Let's face it: There are two types of people. The first is someone who buys gifts throughout the year or gets them on sale on days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and then the second are the folks who know the holidays are coming but will get to gift buying eventually and then, Bam! It's almost too late to get things shipped in time. If someone like (cough cough a husband or boyfriend) is in the latter group, do not fret!
We found last-minute gifts that will definitely get here by Christmas, and in many cases, the next week at the tail-end of Hanukkah if they're ordered fast. Some of the ideas can also be bought (safely) in stores like Target, and make for thoughtful gifts despite the late purchase. So whether the only people left on the list to buy for are grandma, a teacher, Uncle Bill, or the kids who need stocking stuffers, this list has awesome ideas to choose from.
Zodiac Necklace
The zodiac is something that anyone of any age can enjoy. For a person who really loves astrology, their sign, or the signs of their loved ones, then this zodiac necklace is a great last-minute gift that feels like it was planned for months. This necklace has the star constellation of the sign with a birth stone gem.
Personalized Cheese Board
Sometimes the simplest gifts are often the best ones, especially when they're incredibly useful. Seriously, everyone could use a new cheese/cutting board. The cool thing about this one is that it can come personalized with the recipient's last name.
Twisted Gold Hoops
Gold hoops are making a strong comeback from the '80s, and we are here for it. This pair of thicker gold hoops with a twist is perfect for the jewelry lover in the family or friend group and available quickly — no measurements needed or long shipping delays to worry about.
Homesick Candle
Homesick is one of the most popular candle makers out there, and for good reason. The company makes candles that capture the essence of places and things, and the candles make for a last-minute gift that is still well-thought out at the same time. Gifting the scent of the holiday season is always a good idea, too.
Sunny Side Up Mug
$10
from
Anthropologie
We could all use a little (OK a lot) of holiday cheer as we near the end of the horrible year that is 2020. This mug can help ring in new beginnings with a positive affirmation each morning that reads "Sunny Side Up" on top of a purple and blue colored background and gold handle.
Bluetooth Speaker & Water Bottle
$35
from
Uncommon Goods
Another gift that is people will be super grateful for that doesn't take too much effort is a water bottle. But not just any water bottle, although there are super nice ones out there. One like this Uncommon Goods Bluetooth water bottle that also has a speaker.
Ooma Bowl
$28
from
Uncommon Goods
Sure, this Ooma bowl may seem like a simple two-bowl chip dish, but that underestimates how useful it is to be able to carry both dip and chips in one hand and not have to worry about washing an extra dish or having to put it all on a plate to get mushy.
Lula's Garden Succulents
$40
from
Plants.com
Succulents are great any time of year. They can be part of a room's decor or simply freshen up the air. Because these need to be fresh when given, they make a last-minute gift feel like something that's been planned for months but delivered at the peak of perfection.
Cinnabon BonBites
$45
from
Harry & David
Any sweet tooths out there will be elated to receive this Cinnabon BonBites box as a gift this year from Harry & David. Food is the way to most people's hearts and when it's dessert? Forget it. Can't go wrong. This pack comes with 16 mini Cinnabon buns.
Escape Room in a Box: Flashback Game
Keeping busy at home has been the theme of 2020 and will likely still be for the first few months of 2021. That's what makes board games or games to be played at home a great gift idea that's welcome at any time, like this escape room game from Target.
Fruit & Veggie Huggers
$13
from
Thrive Market
For the healthy person in the family or for the person who wants sustainable gifts this year, we recommend these veggie and fruit huggers. They slip onto the exposed side of the cut fruit or vegetable to prevent them from going bad quickly. They're budget-friendly, too.
Cozy Pom-Pom Sherpa Throw
$44
from
Pottery Barn
This winter is already looking to be a cold one in many parts of the country, especially on the East Coast. Give the gift of warmth by way of a Sherpa blanket like this one from Pottery Barn. People can use it to warm up or as a throw blanket in warmer parts of the country.
Apple AirPods & AirPods Pro Case
More and more people have Apple AirPods these days, and fun cases seem to be the thing to have. Whether it's a gift for a niece or other young person, this floral AirPods case will make them feel special without spending a ton or having to figure out what a teen wants these days. Trust us, they'll appreciate these.
Amazon Echo Dot
Technology is a big gift industry, and it seems each year there are always new editions and tools to choose from. We really like the Amazon Echo family, and this one not only functions well and can play music or tell the weather, but it looks great, too.
Photo Calendar
$20
from
Shutterfly
Photo calendars are one of the simplest but most appreciated gifts out there. Many people, from moms to grandparents or even kids working from home could use a wall calendar, and Shutterfly offers personalized ones. They can be made online and shipped right away.
Molton Brown Gingerlily Hand Wash & Lotion
It's been a tough year. Treat someone to quality hand soap and lotion, especially with all the extra handwashing and sanitizing that are happening these days. Molton Brown is a British fragrance and personal care brand that lots of people love.
Bouqs Flower Subscription
Give someone the gift of natural fragrance and a boosted mood with flowers this year. And not just one bouquet, but weekly or monthly ones. Bouqs can send one-off flowers but also has a flower subscription service to make sure someone gets flowers every few weeks.
Shea Butter Hand Cream
$29
from
L'Occitane
With all that handwashing and hand sanitizer this year, we needed to also include quality hand cream on this list. It's a gift literally everyone will appreciate and definitely use for the foreseeable future and L'Occitane makes some of the best, most luxurious formulas.
Harriett's Bookshop Gift Card
A lot of news broke this year, and a lot of enlightening and education has also been going on. Whether someone is a reader or looking to become one or just learn, we recommend getting them a book or an online gift card to an independent book seller like Harriet's Bookshop, a black-owned bookstore in Philadelphia.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
