love behind the gift that truly counts. So, go ahead and make this Christmas special with these last-minute, thoughtful presents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes e-gift cards a great last-minute Christmas gift?

E-gift cards are a fantastic last-minute Christmas gift since they arrive instantly by email, can be personalized, and give the recipient the freedom to choose what they want, minimizing return hassles. They're a thoughtful, convenient option when you're short on time!

How can subscription services be a thoughtful gift?

Subscription services make for a truly thoughtful gift because they offer ongoing enjoyment tailored to the recipient's interests—whether it's for streaming shows, audiobooks, or cooking classes. Plus, they’re super convenient since you can purchase and gift them instantly!

What are some ideas for DIY gift baskets?

Personalizing your DIY gift basket is key! You could create a cozy basket filled with socks and blankets, a movie night basket stacked with popcorn and candy, or even a healthy snack basket with protein bars and superfoods.

Why are homemade treats a good gift option?

Homemade treats are a delightful gift option because they show you care and add a personal touch. Plus, who doesn't love receiving delicious cookies or cakes in a beautifully decorated box?

What makes virtual experiences a unique gift?

Virtual experiences are a unique gift because they provide memorable ways to explore and learn from home, making the recipient feel special and engaged in something meaningful. It's a thoughtful way to give the gift of new experiences without the need to travel.