Last-Minute Gift Ideas That Don’t Seem Spur of the Moment at All
Kimberly Wang
Kimberly Wang
Kimberly Wang writes about all things pop culture, tech, style, and beauty. She's a Bay Area transplant and has an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. On a sunny New York day, you can find her hanging out with her mini schnauzer Isabelle Jellybean on a blanket in Central Park.
Uh-oh, are you out of time to buy your holiday gifts — or worse, have you forgotten someone on your list? Never fear, because we're here with our guide of thoughtful last-minute presents that will never reveal to your loved one/extended family member/coworker/S.O. that you *nearly* didn't have something for them. Scroll through for our last-minute picks that will arrive at top speed, and be sure to check out our other holiday gift guides too!
Kate Spade New York Canvas Lunch Tote ($28): This adorable little lunchbox is a major upgrade from those of your elementary school days. If you have an Amazon Prime account, the KSNY lunch tote can be on the desk of your work spouse in no time.
Room Service Shorty Flannel Pajamas ($78): Nordstrom has several options for last-minute gifting, and is offering same-day delivery for select zip codes and curbside pickup at retail stores from opening on December 16 until store closing on Christmas Eve. This comfy patterned PJ set comes in three attractive prints and is made with soft, machine-washable flannel.
Lulu DK Love Letters Spinning Initial Necklace ($68): This sparkly spinning letter necklace is a super stylish and thoughtful gift. You could of course select the initial for your pal, but you could also let them customize and select the letter of their choice by buying it for them as an eGift on the Nordstrom site.
Rent the Runway Unlimited and Update Gift Card ($50+): For the first time ever, Rent the Runway is offering gift cards. Bankrolling one month of your most fashionable friend's unlimited wardrobe subscription? That's a gift that keeps on giving.
Zoppen Multi-Purpose RFID Blocking Travel Passport Wallet ($12): Any jetsetter will appreciate this gorgeous travel wallet. It ships with Amazon Prime's two-day shipping, comes in a selection of 18 colors, features RFID blocking (security first!), AND it won't break the bank. Honestly, last-minute gift giving doesn't get better than this.
Audible Gift Subscription
($45 to $150): Choose between three months ($45), six months ($90), or one year ($150) subscriptions for the book lover in your life. This is the perfect present for that busy someone who has a long commute and simply doesn't have enough time to catch up on her must-read list.
The Art of Harry Potter Coffee Table Book ($60): Is that person you nearly forgot (but DIDN'T) a total Potterhead? Then this stunning Harry Potter art coffee table book is just the thing. You can either reserve the book online and pick it up at your nearest Barnes & Noble bookstore, or if you live in NYC, B&N actually offers same-day delivery!
Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera ($100): This nifty gadget lets your photo-loving friend snap and print images on-the-go. It includes a self-timer and a slot for a MicroSD card, and prints 2 x 3-inch full-color photos in less than a minute. With six eye-catching options to choose from, you're sure to find your giftee's fave color. It's available at Macy's, which allows you to purchase online and pick up in stores. The department store also offers same-day delivery on select products.
Bow and Drape "Brunch Bunch" Statement Sweatshirt ($30, on sale from $68): These comfy and cheeky sweatshirts come in multiple options (including one that reads "Carb-dashian," LOL) and are on super sale until December 11. In case you miss the opp, you can still purchase and pick up same day at Macy's!
Starbucks Gift Card ($10 to $100): This is the ideal gift for anyone who has a serious Starbucks addiction. You can buy them an e-gift card in denominations of $10, $25, $50, or $100, so they can get their java on, compliments of you!
Furivy Unisex Oxford Backpack ($25): Anyone who totes around their laptop and books will appreciate this adorable knapsack. Thanks to Amazon Prime shipping, this last-minute gift will lighten their load in a jiffy. Other colorways include red, blue, green, and black. And yes, the cute pins are included.
Voluspa Prosecco Rose 11-Ounce Corta Maison Candle ($30): Invited to a holiday party at the last minute? Here's a gift for the hostess with the mostest. This sweet-smelling coconut wax candle will burn for 60 hours, and the gorgeous mercury glass votive is a keeper after the wick is burned out. Plus, if you live in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey, San Francisco, Chicago, NYC Metro (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens), or Washington DC, Bloomingdale's does same-day delivery.
ClassPass Gift Card ($50+): Have that one friend who's a total gym rat? Switch up her workout routine with a gift to ClassPass. You can gift someone $50, $100, or a customizable amount of your choice. Plus, it's delivered via email, so you can literally wait until the last second to purchase.
S.Leaf Cat Ear Stud Earrings ($16+): C'mon, we all know one — that friend who's well on her way to becoming a crazy cat lady. These cultured pearl studs are decked out in squee-worthy little cat ears which come in silver-, rose gold-, and gold-plated options. As for the pearls, there's also a purple hue, a gold tone, and a baroque (champagne) color. And the best part is it's all available via Amazon Prime two-day shipping.
Did you forget anyone on your list? Tweet us @BritandCo!
Did you forget anyone on your list? Tweet us @BritandCo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
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Kimberly Wang
Kimberly Wang writes about all things pop culture, tech, style, and beauty. She's a Bay Area transplant and has an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. On a sunny New York day, you can find her hanging out with her mini schnauzer Isabelle Jellybean on a blanket in Central Park.