27 clever last-minute Christmas gift ideas that are guaranteed to arrive in time, despite the shipping delays expected this year
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- If you're someone who puts your Christmas shopping off until the last minute, don't panic just yet.
- Below are last-minute gifts that will be delivered in time for Christmas.
- Still looking for a gift? Check out our list of the All-Time Best products we've ever tested.
If you happen to be a chronic procrastinator who tends to scramble to find the best Christmas gifts for all your loved ones, then this is a list for you. While you still have time to shop, there are lots of thoughtful gift ideas that will arrive on time if you get in a last-minute pinch for gifts.
Gift cards always make for great last-minute gifts since they can be purchased at any time and delivered to your recipient's inbox immediately. However, there are other options if you prefer to have a physical gift to give.
We've rounded up a wide range of last-minute gift ideas sure to please everyone on your list — all of which can be delivered in time for Christmas.
Here are the best last-minute Christmas gifts:
Uncommon Goods Uncommon Experiences, from $20
An online class from Uncommon Experiences is a perfect last-minute Christmas gift. You can choose a class such as mixology or painting your pet.
Dash Mini Waffle Maker, available at Amazon, $18
A cute and useful gift, the Dash Mini Waffle Maker will arrive before Christmas if you have Amazon Prime.
MasterClass Monthly Subscription, from $15 per month
A monthly subscription to MasterClass is a perfect gift for the person in your life who loves learning new things. Your giftee will receive access to a massive library of tutorials and lessons from popular celebrities like Gordon Ramsay, RuPaul, and Serena Williams.
Carhartt Men's Knit Cuffed Beanie, available at Amazon, $16.99
A beanie is always a solid route to go if you're in a pinch for a last-minute Christmas gift. It's stylish and practical for winter, and there are tons of different colors to choose from.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, available at Amazon, $17.90
An affordable and practical gift, Lodge's pan is one of our top picks for best cast-iron skillet. Its nonstick and evenly-heating features are ideal for anyone who enjoys cooking at home.
Loose Tea Sampler Subscription, available at Native American Coffee, $12
The Loose Tea Sampler subscription from Native American Coffee gives the gift of four new teas to try every month, or you can customize the shipping time for up to 12 weeks apart. Take a look at our guide to the best gifts for tea lovers for more inspiration.
Harlem Candle Co. Gift Card, from $25
A gift card from Harlem Candle Co. is a speedy gift that can be in your recipient's email inbox instantly. One of our top picks for best places to buy candles, Harlem Candle Co. has unique scents like blackcurrant and leather, and each candle comes with a backstory about the aroma.
Send a gift card or subscription to Spotify, Amazon Music Unlimited, or Apple Music
Who doesn't love rocking out at home, listening to motivational jams at the gym, cranking tunes in the car, or having some backup for shower karaoke? Whether they already have a go-to music streaming service or are just getting started, a free month of on-demand music makes for a thoughtful last-minute option.
Gift them a favorite bottle of wine, premium alcohol, or even a pack of White Claws. Drizly offers same-day delivery and is available in most major cities and areas nationwide. You can sort by price range or look through suggested gift options by type of recipient to find the best option.
Whether your giftee is a wine aficionado or just enjoys an occasional glass, a gift card for Wine.com is sure to please. They feature the world's largest online wine selection, and orders can be delivered directly to your doorstep or picked up at nearby local stores. Amounts range from $25 to $500.
Foodies will certainly appreciate a gift card redeemable for top-notch cuisine. Goldbelly lets you send food gifts from iconic restaurants around the country. Options include biscuits from a famed shop in Savannah, classic bagels from New York, and more. Read more about how Goldbelly works here.
For the person that feels impossible to shop for, an Amazon gift card gives them nearly endless options to peruse on their own time. From high-end kitchen items and stylish clothing options to the latest tech must-haves, it can all be conveniently found in one place on Amazon. Plus, they can even shop small businesses and handmade products.
Gift cards are available starting from $25, and you can have them delivered immediately via text or email with a personalized gift message.
Know someone with a green thumb? Brighten up their home this season with a gift card that allows them to pick out plants delivered to their door. The Sill offers a wide range of options, from easy-to-care-for succulents to decorative orchids in chic pots to large fiddle leaf figs.
If you prefer to send them an actual plant in lieu of a gift card and it won't arrive in time for Christmas, you can add an instant gift message that will be sent via email, letting them know their plant is on the way.
Candle of the Month Club Subscription, available at Brooklyn Candle Studio, from $25
Who doesn't love the smell of a brand new candle? Brooklyn Candle Studio offers a one-, two-, or three-month candle club subscription that will deliver a candle to your giftee's door.
Cheese Board and Knife Set, available at Amazon, $46
If they like to have guests over, a charcuterie serving board is a must-have item. This wooden board comes with cheese knives and slate labels.
BarkBox subscription, starting at $35
BarkBox sends treats and toys for their four-legged family members. To give it as a gift, enter the name of their pup and its general size (small, medium, or large), and select options of one-, three-, six-, or 12-month subscriptions. You can send a box to their house or purchase a digital gift card to be delivered via email right away.
Classic Gift Box from Baked by Melissa, from $32
These bite-size delights come in festive flavors like Caramel Hot Cocoa and Snowcap. Plus, the cute box and included holiday card add to the overall presentation.
Homesick Candle from Uncommon Goods, $34
Bring back the aroma of a favorite place with a candle that smells of a specific state. For example, Florida has notes of citrus, bergamot, and vanilla, while Michigan will send sweet scents of baked apples, puff pastry, cypress, cinnamon, and nutmeg wafting through the air.
Book of the Month, Three Months, $49.99
For the bibliophile on your list, give them the gift of surprising and engaging reads with a subscription to Book of the Month. It's been in existence since 1926 and gets extra points for being credited with the discovery of famous titles like "Gone with the Wind." A team of experts curate new releases, hot topics, debut authors, and more and send them to the subscriber's home.
BloomsyBox flower subscription, from $44.99 per shipment
This holiday season, give not just one bouquet but blooms sent to their home on a regular basis at the rate of your choosing — weekly, every two weeks, or monthly. It's our favorite flower subscription service.
OXO Good Grips Mixing Set, $28.95, available at Amazon
For your favorite home chef, a set of dishwasher-safe mixing bowls is a must-have item. With non-skid bottoms, rubber grip handles, and pouring spots, these colorful bowls are great for whipping up meals.
Bella Smokeless Electric Grill from Amazon for $49.99
The Bella Smokeless Electric Grill will come in handy for grill masters who don't want to stand out in the cold this winter. Thanks to an electric heating element, it warms up fast and, as the name suggests, is smokeless. However, you'll still get those classic grill lines, and, maybe best of all, it's super easy to clean up after.
Amazon Echo Dot, available at Best Buy $29.99
The new Echo Dot is an ideal last-minute gift that feels high-end but is actually relatively affordable. Recipients will love talking to Alexa and playing games, music, or getting basic questions answered. In many areas, this item is available from Best Buy for same-day or one-day delivery. Or, you can opt for curbside pick-up if your local store has it.
Daily Harvest gift card, from $50
Daily Harvest is a newer meal delivery startup that makes healthy fast food. And when we say fast, we mean meals that take as little as 30 seconds to prepare. As an added bonus, meals are under $10 each and designed by a chef and nutritionist team, so they're both tasty and nutritious. You can read more about Daily Harvest here.
Trade Coffee Subscription, from $54
Our resident coffee expert, Owen Burke, tested and reviewed the best coffee subscription services and deemed Trade Coffee the best pick overall. It's a thoughtful gift for any coffee drinker, and it's a gift that keeps on giving for as long as you want.
"Ice Cream My Love For You" Collection by Harry & David, $74.99
Say I love you in a sweet way — like with a tasty premium ice cream assortment. Flavors in the sampler include Mint Cookie Crunch Ice Cream with Fudge Swirls, Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream, Chocolate Ice Cream with Chocolate Chunks, and Cookies and Cream Ice Cream. This item is available for fast, two-day shipping.
Buy a Disney Plus gift subscription, $79.99
For the Disney fan in your life, there's perhaps no better gift than a year of Disney Plus. Whether they want to sing along to "Hamilton," indulge in some nostalgia and watch old Disney Channel original movies, or catch up on "The Mandalorian," they'll find it all on Disney Plus.
They can access thousands of titles from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox. Here's everything to know about the streaming platform