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50 last-minute gifts that will actually arrive on time

There's last minute, and then there's *really* last minute.
By Leah Stodart and Miller Kern  on 
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
People eating takeout / plant with stick-in decor featuring greetings / person scrolling through Spotify on iPhone / Beats Studio Buds and case on desk with plant and notebook
Credit: DoorDash / The Sill / Pexels / Apple

Oops, you did it again. You waited until the last minute to get a gift. You love your parents, boyfriend/girlfriend, friends, and that coworker who always has work tea — but when you're stressing over the perfect gift for said special person, time gets away from you.

We get it and we're not here to judge. Rather, we are here to help. Finding a last-minute gift that's actually meaningful is hard, to be quite honest. There are still ways to get personalized or sentimental gifts even in a time crunch.

Depending on how last-minute you're pushing it, there are actually some really neat gifts you can get. This is especially true if you're an Amazon Prime member(opens in a new tab) and get free one- and two-day shipping, plus some overnight delivery options,

The safest bets include online services, subscription services, and stuff with digital delivery. And in a year when everything is more expensive than we're used to, a simple gift card isn't boring — it's a lifesaver.

Check out some unique last-minute gift options below:

Various dishes of takeout food on green piece of furniture and hands using silverware and chopsticks
Credit: DoorDash

DashPass (opens in a new tab)

For the foodie who hates cooking

Sometimes, cooking dinner is just not the move. That's where delivery comes in. And when extra fees start to kill the vibe, that's where DashPass comes in. For $9.99/month, treat your friends or family to a $0 delivery fee and lower service fees on each order, plus savings on on-demand groceries. DoorDash says that a DashPass membership pays for itself in just two orders.
Chocolate-covered strawberries with sprinkles
Credit: Shari's Berries

Chocolate covered strawberries (opens in a new tab)

For someone with a sweet tooth

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic. Shari's Berries offers an assortment of gourmet dipped strawberries for any occasion. Same-day delivery is available in some areas.
Framed abstract artwork sitting on floor with plants
Credit: OjuDesign

Downloadable prints (opens in a new tab)

For the wall art connoisseur

For wall art that you can gift immediately, purchase a downloadable file from Etsy. You can print it at a CVS or Walgreens (or let them choose the design), plus pick up a nice frame while you're at it.
Penguins on icebergs
Credit: Pexels

Terrapass carbon offset (opens in a new tab)

For the environmentally conscious

You may know someone who'd rather your money be spent on the earth than on them. Terrapass allows you to fund projects that destroy greenhouse gases and produce renewable energy. $7.99 offsets 1,000 pounds of CO2 — about a third of the emissions that the average American produces each month.
Various celebrities who teach a MasterClass
Credit: MasterClass

MasterClass (opens in a new tab)

For the Gordon Ramsay or Annie Leibovitz stan

On-demand celebrity edutainment has exploded in popularity over the past few years. Through MasterClass, people are able to learn unique skills through the famous person who basically invented said skill. For $180 for the year or $90 for one class, they can learn cooking with Gordon Ramsay, filmmaking with Jodie Foster, plus nearly 200 other options.
Eggs, milk, ice cream, toilet paper, and other groceriess on blue surface
Credit: GoPuff

GoPuff Fam (opens in a new tab)

For a snack run without standing up

GoPuff is like a digital trip to the grocery store, the liquor store, or maybe even a quick-service restaurant. Delivery drivers pick up orders from wholesale inventory locations in tons of cities and drop them off within the hour. A $7.99/month Fam membership offers perks like nixed delivery fees, plus $10 off their first three orders.
Patterned underwear laying on purple surface
Credit: MeUndies

MeUndies gift card (opens in a new tab)

For someone who digs fun undergarments

People can always use new socks and underwear, and MeUndies has some fun options. A digital gift card allows you to pick a dollar amount and write a custom message. Then choose when you want your recipient to receive it in their email inbox.
Amazon box surrounded by wrapped gifts on orange surface
Credit: Amazon

Amazon Prime membership (opens in a new tab)

For the heavy shopper

Amazon Prime is a gift that'll keep giving throughout the year — and every time it comes in clutch for them, they'll think of you. The $119/year service includes free, fast shipping on tons of items, Prime Video, Prime Music, and more.
iPhone screens featuring Headspace app on colorful background
Credit: Headspace / Mashable photo composite

Headspace subscription (opens in a new tab)

For someone into mindfulness

Headspace has sessions to help with stress, sleep, focus, and anxiety. There are guided meditations for people who want to stay mindful throughout the day. Gift options come as one-month, one-year, and two-year subscriptions.
Kids at table in classroom
Credit: Pexels

Classroom donation (opens in a new tab)

For the charitable person

We all know someone who says, "Oh you don't have to get me a present." Here's a feel-good alternative to getting them nothing (or something they won't use). DonorsChoose lets you donate money to classrooms in need under your gift recipient's name.

ASOS premier delivery service (opens in a new tab)

For the fashionista

Waiting until the last possible minute to buy an outfit for an event is simply part of the planning process. ASOS Premier is a godsend in those instances. The $24.99/year subscription locks down free next-day delivery on all US orders over $50, plus free express shipping on everything else.
Person wearing headphones and scrolling through Spotify
Credit: Pexels

Spotify gift card (opens in a new tab)

For any non-Apple Music users

Spotify Premium is so worth it over the version with ads, but having $10 snatched from the bank every month still adds up. You can gift one or more months via an electronic gift card.
Lobby and front desk of Massage Envy location
Credit: Massage Envy

Massage Envy gift card (opens in a new tab)

For someone who deserves a spa day

A spa day is something literally everyone can enjoy, but not everyone wants to spend the money on themselves. That's why a spa gift card makes such a thoughtful gift. Massage Envy has over 1,000 locations in the United States and offers massages, facials, and more.

Winc subscription (opens in a new tab)

For the wine drinker

Winc is a subscription service that delivers tailored wines right to your recipient's doorstep. Because the wines are personalized, the best gift you can give someone is a gift card so they can pick their own selections.

Kiva loan (opens in a new tab)

For the small business supporter

Kiva is a platform where you can loan money to small businesses and causes. If there's a particular interest they have, you can loan to a cause within that realm on behalf of your gift recipient. Kiva takes loans, not donations. So, when you're repaid, you can invest that money back into your loved one another way.
Orange and pink arrangement of roses in vase
Credit: The Bouqs Co.

Bouquet of flowers (opens in a new tab)

For Trader Joe's flower section regulars

Flower delivery is a classic gift. Everyone can appreciate a gorgeous bouquet of flowers to put on their desk or kitchen table. The Bouqs Co. offers next-day delivery on select bouquets.
Cookies and other baked goods with various colors of icing and sprinkles
Credit: Cheryl's Cookies

Cheryl's cookies (opens in a new tab)

For someone who won't turn down a cute cookie

Cookies — especially seasonal ones — make a great gift that the recipient can enjoy immediately. And since they're best eaten fresh, delivery is quick — with some packages offering same-day delivery.
Dropbox logo on gray background
Credit: Dropbox

Dropbox cloud storage (opens in a new tab)

For the file hoarder

You might know somebody who constantly gets "storage full" messages. Dropbox is a great gift because the most basic level gives them 2TB of storage and file recovery up to 30 days.

Same-day photo gift (opens in a new tab)

For a personalized gift

Last-minute gifts can still be personalized and special. CVS offers same-day pickup on tons of their photo products, including books, mounted panels, calendars, and more.
Wooden essential oil diffuser sitting on nightstand
Credit: HealthSmart

Essential oil diffuser (opens in a new tab)

For a daily dose of relaxation

Everyone should have an essential oil diffuser, and this one happens to have one-day shipping available. If the scents you'd like to gift won't ship in time, a link with the benefits of different oils would still be super helpful.
Collapsible straws and cases in various colors with plant in corner
Credit: Eco-Pals

Reusable straws (opens in a new tab)

For the frequent sipper

A reusable, portable straw is the perfect stocking stuffer for someone who cringes each time they reach for a plastic straw in public. Eco-Pals straws collapse into a cute carrying case and come in multiple colors.
AncestryDNA kit and smartphone with app on colorful background
Credit: AncestryDNA / Mashable photo composite

AncestryDNA kit (opens in a new tab)

For someone curious about their family tree

DNA kits are super popular gifts. One of the best, AncestryDNA, is on sale for under $70 around the holidays and can ship overnight. Their pie chart and traits results should come back in four to six weeks.
Echo Dot smart speaker on table inside door with people in corner
Credit: Amazon

Echo Dot (opens in a new tab)

For smart home newbies

Not all Echo devices are available with overnight shipping, but the Echo Dot is. The latest, spherical version of the classic mini smart speaker is such a simple introduction to the convenience of Alexa commands, from setting reminders to asking about the weather.
Red Beats Studio Buds and case on table with notebook and plant
Credit: Beats / Apple

Beats Studio Buds (opens in a new tab)

For the anti-AirPods audiophile

The powerful bass, long-lasting battery, and fun colors of the noise-canceling Beats Studio Buds make it hard to opt for the second-gen AirPods Pro (which are over $100 more, even on sale). And unlike those AirPods, the Studio Buds can be shipped overnight through Amazon.
iPhone with Groupon app on screen on colorful background
Credit: Groupon / Mashable photo composite

A Groupon giftcard (opens in a new tab)

For a fun experience

For those who aren't into material things, a Groupon experience is the way to go. You can choose from tons of activities in the recipient's city, or let them choose.
Person doing yoga while watching on-screen workout
Credit: Alo Yoga

Alo Moves online yoga service (opens in a new tab)

For the busy yogi

Alo Moves is a service that brings yoga classes to the home. Your loved one can practice on their own time at their own pace. The service is accessible via mobile, tablet, and desktop.
People in crowd attending a concert
Credit: Pexels

Concert tickets (opens in a new tab)

For someone with a very specific Spotify Wrapped

If they were in the top .0001% of listeners of a given artist in this year's Spotify Wrapped, check to see if that artist is touring soon — then give the gift of a memory through tickets to the show. (Sorry to bring up a sore subject, Swifties.) Be sure to snag two and make it an experience for both of you.
TV on wall with Netflix logo in corner
Credit: Pexels

Netflix gift card (opens in a new tab)

For the binge-watcher

Almost everyone uses Netflix (even if they don't have their own account). It'll be nice for them to get a few months on someone else's dime. Pro tip: Netflix is $6.99/month at the minimum, so up your gift to $30 so they don't have random money left over. If there's a different streaming service that they can't bring themselves to pay for, gift a subscription there instead.
Sims 4 gift card
Credit: EA / ORIGIN

The Sims 4 (opens in a new tab)

For someone who loves creating (fake) drama

2002 or 2022, Sims is never not addicting. Indulge someone's nostalgia or upgrade them to the newest version of the game if they're a regular player. You can gift a digital version of the game.
Makeup brushes and pink nail polish on gray surface
Credit: Pexels

Sephora gift card (opens in a new tab)

For someone always trying new beauty products

A Sephora gift card is at the top of wish lists for teenage girls — or anyone who can't not try a viral TikTok recommendation. Pay for a makeup haul (or at least a chunk of it) for them.
Potted plants and gift bag
Credit: The Sill

The Sill digital gift card (opens in a new tab)

For someone on #PlantTok

The Sill has something for everyone regardless of if their plants thrive or if their plants die. The service delivers fully grown plants ready for display. (There are even fake ones for the accidental plant killers.)
View of city from inside hotel room with bed, laptop, and coffee near window
Credit: Pexels

Hotels.com gift card (opens in a new tab)

For someone who's been itching to get away

A little getaway might be in the cards for the wanderlust-ridden person in your life — even if it's just for a weekend. Solidify the plans by helping with hotel expenses through a digital gift card to hotels.com.
Person sitting outside reading Kindle
Credit: Amazon

Kindle Unlimited (opens in a new tab)

For someone with a massive reading list

Kindle Unlimited is a service that gives people access to millions of titles including e-books, audio books, and magazines. No Kindle is necessary to enjoy the benefits of Kindle Unlimited.
Birchbox with makeup products and pink stuffing on colorful background
Credit: Birchbox / Mashable photo composite

Birchbox subscription (opens in a new tab)

For people into self care

OK, so this gift won't technically arrive on time, but you can let them know it will arrive, and then keep on coming. Birchbox is a monthly subscription box for skincare and beauty products for both women and men. Send one month for $15 or a longer plan for a few dollars less each month.
Person holding phone on online learning app
Credit: Udemy

Online course (opens in a new tab)

For someone who loves gaining new skills

Udemy offers online courses on almost every topic, so you can pick one that your loved one is interested in. You could even snag a couple courses as they're usually on sale for $10 to $20.
Spread of Disney gift cards featuring various characters
Credit: Disney

Disney gift card (opens in a new tab)

For the Disney adult

For those who can't get enough of Disney, a Disney gift card is an automatic win. They're redeemable at online Disney stores, brick and mortar stores, Disneyland, Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line.
The New Yorker, National Geographic Kids, and Rolling Stone magazine covers
Credit: The New Yorker / National Geographic / Rolling Stone

Magazine subscription (opens in a new tab)

For someone who still likes flipping pages

One-year subscriptions to magazines are a super cheap gift that pops up in your recipient's mailbox every month. Amazon has a huge selection of magazines from brands like Hearst, Meredith, and Condé Nast.
Microsoft products like tablet, mouse, Xbox controller and gift card, and more arranged on white surface
Credit: Microsoft

Xbox gift card (opens in a new tab)

For the Microsoft gamer

Xbox users can buy games, add-ons, map packs, and more with a gift card to the Xbox store. A digital redemption code will be delivered via email.

PlayStation gift card (opens in a new tab)

For the Sony gamer

PlayStation users can use this PlayStation Store gift card to buy games, add-ons, movies, TV shows, or a PlayStation Plus subscription. Gift cards are digitally delivered.
Lyft gift card and confetti on colorful background
Credit: Lyft / Mashable photo composite

Lyft Pink (through a gift card) (opens in a new tab)

For someone on the go

Some friends insist on walking everywhere. Others have been at the destination for 20 minutes already because there's no way they weren't ordering a ride. Lyft Pink unlocks free priority pickup upgrades, discounted Lux, Preferred, and XL rides, plus a free year of Grubhub+. A $30 gift card covers three months of the $9.99/month service.
Assorted cheese on marble cutting board
Credit: Harry & David

Harry & David gift basket (opens in a new tab)

Best for a fancy night in

Can't see them in person this year? A wine and cheese night sounds better than venturing outside, anyway. Select gourmet gift baskets from Harry & David can be delivered within two days. Send a charcuterie board, mini desserts, or a whole entrée, with the option to add wine.
Smartphone with Rosetta Stone app on screen
Credit: Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone (opens in a new tab)

For someone who wants to speak a new language

Learning a new language is something many of us say we want to do, but never actually follow through with. A free year of Rosetta Stone could be the motivation boost your recipient needs to stick to their lessons.
Plates of food on green surface with gift in corner
Credit: HelloFresh

HelloFresh subscription (opens in a new tab)

For the foodie who loves cooking

Everyone appreciates a home-cooked meal, but the best contenders for a HelloFresh subscription would be the foodies who actually want to do the cooking part, too. Your gift lets them skip a grocery store run by sending a box of ingredients (that follow any dietary restrictions) sent to their door. One box containing three meals for two people per week runs around $9.99 per serving or $70.93 total.
Fire TV Stick and voice command text bubble with TV in background
Credit: Amazon

Fire TV Stick 4K Max (opens in a new tab)

For that one non-smart TV in the house

Every home has that one ancient TV that no one can seem to part ways with. Bring it into the digital age with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The streamer connects to WiFi and hosts all of their streaming apps in one place. It's available for overnight shipping with Prime.

Visa gift card (opens in a new tab)

For someone who's hard to shop for

For the anti-Jeff Bezos person you know, you can't go wrong with cold hard cash. Or intangible digital money. Either way, they're free to spend it on whatever they want.
People sitting in movie theater
Credit: Pexels

AMC Stubs A-List membership (opens in a new tab)

For cinephiles who prefer the theater experience

AMC Stubs A-List gives members the ability to see up to three movies in the theater per week, including Dolby Cinema and IMAX. Gift three months for $72.99, which will work at over 600 AMC locations nationwide.
Various internet privacy-related animations on colorful background
Credit: Private Internet Access / Mashable photo composite

VPN (opens in a new tab)

For someone who needs internet privacy (so, everyone)

A VPN keeps internet browsing safe and secure — something that many people don't think they need to pay for, but everyone needs. Private Internet Access encrypts data and hides IP addresses for private browsing past incognito mode. A year of the service is only about $40.
Pie on blue plate with fork
Credit: Clarkson Potter

Dessert Person cookbook (opens in a new tab)

For someone who's super into Bake Off

This cookbook comes to us from Claire Saffitz, who rose to internet fame after hosting the YouTube show Gourmet Makes. The same attention to detail that served Saffitz well on the show shines through in this cookbook, making it perfect for the novice and veteran baker alike. Send the Kindle version immediately or the hardcover version with overnight delivery.
Roblox logo and images of the game
Credit: Roblox

Roblox gift card (opens in a new tab)

For the kid in your life

Kids cannot get enough of this game, basically guaranteeing that even though this is "just" a gift card, it'll earn you "Adult That Gets It" status. The money goes toward Robux, which allows them to purchase upgrades for their avatar or buy special abilities in experiences.
Amazon gift card and box on colorful background
Credit: Amazon / Mashable photo composite

Amazon gift card (opens in a new tab)

For someone who'd rather pick their own gift

Amazon gift card but make it ~fancy~. This card comes in fun gold packaging with a bow and everything. So, they still get to open a present, but they have the freedom to pick out whatever they want.

Leah is a shopping reporter at Mashable, where she covers shopping trends, gift ideas, and products that make life easier. She graduated from Penn State University in 2012 and is watching horror movies or "The Office" when she’s not shopping online herself. You can follow her on Twitter at @notleah.

Mashable Image

Miller Kern

Assistant Reviews Editor

Miller Kern is the Assistant Reviews Editor at Mashable, where she's been covering products and shopping since 2019. If there's a hot new product or a trend going viral on TikTok, Miller's ready to put it through the wringer to see if it's worth the hype.


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