20 Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Every Holiday Occasion
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. Even if you forgot to pick up a thoughtful memento prior to your holiday party or family gift exchange, we schemed up 20 great last-minute gift ideas (that will arrive by Christmas) to maintain your reputation as the most generous guest in your friend circle, including an artisanal olive oil duo, a plant subscription and even online class memberships. And if you're really cutting it close? Remember, basically anything from Amazon is always useful and appreciated.
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1. Brightland The Duo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Need a last-minute hostess gift? Bring these oils, which are harvested from handpicked heirloom olives in California. These aren't just ordinary olive oils—they're harvested early and processed in a certified-organic mill to yield their two distinct tastes: The 'Alive' bottle complements everything from salads to hummus to baked goods (and even chocolate), while 'Awake' is perfect for pastas, roasted veggies and stews. The artsy glass bottle is UV powder-coated to protect the contents from light, and it doesn’t hurt that it looks pretty on the counter. Plus, you can even use it on skin and hair for a major glow.
2. Brooklinen Gift Card
Let them pick some new bath robes or bedding by giving them a gift card for up to $500. This one will be delivered directly to their inbox so you don't need to worry about shipping delays.
3. The Sill 3-Month Classic Subscription
Send this gift to the friend with the green thumb so they can add a few more plant babies to their family. This digital card will be delivered to their inbox directly so no shipping required.
4. MasterClass Membership
A membership for countless classes—from how to judge a good wine to learning to write for TV with Shonda Rhimes—is the gift that keeps on giving. They can choose whatever classes they're interested in and then brag to you about their new knowledge. This digital membership requires no shipping and they can access by simply logging in.
5. Blue Bottle Coffee Subscription
Are you related to a coffee snob? They'll love this: A six-ounce bag of coffee beans will be delivered to their door every two weeks throughout the subscription length.
6. Disney+ Membership
Send your resident Disney buff a year-long membership to the streaming platform so they can have access to all of their favorites, from animated Disney classics to Star Wars to Marvel.
7. Cusbus Whiskey Ice Cube Tray
Whether you put ice in your rosé (we aren’t ashamed to admit it) or prefer a whiskey on the rocks, this food-safe silicone ice tray will create four perfectly spherical cubes, which not only look fancy, but also actually melt slower. And since these molds are soft, it’s also a breeze to pop the spheres out in mint condition.
8. Jade Leaf Matcha Traditional Starter Set
Matcha isn’t just a drink; it’s a lifestyle. And this gift set gets that. From the stainless steel sifter to the bamboo whisk, it's the type of present that will elicit immediate hugs and “thank you” shrieks.
9. Strawberry Starburst Fruit Chews
Everyone knows pink Starbursts are the best Starbursts, so why not go all in with a whole two-pound bag of the good stuff? Put them in a cute box or bag and pretend you sorted them out by hand for bonus points.
10. ‘The Mini Bar: 100 Essential Cocktail Recipes’
This is the perfect present for people who are always manning the bar. All eight of these small books are organized by base ingredient (whisky, rum, gin, vodka, tequila, champagne, sherry and amaro), so every cocktail possible can be shaken up—or stirred.
11. Audible Membership
If you have a bookworm in your life, you can gift them up to a year-long subscription to Audible with access to thousands of books.
12. ‘I’ll Be There For You: Life according to Friends’ Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, Ross & Monica’
Ever wondered which Friends character you are? Or what kind of dating advice Joey would give you? This book includes all that, along with tips for mastering the art of the comeback with Chandler, recipes from Monica and in-depth profiles on each of the characters. It’s kind of like all six of the Friends are sitting in your living room with you and we couldn’t think of a better gift for a fan. (Buy a backup for yourself and thank us later.)
13. CrateJoy TheraBox Self-Care Subscription Box
A box full of self care is our kind of gift. Select a one-, three-, six- or 12-month long subscription that's full of therapeutic activities and goodies to help your bestie unwind and get in touch with herself. Order by December 15 to receive by Christmas.
14. Fitbit Inspire 2
Gym rats and mall walkers alike need a way to track their activity and this handy little bracelet will do just that. Grab them one of these before they sell out and it will be here before Christmas.
15. Polaroid Pop Instant Digital Camera
Limiting screen time is tough when our phones also function as our camera. Instead, bring one of these instant digital cameras to your next soiree and watch guests have a blast taking photos the “old-fashioned” way. Everyone will go home with a memento of a fun night and the host can hold onto the camera for next time.
16. Goldbelly E-Gift Card
Whether they're longing for an NYC bagel or Chicago deep dish pizza, they can find whatever they're craving on Goldbelly to have sent directly to their door. The gift card will be sent to their email.
17. Dylan’s Candy Bar Classic Christmas Tackle Box
When it comes to holiday parties, almost everyone will show up with a bottle of wine or some sort of dip (no judgment—we’ll be consuming both). While you may not have time to whip up your famous chocolate coconut almond bars, you can hit up the fête with an assortment of candy that everyone is sure to go nuts for.
18. Weighted Idea Cooling Weighted Blanket
This simple gift is a caring gesture if you have someone who struggles with anxiety. It's available in a variety of weights and colors to choose from.
19. La Mer Mini Miracles Set
We don’t know a single person who wouldn’t get all heart-eyed over La Mer. As one of the most luxurious beauty brands on the market, using it is a treat—and receiving it as a gift is even better. This set includes two brand favorites (Creme De La Mer and The Lip Balm) to replenish moisture and restore a youthful glow while making them feel like a total queen in the process.
20. HelloFresh Meal Delivery
Have some friends who aren't great at cooking? Send them their favorite foods in a prepped meal kit so they can learn step-by-step how to make it at home.
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