27 Actually Thoughtful Last-Minute Gifts You Still Have Time to Buy
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There’s nothing quite like the last-minute gift hustle. And we’ve all been there, amidst the stress of it all. But there’s no shame! Life is busy, work feels even busier, and the holiday season books up your calendar faster than you realize. Take a deep breath—we’ve got you covered. Each of these thoughtful gifts can be ordered online with speedy shipping or are available for in-store pick-up, ensuring you’ll be able to spread Christmas and winter holiday cheer—even if and when it’s mixed with a little procrastination.
Still, our advice: Don’t keep dragging your feet. Though these last-minute gifts should all arrive in time for the holidays, we recommend ordering ASAP to be extra safe. That way, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday season with time to spare. Below, we've noted a few key dates to keep in mind as you shop and wrap gifts:
What is the cutoff date for packages to arrive by Christmas?
The last date for USPS Priority Mail Express packages to arrive by Christmas (within the US) is December 21. If you're choosing USPS Ground or First-Class Mail Service, the cutoff date is December 18. No matter the site, triple check your estimated delivery before checking out. Expected delivery dates sometimes change once finalizing your cart given the item’s availability and drop-off locations.
What if I'm ordering a gift from Amazon?
For Amazon shoppers taking advantage of Prime two-day shipping, you'll need to order gifts before December 22.
What if I missed holiday shipping deadlines?
Your best bet is to shop in-store at a retailer like Nordstrom. Look for ‘Pick Up Today’ and ‘Pick Up Tomorrow’ options when you're selecting the item's size so you can pick up in-store and still avoid some of the holiday crowds.
Our top picks:
- For the photographer: Kodak Instant Printer
- For the homebody: Vivitest Oil Diffuser
- For the new traveler: Béis Weekender
- For the outdoorsy traveler: Patagonia Hip Pack
- For the disorganized traveler: Telena Bag
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meaghan Kenny.
Kodak Step instant photo printer
The Kokak Step printer is an instant photo printer that connects to any wireless mobile device via Bluetooth. It has a simple set-up process and is easy to use—with no pricey ink cartridges needed for instant photo printing directly from your phone or computer. Kodak also offers an app to go along with the printer for cropping and filter edits before printing. Both cute and compact, the printer is portable, so your giftee can travel with it and print pictures for friends who want to take home photo mementos. There's an option to purchase a starter bundle kit which includes the printer itself, 20 sheets of film, fun stickers, a mini frame, and clips to hang the pictures as well.
Marshall Emberton speaker
A high-quality speaker is always a welcome gift. Marshall's Emberton portable speaker has a classic, sleek design that looks and works great at home and on the go. It's lightweight, at just 1.5 lb., and has an impressive battery life (after charging the device for around 20 minutes, it offers five hours of playtime.) It’s also waterproof, making it a nice option for days at the beach, lake, or park.
Uniqlo mini shoulder bag
This Uniqlo shoulder bag is both unassumingly spacious and stylish. It can be dressed up or down—and used to carry daily essentials from your wallet and keys to lipstick and glasses. It's also made with recycled materials, like most products from Uniqlo.
Amazon Basics three-piece hardside spinner luggage set
Upgrade their luggage with this three-piece set from Amazon Basics. It features suitcases of different size, including a carry-on and checked bag. What we love most about this set, aside from the price, is how durable these suitcases are.
Ostrichpillow Go memory foam travel pillow
Perfect for any traveler with a long-haul flight coming up, this neck pillow has an adjustable hook-and-loop closure to keep it secure and comfortable while you try and get some shut-eye. The removable cover is machine washable, too, making it easy to clean post-vacation.
Aura Carver photo frame
Meet the perfect way for your favorite traveler to display all of those trip photos sitting on their phone. This 10.1" HD digital display can show off stunning mountaintops, bustling city streets, and perfectly poised selfies in just minutes through an easy-to-use app. With free, unlimited cloud storage and an option to preload with curated photos and videos, it’s the perfect thoughtful last-minute gift.
Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
From outdoorsy travelers to music festival-goers, this hip pack is perfect for carrying essentials without feeling too heavy around your waist. Another plus: It stows into its own pocket when not in use.
Vivitest oil diffuser
This electric aromatherapy stone diffuser is a chic gift for soothing someone you know who recently moved or wants to make their bedroom more spa-like. Doubling as a piece of home decor, with any preferred essential oil scent, the item makes every room more relaxing and helps to unwind after a long day. This one is quiet and has an automatic safety shut off and optional nine colors of LED light.
Vimapo foldable duffel bag
This foldable duffel bag is perfect for weekend trips or to use as a carry-on. It checks all the boxes: It's waterproof, versatile, and slides onto luggage to keep you hands-free at the airport. It’s easy to clean, and can pack up to 45 lb., if needed. Plus, it folds up into a small pocket for easy storage when not in use.
Homesick New York City candle
Sometimes, even your most well-traveled friend will find themselves grounded with no upcoming trips on the horizon. When these periods hit, bring the experience to them. To wit: Homesick candles tap into our most emotional sense—smell, from our favorite places—New York City, San Fransisco, Chicago, and more. As far as last-minute Christmas gifts go, this is a rather thoughtful one.
Parlovable cross band slippers
Any homebody in your life would love a pair of cozy slippers like these. Available in white, black, pink, turquoise, caramel, and more, these criss-cross slippers are perfect to lounge in at home. With an open toe, they're breathable but will still keep feet warm and toasty all winter long.
Parachute Cloud Cotton robe
The Cloud Cotton robe from Parachute is one similar to those cozy robes you'd only find in a hotel room. It has the perfect texture for staying warm and not over-heating. It's available in neutral colors, making it a top-tier gift for any of your loved ones in search of a new robe.
Tempur-Pedic sleep mask
You can't go wrong with a plush eye mask. This one comes from Temper-Pedic, and yes, it's made with the mattress brand's signature plush, adaptable material.
Telena Travel toiletry bag
If they're still tossing their toiletries in a gallon-size Ziploc bag, it's time to convert them to the Dopp kit life. We like this style for its top and side handles and copious amount of inner pockets.
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long
If you really want to spoil someone in your life, treat them to the Dyson AirWrap. It dries, it curls, it blows out hair—it really does it all.
The Five Minute Journal
This is a great gift option for the friend who is leaning into all things wellness. Featuring guided exercises designed to center yourself in gratitude and mindfulness, this journal helps carve out a little personal time in our often hectic days on the road and at home.
Perilogics Universal in-flight airplane phone mount
A travel gadget they're sure to love, this handy phone holder clamps on to tray tables, luggage handles, and other surfaces, so you don't have to hold your phone while watching a TV show or movie in transit.
Chanel L'Huile cleansing oil
Who doesn’t fancy a gift from Chanel? This L'Huile Anti-Pollution Cleansing Oil is a perfect gift for a loved one who's always searching for the best agents. It can be used morning or night, as a daily cleanser, and a makeup remover—even for those long-lasting lipsticks and waterproof mascara. It’s also made with natural ingredients including blue micro-algae, which protects the skin against pollution, and marine salicornia extract, a great tool for moisturizing and fortifying.
Birald grill set
If you need a practical yet fun gift for your family member who always takes charge at the cookout, this grill set has you covered. The 34-piece stainless steel accessory set comes packed with a thermometer, grill mats, BBQ brush, and kitchen shears for cutting bones and raw meat. It all fits inside a portable aluminum case to neatly store everything when not in use.
GoFiltr portable water bottle filter
Finding a sustainable option for clean water on the road can be a challenge, so your loved ones will certainly thank you for setting them up with these filters, which fit inside their portable water bottle and turn the contents into alkaline mineral water in minutes. Not only do they work with all water bottle models, but one pack includes three months’ worth of refills.
FP Movement x Après beauty kit
This FP Movement Après Beauty kit is perfect for any ski or snowboarder (or, simply, any après–lover) you know. The bundle comes with gifts from workout to recovery, including resistance bands, collagen eye masks, cool and glow towelettes, and a neoprene pouch.
Banana Republic scarf
Soft to the touch, this cozy scarf will keep the man in your life warm and stylish through the winter. It comes in one size, with options of all sorts of colors and designs.
Need some more inspo? Check out Traveler's Amazon Storefront for even more of our favorite travel gifts.
