33 Last-Minute Gifts That Look Nothing Like Last-Minute

While I’d like to think that I work better under pressure, there are times when procrastinating is just plain stressful—like holiday gifting. There’s nothing worse than finding an amazing, thoughtful, unique gift just to dilly-dally on buying it and ultimately finding it’s out of stock or the delivery date is mid-January. The backup plan is usually some generic gift card or a hand drawn IOU that I try to pass off as a joke.

This can’t possibly be a just-me thing, so we’ve got 33 last-minute gifts that are personal, thoughtful, and most importantly, will arrive by Christmas when you see family and friends for gift exchanges. From subscription boxes to digital e-gift cards to tech that ships really fast, these last-minute gifts won’t make you look like the procrastinator that you really are (don’t worry, we won’t tell).

Note: Shipping deadlines can change frequently, so we recommend double-checking the retailer’s shipping info before you purchase.

1. Winc Wine Subscription, $29.95

Order by: December 25 for digital delivery

This is the digital version of arriving at a holiday party with a nice bottle of wine, but much easier. Instead of stopping by the wine shop, you can grab four bottles of wine curated for their tastes and preferences, plus 12 free glasses from yours truly. If you’d rather let them pick out their bottles, you can also grab an e-gift card that’ll get delivered to their inbox instantly, so it’s truly a last-minute gift.

2. Atlas Coffee Club Subscription, $60+ $55+

Order by: December 25 for digital delivery

For coffee drinkers who want to expand their palates, Atlas Coffee Club will send them fresh single-origin beans from around the world along with a fun postcard and brewing notes. You can grab a subscription and schedule for the e-gift code to arrive on a certain day, and then they can take a short quiz to drill down their tastes and preferences for the perfect cup.

3. The Japanese Art of the Cocktail by Masahiro Urushido and Michael Anstendig, $30 $18.60

Order by: December 21 with Amazon Prime 2-day shipping

For those who love traveling—or the art of cocktails—this book dives into Masahiro Urushido’s experiences growing up in Japan, and opening a Japanese-American bar in New York City. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, this should arrive in two days max. And if you’re not a member yet, you can score a free 30-day trial here. Pair it with a bottle of Japanese whiskey so they can start enjoying both immediately.

4. Kosterina EVOO Dark Chocolate Mezze Box, $59.95

Order by: December 19 for express shipping

For those who’d rather indulge in something sweet, Kosterina’s extra-virgin olive oil-infused chocolate bars are both rich in antioxidants and flavor. This 8-pack has a bit of everything from fig and balsamic dark chocolate to cashew butter and crispy quinoa, and it comes in a bright blue box inspired by the blue doors of the Cyclades islands, so there’s no need to gift wrap them either.

5. Daily Harvest Custom Gift Box, $75

Order by: December 25 for digital delivery

Cooking always seems more overwhelming during the holidays, so a gift card to Daily Harvest can alleviate some of that stress—and some of yours too. The custom gift box lets them choose from a menu of ready-to-eat dishes like soups, oat bowls, and grain bowls; ready-to-blend smoothies; and even dessert so you don’t have to pick for them. They’ll receive a code in their inbox so you can place an order as late as Christmas morning and still have them receive it in time.

6. Bearaby Velvet Napper, $299

Order by: December 20 for free shipping and delivery by December 24

Bearaby’s Velvet Napper is one of the coziest gifts we’ve received ourselves, so it’s only right to pass on the idea. The velvet is super-soft and sumptuous, and the colorways are equally dreamy.

7. Capri Blue Fir & Firewood Glass Jar Candle, $32 $23.80

Order by: December 16

If they're looking to change up their signature scent which is obviously the one Anthro burns in all of its stores, try this wintry version from Capri Blue. With fresh notes of fir, pine needle, and birch layered with apple and musk, it'll make any space smell like a winter wonderland. It doesn't hurt that it comes in a beautiful green jar either.

8. Milk Bar The Whole Sleigh, $110

Order by: December 20 for arrival by December 21

Nothing satisfies a sweet tooth like a tin of Milk Bar cookies, or a cake, or truffles—so why not get 'em all? If you want to beat the holiday gifting procrastination or get a head start on their birthday, Milk Bar lets you schedule orders up to 30 days in advance, so you can order now and have nothing else to worry about.

9. Cameo Personalized Video Greetings, $1+

Order by: December 24 for digital delivery

The ultimate gift for super fans, Cameo lets you send personalized greetings from their favorite actors, athletes, musicians, and more. It’s like a holiday card, but a lot cooler. Most Cameos can be completed within 24 hours of ordering, but check the fine print as everyone offers different dates and rates.

10. MasterClass Subscription, $30+/Month $15+/Month

Order by: December 25 for digital delivery

If they love learning new things, a MasterClass subscription will give them a year’s worth of access to hundreds of online classes, all taught by experts. From cooking lessons with Gordon Ramsay to business strategy with Bob Iger, the options are endless. Since it’s completely digital, you can order this with T-minus-25 minutes until the holiday party with time spare. Right now, there’s even a 2-for-1 deal so you can grab one for yourself, too.

11. Five Two Ultimate Apron, $25-$45

Order by: December 16 for express shipping

With plenty of pockets to hold the essentials, extra-long waist ties for easy adjusting, and pot holders built right in, any home cook would love this thoughtfully-designed apron.

12. Dabble & Dollop Bath Bombs, $25

Order by: December 19 for expedited shipping and December 20 for express shipping

These bath bombs infuse water with a fresh, fruity smell and colors that make baths fun. The all-natural formula is safe and gentle for little one’s skin.

13. Wild One Collar Walk Kit, $108 $88

Order by: December 17 for standard shipping

Help them spoil their fur baby (and kind of themselves) with this incredibly cool set of essentials. Who knew a dog collar, leash, and poop bag carrier could be so chic?

14. Food52 x GreenPan Nonstick 3 Piece Skillet Set, $130 $99

Order by: December 16 for express shipping

Non-stick, non-toxic, oven-, and dishwasher safe, these pans are perfect for no mess, no nonsense cooking. Plus, they’re pretty reasonable for a set of three and look super chic.

15. Colorblocked Tech Gloves, $32 $19.20

Order by: December 16 for standard shipping

Anyone that lives in a cold-weather climate needs a good pair of gloves. These are compatible with touchscreens so they won’t have to take the gloves off and risk freezing when they want to send a text.

16. Bloomscape E-Gift Card, $50+

Order by: December 25 for digital delivery

For plant parents, Bloomscape's digital gift card means they can shop for greenery that fits their space and lighting, or helpful accessories for their plants—it also means less work on your part! The gift card will arrive in their inbox the same day you order it, so feel free to procrastinate just a bit longer.

17. Breville Barista Express, $699.95

Order by: December 16 for express shipping

Up the ante on their morning coffee game with this compact, but quality espresso machine. It even comes with a grinder and a frothing jug so they can get fancy and whip up cappuccinos and lattes in a flash.

18. Otherland Fallen Fir Candle, $36

Order by: December 16 for free holiday delivery

Otherland’s candles smell as good as they look. With notes of balsam fir, musk, and winter spice, just one whiff will transport them to the great outdoors while they cozy up on the couch.

19. Book of the Month Subscription, $49.99+

Order by: December 25 for digital delivery

Book of the Month makes it easy to find exciting new reads. Each month, they can pick from a curated selection, and if they forget to pick out a book by the 6th (when picks are due), they’ll get a credit that they can use moving forward. We love the idea of gifting this subscription alongside your fave book for a bit of inspiration and to help pass the time until they can choose their next read.

20. Murray’s Cheese of the Month Club, $63+

Order by: December 25

For cheese connoisseurs and newbies alike, Murray’s Cheese of the Month Club will send them a curated box of unique cheeses on the second Thursday of every month. While they wait for the first package, give them this printout so they know what they’re getting.

21. Kindle Paperwhite, $139.99

Order by: December 21 with Amazon Prime 2-day shipping

A Kindle makes it easy for them to keep up their reading habits wherever they are. The Paperwhite is thin, lightweight, and has an adjustable glare-free display so they can read in any type of lighting.

22. Dash Tasti Crisp Electric Air Fryer + Oven Cooker, $59.99 $49.95

Order by: December 22 with Amazon Prime 2-day shipping

Whether they’re experienced home cooks or more of the “eggs and pasta are my specialities” variety, an air fryer is a great kitchen gadget for cooks of all levels. This one comes in a variety of fun colors and neutrals, so you can grab one that goes well with their space.

23. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw Blanket, $147

Order by: December 16 for free standard shipping

There’s a reason this blanket has garnered such a big following—it’s made of a plush microfiber that's seriously cozy and perfect for post-dinner lounging on the couch.

25. Ugg Bixbee Bootie, $34.95-$35

Order by: December 16 for free standard shipping

Is there anything more adorable than little mini baby shoes? I think not. These snuggly booties are just so cute, and guaranteed to keep their toes toasty.

25. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $22

Order by: December 18 for free standard shipping

This luxurious lip mask has a thick consistency that deeply hydrates lips overnight. Pair it with some face and eye masks to give them a full at-home spa experience.

26. Bombas All-Purpose Performance Ankle + Quarter Sock Gift Bag, $70

Order by: December 18 for expedited shipping, and December 19 for overnight shipping. Orders over $95 get free 2-day shipping.

Socks are a superior holiday gift—we all need them and we wear them all the time, but most of us don’t want to spend a lot of money on them. This Bombas gift set has two pairs of ankle socks and two pairs of quarter-length socks in fun patterns, all wrapped up in a gift bag. Plus, for every pair purchased, Bombas donates a pair of socks to those in need.

27. Goldbelly E-Gift Card, $25+

Order by: December 25 for digital delivery

Give the gift of America’s most iconic eats with a Goldbelly gift card, which arrives digitally so your gift is still considered as being on time. Goldbelly partners with hundreds of chefs and restaurants across the country so they can order a New York bagel to Los Angeles or some Kansas City BBQ to Vermont.

28. Brightland The Luminous Capsule, $88

Order by: December 21 for expedited shipping

Brighten up all of their holiday cooking with this exciting trio from Brightland. With a bottle of zesty champagne vinegar, 100 percent extra virgin olive oil, and fresh California honey, this set will inspire plenty of festive dishes for their next dinner party. It even comes with a gorgeous gold spout so they can perfect their olive oil drizzle.

29. Airbnb Experiences, $15+

Order by: December 25 for digital delivery

Have they ever wanted to take a goat yoga class? Or go on a pizza tour in New York City? Or maybe have a tea party with sheep in the Scottish countryside? All of these seriously unique experiences can be booked on AirBnB Experiences. This gift arrives in their inbox digitally so they can choose the experience and date that works for them.

30. Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bag, $12.99 $11.99

Order by: December 22 with Amazon Prime 2-day shipping

Stasher bags are not only much better for the environment than single-use plastic bags, but they’ll also look great in their kitchen. These bags are even dishwasher- and microwave-safe.

31. Spotify E-Gift Card, $10+

Order by: December 25 for digital delivery

In my opinion, Spotify is the superior music streaming service. Whether they don’t have a subscription yet or are already a loyal member, a Spotify gift card is an easy way to give them the gift of great music all the time. Plus, this one is delivered digitally, so it arrives just in time for a last-minute gift that still feels personal.

32. Polaroid Now I-Type Instant Camera - Keith Haring Edition, $138.99

Order by: December 22 with Amazon Prime 2-day shipping.

Capturing instant photos feels all the more fun with this artistic camera, inspired by the works of Keith Haring. Art and photography lovers alike will definitely appreciate this one.

33. Flytographer Session, $285+

Order by: December 25 for digital delivery

Taking professional photos is such a fun experience and creates such lovely memories, but they might never book one for themselves. That’s what makes this gift feel so special. Flytographer’s streamlined platform makes it easy to book a professional photographer anywhere in the world, so just grab them a session and get ready to see some beautiful pics later on.

This post was updated December 2021 with more last-minute gift ideas. Happy holidays!

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? Let us know below!

This post contains products independently chosen (and loved) by our editors and writers. Food52 earns an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases of the products we link to.