Are you as sick of shopping as I am? It is getting to that point in the season when I am so over fighting the crowds just to pick up a gallon of milk! I just want to stay home, be cozy, and enjoy a nice Christmas movie. But I am also a procrastinator, especially when buying gifts. This is why today I am writing about my last-minute gift ideas.
Things are slower during the holiday season. With the big influx of people heading to the stores, or shopping online, it takes longer to get what we want. This is especially true these past couple of years because of COVID. With long lines and slower shipping, I am always looking for alternatives when it comes to shopping for gifts.
Anything that can get people checked off my list that doesn’t require any waiting is a blessing. And lucky for us, society has progressed to the point where we don’t need to have a physical gift anymore. There are so many things you can find online that will make your friends or family members happy, and that doesn’t require you to fight someone to get.
Do you have a book lover in your life in need of a last-minute gift? Check out this post I did in my book blog with last-minute gift ideas for book lovers!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I make a commission through these links with no impact on your purchase.
What are Good Last-Minute Gifts?
Before I get into the specifics, I want to talk about some general ideas for last-minute gifts. Figuring out a present for someone is very personal, so some of the specific suggestions I include on this list might not work for your friends or family members. So, here are some general ideas for good last-minute gifts:
- Gift cards
- Subscription boxes
- Memberships
- Donate to charity in their name
Although the gift-receiver isn’t getting anything physical, all of these ideas are sure to put a smile on your loved ones’ faces. Think about what your friend likes, and go from there! Google is your best friend with this one. Type, “subscription boxes for [insert passion or hobby]” or gift card for [insert favorite store] and you are sure to find something.
Last-Minute Gift Ideas
Alright, now let’s get into the specifics. These are some last-minute gift ideas that anyone will love! There are ideas for various people on this list, but there are so many more options out there!
1. Audible Gift Memberships
Do you have a reader in your life? A great last-minute gift idea for anyone who loves to read, or wants to read more in the coming year, is a membership to Audible!
With Audible Gift Memberships, the gift receiver gets access to a huge selection of audiobooks that they are able to choose from each month. I love listening to audiobooks throughout my day, while I walk, work, or craft.
You can gift memberships for 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month increments.
This is a fantastic idea for someone who keeps saying, “I want to read more!” Make them! Gift them books and they will have no choice!
Click here to see Audible Gift Memberships
Try Audible Plus for free first, before you gift it!
2. Succulent Box Subscription
Do you have a plant lover in your life or someone who wants to start caring for house plants? Gift them a subscription to a plant company like Succulent Box!
This company sends 2 young succulent plants to the door of anyone you choose! You can purchase a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month gift. You just have to pay 10 dollars plus shipping for each box.
This makes a fantastic gift for coworkers, extended family, or the plant lover in your life! Who doesn’t want adorable baby succulents to show up at your house every month!
Related: Check out this post with east houseplants to care for, perfect for gifting
3. Costco Membership
Did you know you can gift a membership to Costco? You can give someone a whole year of good deals, free samples, and cheap books!
This is a fantastic gift idea for someone who just moved out, just got married, or is always complaining about grocery shopping! I love doing my bulk buying at Costco, my membership is my favorite thing.
Click here to purchase a Costco membership as a gift!
4. Gift Certificate for a Massage or Spa Day
I know this past year has been stressful for me, and I am sure it has been for others as well! With everything going on, it is easy to get lost in worry and ignore self-care.
But self-care is so important! So if your friend or family member is in serious need of some relaxation, give them a gift certificate to a local massage parlor or spa! They can get a facial, back massage, or whatever they like!
The best gift is the gift of relaxation or self-care. This shows your loved ones that you care about their well-being. And a bonus for you, it is a gift idea that doesn’t require any shopping!
5. Netflix Subscription
The first time I ever used Netflix was because my family was gifted a year subscription to the service. This was way back when they would send DVDs to your house! Remember that?
Now, you can purchase gift cards with a whole year of access to Netflix, where the gift receiver can watch whatever they want until the gift card runs out. This is the best way to get someone hooked on the service!
Click here to see what retails sell Netflix gift cards online!
6. Amazon Prime Music Membership
Do you have a music lover in your life that you need to buy a gift for? Get them a membership for Amazon Prime Music!
With this service, you get access to a ton of music for free! There are a lot of streaming services out there, and Amazon Prime Music is one of the best!
7. Donate to a Charity in their Name
Do you know someone who is super passionate about a cause! One of the best gifts you can get for them is to donate to their favorite charity in their name.
When you donate, a lot of organizations, especially during the holidays, give you the option of doing it in someone’s name. With this, they will often send a card or an email notifying that person. If they don’t give this option, simply create a card or email of your own! Let your loved one know where you donated!
For 5 amazing charities to donate to, visit this link! I talk about some incredible organizations that are doing amazing work!
Even if you aren’t behind on your holiday shopping, sometimes it is just easier to go with the simple, no shopping and no shipping last-minute gift ideas. Without any of the hassle, these will make your holiday season much more stress-free.
Although gift cards and subscriptions don’t seem personal, you can make them so. By thinking about your friend or family member’s interests and hobbies, you can get something they will actually love, and something they will actually use.
Go check off some last-minute people from your gift list! We are almost through the busiest season of the year, with only one week to go!
