15 Last-Minute Christmas Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Between work, kids, pets, chores, and more, it’s totally understandable that you might be a little

behind on holiday shopping. No reason to pile on more stress. We’ve put together some ideas for last-minute Christmas gifts that you’ll be able to get in time for the big day.

By definition, last-minute probably means you’ve missed most shipping deadlines to get any out-of-town gifts there in time for Christmas Day. But don’t worry, we’ve still got at least one other solution for getting a gift delivered to your loved ones that live far away in time for the big day. Fortunately, for items that don’t require shipping, there are plenty of stores that will make shopping faster and easier for you with curbside pickup or BOPUS (buy-online-pick-up-in-store).

You can also avoid the crowds and long lines at big box and chain stores by supporting local and independent retailers. Chances are better that you’ll find something unique and special at one of these stores.    

Here are 15 last-minute gift ideas that everyone will think took weeks of planning.

5 Last-Minute Christmas Gifts They’ll Love

No matter if you’re shopping for a spouse, sibling, or second grader, we’ve got ideas that’ll take care of your last-minute Christmas gift needs instantly (or, almost instantly). Most can be delivered digitally, while some only require a car ride to your nearest retailer. So, grab those gift bags and tissue paper because there’s no wrapping time to spare!

One of the best last-minute Christmas gifts for kids who love STEM is a CrunchLabs subscription box.
(Source: CrunchLabs)

1. Subscription Boxes

You know what’s better than one present? Twelve! With a subscription box, you can show someone you care, and they won’t forget the sentiment because it’ll be sitting on their doorstep every month. This is one of the best last-minute Christmas gift ideas for that extra special someone who you want to shower with love all year long. Most can be ordered online and digitally delivered in seconds, saving you precious shopping time.

You can find a subscription box that suits almost any personality type, but here are a few favorites:

• For the eco-conscious epicurean: Imperfect Foods
• For the teenage trendsetter: IPSY
• For the STEM stars: CrunchLabs
• For the four-legged friends: Barkbox

Need last-minute Christmas gifts for hostesses? Ditch the wine and grab some festive glasses.
(Source: Williams-Sonoma)

2. Glasses, Stemware, and Tumblers

What is a nice, inexpensive hostess gift? If you want to stand out from the crowd, complement the typical “bottle of wine with a ribbon” offering with a companion piece, like a wine glass or a tumbler. The Yeti Wine Tumbler is a popular choice and is carried by both local and national retailers. If you want something more on-theme and have a few extra dollars to spend, try a set of holiday highball glasses.

Need last-minute gift ideas for your creative friends? Sign them up for a local pottery class or painting workshop.
(Source: Eventbrite)

3. Local Classes or Workshops

Maybe you have a friend who’s hiding her artistic talent, or perhaps your brother keeps mentioning that he’d like to try indoor rock climbing. If you know someone who yearns to learn, help them pick up a new skill or two by signing them up for a local class or workshop. Eventbrite is a great resource for scouring opportunities in your area. If you live somewhere a little more rural, you can still get access to top minds through something like MasterClass or Skillshare.

Holiday bouquets can be delivered same-day, making them one of the best last-minute Christmas gifts for a loved one who lives far away.
(Source: FTD Flowers via Facebook)

4. Holiday Bouquets

Need to get some last-minute Christmas gifts to someone in another city or state? One of the best ways to beat the clock is to go with a same-day flower delivery service — available right up to Christmas Eve, depending on the location. The Bouqs Co. offers same-day service to many U.S. cities, as do Teleflora, FTD Flowers, and many other online outlets.

Need ideas for last-minute Christmas gifts that last for years? Consider upgrading your loved one’s streaming music platform.
(Source: Spotify)

5. Streaming Music Service

We all have that friend or family member who’s still listening to music on a free platform and refuses to upgrade. One minute you’re sitting around the living room, enjoying good company and great tunes, then — bam! — an ad for socks. Stop killing the vibe and keep the beats flowing by giving a streaming music subscription to Spotify Premium, Apple Music, Pandora Plus, or SiriusXM.

Last-minute Christmas gifts can be quick and easy and still look thoughtful — even if you go the DIY route. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the simplicity.
(Source: Tookapic via Pixabay)

5 Last-Minute DIY Christmas Gifts

Need a gift in a hurry but still want it to have a personal touch? There’s nothing that says thoughtful like a homemade gift. And this doesn’t have to be bad macaroni art, either. Even if you’re not in tune with your inner Martha Stewart, there are some easy, fool-proof ways to pour your heart into a DIY present that’ll have any recipient swooning. 

You can craft beautiful, spa-quality bath bombs and sugar scrubs using items that are likely already in your pantry.

1. Bath Bombs and Sugar Scrubs

A homemade bath bomb or sugar scrub is the perfect easy, last-minute holiday gift, as each requires only a few simple ingredients, comes together in minutes, and feels wonderfully thoughtful. You can craft a beautiful, spa-quality present using items likely already in your pantry, then package it in a jar or festive bag for instant gifting.

Here’s a simple recipe for a bath bomb and one for a sugar scrub (it’s even edible!).

2. Mini Magnetic Artwork

Looking for the perfect handmade holiday gift that’s unique, personal, and delightfully compact? Discover the charm of mini art with this simple tutorial from Mixed Media Masters. This guide walks you through three simple artistic techniques to create tiny, frame-worthy masterpieces. The best part? Each finished piece is designed to slip inside a magnetic frame, transforming it into a versatile decoration perfect for adding a splash of personality to a fridge, office cabinet, or locker. 

Candles are wonderful last-minute DIY Christmas gifts for anyone who enjoys a warm, cozy atmosphere.
(Source: A Beautiful Mess)

3. Candles

Sure, you could pick a candle up at a local boutique (which is a great gift, by the way!), but if you want to tap into your creative side, you can make a DIY candle in a matter of minutes — once you’ve collected the necessary supplies. By customizing the scent, color, and vessel, you can create a one-of-a-kind present that feels truly personal. It’s an easy, impressive project that turns simple materials into a gift anyone would love to receive.

Infuse your friends’ homes with holiday cheer by gifting them last-minute DIY Christmas gifts like simmer potpourri bags.
(Source: Our Best Bites)

4. Simmer Potpourri Bags

Looking for a gift that offers instant festive charm and requires no time to shop? A simmer potpourri bag is a perfect last-minute choice. It transforms any kitchen into a holiday-scented sanctuary with just a few pantry staples, and the entire process takes less than five minutes to assemble, making it as convenient for you as it is delightful for the recipient.

Need last-minute gift ideas for a long list of recipients? Snack mixes and treats are easy to make in large batches.
(Source: Lil’ Luna)

5. Snacks and Treats

Instead of buying gadgets and gizmos aplenty that people won’t actually end up using, give them a gift that’ll tantalize their sweet — or savory — tooth. You can make a big batch of treats or snacks, then package them up in beautiful holiday tins or decorated paper bags. Here are a few classic holiday recipes for some ideas:

• Peppermint bark
• Festive nut & fruit brittle
• Christmas snack mix
• Dark chocolate truffles
• Candy dreidels
• Bon Appétit’s Holiday Cookie Roundup

5 Last-Minute Christmas Gifts for Mom

Moms deserve to be showered with presents for all the love, care, and hard work they give to their families. But sometimes picking out the right gift for Mom can be challenging. It doesn’t mean you’re not grateful; it just means you’ve likely overthought this predicament and need a helping hand to pull you out of your analysis paralysis. Here are some thoughtful gifts to show Mom just how grateful you are for her.

Need last-minute Christmas gifts for mom that are sweet and sentimental? Make a quick photo book or canvas print.
(Source: Walgreens)

1. Photo Gifts

What mom doesn’t like a keepsake item? Give her a gift that’ll look like it took weeks of prep work with a custom photo book. Both Walgreens and CVS offer same-day gift services, and if you don’t want to fill a whole book, you could choose from something else, like wall art, frames, calendars, and even small jigsaw puzzles!

Need last-minute gift ideas for a mom who carries a heavy load? Consider an at-home massage or spa day.
(Source: Soothe)

2. Spa Day

Help Mom truly unwind by giving her a gift card to a local spa or a digital voucher from a service like Zeel or Soothe for an at-home massage. If massages aren’t her thing, consider gifting her a luxurious mani/pedi from her favorite nail salon. It’s a gift that says you see how hard she works and want her to take a break just for herself.

Is Mom’s coffee always in the microwave? Heated mugs and mug warmers are popular last-minute Christmas gifts for Mom.
(Source: HGTV)

3. Heated Mug or Mug Warmer

Make sure Mom’s coffee, tea, or cocoa stays warm until the very last sip. A heated mug or simple mug warmer is a thoughtful gift for someone who hustles all morning and is constantly microwaving her coffee. You can find them in many styles at stores like Target or Walmart. Pair it with a bag of her favorite coffee or tea for a complete cozy package.

If your favorite lady is always wondering what to make for dinner, lighten her load with a meal-delivery service, one of the best last-minute gifts for Mom.
(Source: HelloFresh)

4. Meal-Delivery Service

Give Mom one less thing to worry about — and more time added to her already busy day. A week of meals from a service like HelloFresh or Home Chef means she gets a break from meal planning and grocery shopping. You can sign up and schedule the first box in just a few minutes, often for delivery before the weekend. It’s a perfect way to show you care about making her daily routine a little bit easier.

Audible audiobooks are some of the best last-minute Christmas gifts for moms who love to read but can never find the time.
(Source: Audible)

5. Audible Subscription

For the mom who loves a good story, give her the gift of entertainment she can enjoy anywhere, whether she’s driving, folding laundry, or taking a walk. An Audible membership lets her choose from thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and original series. The subscription is a digital gift, so you can purchase and send it instantly via email. It’s a present that keeps giving with a new title every month.

Last-Minute Gift Ideas: How to Pick the Perfect Gift … Quickly!

Stuck staring at a blank screen or pacing store aisles? Take a breath and ask yourself these quick questions to find the right last-minute Christmas gifts in no time.

• Would the recipient prefer an experience or an item? (A class vs. a mug warmer)
• Can it be ordered online and delivered digitally or physically in time? (A subscription vs. a photo book)
• Is it better that the gift solve a common problem or add to daily joy? (A meal kit vs. a bouquet)

Finding the right gift is about understanding the person, not just the purchase. With a little focus, you can give something that truly resonates, even at the last minute.

Looking for more practical tips for home and life? Explore a wealth of ideas on the PODS Blog. And after the holidays, consider renting a PODS portable storage container or finding a customized storage solution to neatly store away all the seasonal decorations or use it as a convenient staging area as you declutter for the new year.

Liz Taylor is a freelance writer who keeps up with moving and storage trends while managing the PODS Blog.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}