47 Best Last-Minute Gift Ideas (That Don’t Scream ‘Last-Minute’)
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Welcome, weary gift-giver. The best last-minute gifts can bail you out of a sticky, “I kinda forgot about you” situation, just when you thought you had a present for everyone on your list. And when you get it right, it’ll seem like you’ve been mulling over this idea for months, not mere hours. While Amazon gifts are your best bet for possible next-day delivery, stores like Nordstrom and Walmart also offer competitive shipping and the ability to buy online and pick up in-store.
Fabulous gifts for women at the bottom of your nice list, presents for boyfriends who swore they didn’t want anything this year, Secret Santa ideas for the office party you forgot about, even personalized gifts for the relatives who sent late RSVPs—these thoughtful last-minute ideas are here to help. If you’re out of physical options, don’t sweat it: Subscriptions and digital gift cards make great last-minute Christmas gifts, and our editors have shared their favorites below.
From cheap gifts that only look expensive to game-day additions for your wife or husband, these are the best last-minute gifts that’ll bring the cheer this holiday season—procrastination notwithstanding.
The best last-minute gift ideas, at a glance
- Best Gift for Her: Ugg Scuffette II Slippers, $95
- Best Gift for Him: Ember Mug 2, $89
- Best Personalized Gift: Mevecco Constellation Necklace, $14
- Most Thoughtful Gift: The Three Question Journal, $30
- Best Gift for Teens: Wepvo Portable Projector, $60
- Best Tech Gift: AirPods Pro 2,
$249$170 - Best Beauty Gift: Sol de Janeiro Jet Set, $32
- Best Wellness Gift: Theragun Prime Massage Gun, $299
- Best Under $100: Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera, $96
- Best Under $50: Nodpod Sleep Mask, $34
What are the Christmas 2024 shipping deadlines?
Plenty of brands will be able to guarantee delivery if you order at least a week before December 25, which is both Christmas and the first day of Hanukkah—but things get a little more complicated once you pass that threshold.
Amazon: Amazon offers a variety of shipping options, including possible same-day delivery up until December 24. Prime members can score free one-day shipping on many orders by December 23, but only on select purchases in approved areas.
Nordstrom: Last year, gifts from Nordstrom had to be ordered by December 18 with standard shipping or December 19 with two-day shipping to arrive on time. Right now, the retailer is labeling products online if they’ll arrive before December 25. Certain zip codes also have same-day delivery, and you can also purchase many products online with next- or same-day pickup in your closest store.
- 1/47
Ugg Scuffette II Slippers
Ugg slippers are among the trendiest (and most popular) gifts this year. Everyone could use a pair of shearling-lined beauties like these, especially when it’s cold out. And thanks to Nordstrom and Amazon, they’re still giftable in the 11th hour.
- 2/47
Nodpod Sleep Mask
Holiday stress is real, so help them achieve deeper, quicker sleep with this weighted eye mask that’ll soothe the wearer off to dreamland. What’s a better gift than proper rest?
- 3/47
Apple AirPods Pro 2
It’s not too late to finally upgrade your mom to airpods. Sure, they’re a bit of a splurge, but that will only make it seem like you didn’t wait until the last minute to make the call.
- 4/47
Mevecco Constellation Necklace
For the one who simply can’t stop blaming the sun, moon, and stars for everything that’s happening in their lives, this astrological necklace is a winner.
- 5/47
Lego Wildflowers Kit
This gift may be last-minute but its effects have staying power, from the joy of putting together Legos like a kid to the long-lasting floral arrangement they can keep forever.
- 6/47
Burt’s Bees Essential Kit
Can you believe that this five-piece skin-care set is under $20? Buy them a nice Burt’s Bees gift basket for hydrated skin, lips, and hands all winter long.
- 7/47
Wepvo Portable Projector
Who wouldn’t want to turn an empty wall into an at-home movie theater? You can do that with this tiny but mighty portable projector. Just add popcorn to complete your gift.
- 8/47
Our Place Always Pan 2.0
You might have seen this Insta-famous pan on your feed—meaning your giftee has too. With 10-plus functions (including frying, steaming, roasting, and baking), plus a handy spoon rest, oven-safe design, and gorgeous color, it will make an excellent gift for any home chef.
- 9/47
Nekteck Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
With tens of thousands of five-star reviews and counting, this heated neck massager has a serious following. It heats up to help ease knots in the neck and shoulder area, and the price can’t be beat for some serious self-care.
- 10/47
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Whoever on your list deserves the most luxurious gift will appreciate the Dyson Supersonic, one of our editors’ absolute favorite hair dryers. This chic, sleek hair tool dries hair quickly and effectively while simply being a gorgeous addition to any hair-care arsenal.
- 11/47
Spade to Fork Herb Garden Kit
DIY-ers and foodies will love this herb-growing kit, which comes with all the supplies they’ll need to sprout thyme, basil, parsley, sage, and cilantro on their kitchen windowsill.
- 12/47
JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker
A Bluetooth speaker is practically a necessity these days, making it a great gift for anyone who has a playlist for literally every situation.
- 13/47
Therabody Theragun Mini
Whether they’re tense by nature or need some help cooling down after the gym, consider getting them a super-popular Theragun massager. This portable gadget includes a variety of foam attachments—perfect for targeting the smallest (or biggest) of knots.
- 14/47
We’re Not Really Strangers
A card game that really lets you get intimate with friends or your partner, this deck has thoughtful prompts like, “What about me most surprised you?” and “What lessons took you the longest to learn?” Pick this up if you want to have a really fun night of reflective conversation.
- 15/47
MasterClass Annual Membership
For a streaming service that’s a little more enriching than Netflix, go with MasterClass. Each gift recipient will get unlimited access to dozens of courses taught by some of the most famous names around, from Steve Martin to Mariah Carey to Anna Wintour. This tier includes two devices and offline streaming.
- 16/47
GrowlerWerks uKeg Carbonated Growler
For the stout and ale lovers—think DIY dads and husbands with dreams of starting a microbrewery—this beer growler is great for storing fresh cold beer. The easy-to-use device is great for filling up a glass or pint when friends are over.
- 17/47
Ember Mug 2
There are a few things better than a warm cup of coffee or tea, but when that cup gets cold, it loses its appeal. Gift them a smart mug that will keep their drink at their exact desired temp. It’s a Walmart gift that you can order and pick up ASAP.
- 18/47
Omoone Cropped Floral Quilted Jacket
Whether you’re shopping for your homebody bestie or a mom who likes to stand out, this cute, lightweight jacket should be right up their alley. It’s a great housecoat or layering piece—and it’ll look great with jeans and sweatpants alike.
- 19/47
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera
Snapping pictures at a party, event, or kickback will be so much more fulfilling with this instant camera. And who needs a smartphone when everyone looks so much better on film, anyway?
- 20/47
MatchaBar Ceremonial-Grade Matcha Powder
Matcha is only growing in popularity among young people, and your favorite caffeinated teen or 20-something will be instantly hooked on this top-rated matcha powder from a New York-based brand.
- 21/47
Pavoi 14K-Gold-Plated Chunky Hoops
Glamour editors were pleased to discover that, despite the price, these gold-plated earrings offer great quality and effortless style for anyone on your list. No surprise: They’re one of our favorite gifts under $25.
- 22/47
Twine Ceramic Brie Baker & Acacia Wood Spreader
Consider your last-minute housewarming gifts handled. “I was working for Oprah’s website at the time she chose this as one of her Favorite Things, and it’s one of the best gift purchases I’ve ever made,” says Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz. “You can bake your Brie directly in it, then serve it straight from the oven. It looks really darling on the table, and even though I’m a lousy cook, the presentation is still impressive.”
- 23/47
Sol de Janeiro Jet Set
For a certain subset of tweens and beauty-obsessed women, Sol de Janeiro is the absolute hottest brand on the market right now. And this budget-friendly set (with a cute carrying case to boot) is the best way to treat someone to all of its bestsellers.
- 24/47
JW Pei Sharon Crossbody Bag
JW Pei’s faux-leather bags are some of the most popular accessories on Amazon, and this adjustable crossbody is the chicest in its lineup. Give it to the best friend or teenage girl who could use an alternative to a boring tote bag.
- 25/47
“Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney
Cheap gifts get a bad rap, but who can argue with the year’s buzziest novel as a nice, easy gift? Young women (including several Glamour staffers) are especially enamored with Sally Rooney, so you really can’t go wrong with her latest book for the avid reader in your life.
- 26/47
Victoria’s Secret Satin Pajama Set
Chic, silky pajamas are always a winner this time of year, so pick up this set from Victoria’s Secret and call it a day. Trust us: Buying this set on Amazon is much better than braving the mall parking lot the weekend before Christmas.
- 27/47
Haute Diggity Dog Barkin Bag Plush Toy
Forgot the family pet? This Birkin-inspired toy (complete with a Twilly scarf) will delight pampered pooches and luxury-obsessed dog lovers alike.
- 28/47
Ransom Notes
This party game is pretty much the perfect family gift for loved ones with older children. Combining magnet poetry with creative prompts, Ransom Notes forces players to describe complicated situations with a very limited set of words—a recipe for all-night laughs. Holiday game night is about to get a lot more interesting.
- 29/47
Salt & Stone Bergamot & Hinoki Body Lotion
When in doubt, spring for fancy lotion: It ships quickly, levels up a product they already use every day, and looks great on a vanity or bedside table. Salt & Stone’s option has been particularly popular this year for its rich scent and sleek packaging.
- 30/47
Cotopaxi Bataan Fanny Pack
The outdoorsy person on your list almost certainly loves Cotopaxi, an eco-minded brand that turns deadstock fabric into one-of-a-kind bags. This sling is both a functional accessory and a wearable work of art—how cool is that?
- 31/47
Mike’s Hot Honey Original & Extra Hot Combo
Make your favorite foodie’s day with this two-pack of spicy honey sauces. Each one adds sweet heat to whatever they’re eating, be it pizza, wings, or ice cream—a necessity for the spice lovers in your life.
- 32/47
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Samsung’s latest smartwatch features a circular bezel (a rarity among high-tech watches) and tracking for heart rate, workouts, and even sleep. It also offers a daily “energy score,” which provides users with a snapshot of their overall wellness and readiness for the day ahead.
- 33/47
Happy Socks Little Camper Gift Set
Packaged in an adorable little tent, this four-pack actually makes socks a great, engaging gift for kids. The little ones on your list will love cycling through these four camping-themed options.
- 34/47
Tory Burch Oval Bracelet Watch
We’re also kind of shocked that such a chic Tory Burch watch is available on Amazon (not that we’re complaining). When you realize your anniversary is much closer than anticipated, this is the under-$300 pick that’ll smooth things over.
- 35/47
'Glamour: An Extraordinary History: 85 Years of Women Breaking Boundaries'
For Glamour’s 85th anniversary, our editors pulled together the most beautiful and groundbreaking history from our archives—and not to be biased, but it’s a perfect gift for any woman. Your giftee will turn to it for endless inspiration.
- 36/47
Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
Bring the party (and the last-minute cheer) with this all-in-one karaoke mic. It uses Bluetooth for easy music streaming—and with tens of thousands of positive reviews, it’s a safe bet for your family’s white elephant gift exchange or your Broadway-obsessed relative.
- 37/47
Slip Scrunchie Cracker Gift Set
Silk scrunchies help prevent hair breakage and keep strands smooth, meaning they’re a godsend for any person with long hair. This teen-friendly set comes in holiday cracker packaging and includes five assorted styles that’ll complement any outfit.
- 38/47
Marimekko Oiva Räsymatto Stoneware Teapot
Finnish design house Marimekko’s beyond-cute homewares are a favorite of Glamour editors—and somehow, they’re available with speedy shipping on Amazon. This teapot would make a lovely gift for Mom alongside a few sachets of her favorite blends.
- 39/47
Intelligent Change The Three Question Journal
A close cousin of Intelligent Change’s best-selling Five-Minute Journal, this mindfulness journal asks three questions each morning and night, leading users to work toward their goals and create positive change in the world. Anyone on a self-improvement kick (especially at the start of a new year) could use the guidance.
- 40/47
Crosley Cruiser Plus Vintage Suitcase Turntable
If you’re hunting down a present for someone who’s decorating their dorm room or first apartment, you can’t go wrong with one of these best-selling turntables. The retro charm adds plenty of personality to any space, and their nascent vinyl collection will finally have a way to be heard.
- 41/47
Chillhouse Tipsy Tinsel Chill Tips
Hello, easy stocking stuffer! Gift a manicure in a box with these trendy press-on nails, which come in a staggering number of colors and patterns.
- 42/47
Wyspell Cat Tarot Cards
Cat-themed tarot cards might be too specific for a lot of people in your life, but for the ones who would appreciate them—cat moms, astrology-obsessed teens, and the like—they’re a dream come true. The set even comes with a booklet explaining how to read your fortune.
- 43/47
Intelex Warmies Sloth Jr.
Finding gifts for three-year-olds (or homesick young adults, for that matter) is tough, so we don’t blame you for feeling overwhelmed with options. Get the little ones on your list this heatable plushie that’ll help them drift off to sleep with the scent of lavender.
- 44/47
Yeti Rambler Stackable Mug
Yeti’s insulated mugs are holiday standbys at this point, offering a more convenient way for your giftee to carry their coffee around. Plus, you can even add a monogram on the Yeti site—a great way to add some customization if you have a week or more to spare.
- 45/47
Yonanas Soft-Serve Maker
A delicious dessert is always a delight, and this countertop machine will help them whip out vegan ice cream with the push of a button. Shopping for a college student who could use access to better snacks than what’s in the vending machine or a new mom with toddlers to entertain? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- 46/47
Jellycat Amuseables Daffodil Pot
Jellycat’s plush toys are a hit among kids, so if you need a last-minute gift for your eight-year-old niece or the tween cousin you didn’t realize was on the guest list, this ready-to-ship pick is here to help.
- 47/47
Ferrari: From Inside and Outside by James Allen
This handsome coffee table book tracks Ferrari’s Formula 1 program through stunning photography, meaning it’s bound to please the racing fan you nearly forgot.