The countdown to Christmas is nearing its end and if you’re a fellow procrastinator, then you know buying holiday presents at this point is pretty tricky. After all, there’s nothing worse than scrambling to find last-minute gifts when nearly everything is sold out, and even worse, when things won’t arrive on time. And while a lot of us tend to rely on the luxury of Amazon Prime, there are certain instances when you just want to steer away—whether that be needing a gift that’s a bit more personal, or simply wanting to spend your money elsewhere.
Don’t get me wrong: A gift card or a nifty Amazon gadget is always a safe bet when you’re in a pinch, but there’s still time for you to gift something that doesn’t look like you left it to the last minute. We searched the internet and asked our editors for the best last-minute gifts that still feel thoughtful, and they delivered.
Consider this gift guide an early Christmas present from us at the Everymom, to you. Regardless of who you’re still shopping for, the gift ideas below will help you look like you’ve had them ordered since November. Check out some of our favorite gifts to buy—plus additional ideas from our editors and a list of retailers that offer fast shipping or easy store pick-up.
The Best Last-Minute Gifts to Buy This Year
Kids go crazy for this audio player that plays stories, music, and more. It’s a guaranteed imagination boost, with no screens necessary.
The versatile Shark FlexStyle drying and styling system is sure to be a major hit.
Give the gift of hassle-free date night for three months with Platterful’s charcuterie kits. There are two sizes to choose from, and it comes with everything they’ll need—plus step-by-step assembly instructions!
For that extra-sentimental loved one, an Artifact Uprising gift card will allow them to create a keepsake that fits their taste perfectly. This is a lovely gift for anyone who had a major life milestone this year (or has one coming up!).
Record precious family stories and history with Storyworth. Each week, the company emails short writing prompts for you to complete and, at the end of a year, you receive a bound book of memories to cherish forever.
Lovevery Play Kits are divided by age and stage so everything included is customized for your child’s specific developmental needs—a surefire way to always keep them busy and learning.
Treat them to a special salon or spa day with this gift card that can be used at thousands of locations across the country.
More Last-Minute Gift Ideas From Our Editors
- A handmade floral arrangement: Add a personal touch to a bouquet of flowers by stopping in your favorite grocery store to grab a few florals and arrange them yourself in a vase they’ll love. This pairs perfectly with a bottle of wine or sweet treat.
- Tickets to an event or experience: Know someone who values experiences over things? You can never go wrong with tickets to see their favorite musician, sports team, or comedian—or for an experience (think spa, indoor golf, cooking class, local wine tasting, weekend getaway, etc.) that you can do together. Take it to the next level by DIY-ing a “ticket” that you can wrap up.
- A hobby basket: Take someone’s favorite hobby—such as cooking, reading, art, crochet/knitting or anything else—and run to Target to fill a gift basket with things related to it. For example, if you know someone who loves to spend time in the kitchen, pick up a cookbook, new oven mitts, cute kitchen towels, and a cooking gadget. These baskets can be done at any budget and for any age!
- A thrifted gift: The days of thinking negatively about a secondhand gift are over. Not only is thrifting a more sustainable option, but digging through piles of junk to find something you know your gift recipient will love shows them how much you care. One of my go-to thrifted gifts is a basket with a two or four-piece glassware set (I promise, thrift stores have the best and most unique glassware) and the ingredients for their favorite cocktail.
Stores That Offer Easy Same-Day Pickup
- Nordstrom
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Kohl’s
- Anthropologie
- Best Buy
- Target
- Walmart
- Sephora
- Michael’s
- CVS
- Macy’s
