10 of the Best Last-Minute Gifts That Will Make It in Time for Christmas

Skip the mad scramble to the stores and get these last-minute gifts just in time for Christmas morning.

Whether it's tea or a great gift card, these gifts are in the bag.
Whether it's tea or a great gift card, these gifts are in the bag. / Sips By
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With the holiday season inching closer and closer to its end, the pressure to buy great gifts for everyone is on. Not to worry, though—you can bypass a lot of this hassle and still grab a great item for everyone on your list by opting for products that offer fast shipping or in some cases, don’t require it all. Below, we’ve gathered 10 of the best last-minute gifts that still feel thoughtful, and most importantly, should arrive in time for Christmas.

1. Amazon Gift Card; From $25

Amazon Gift Cards
Amazon Gift Cards / Amazon

The beauty of an Amazon gift card is that even if you’re not sure what you want to grab someone for the holidays, they can choose something great for themselves. Whether it’s a kitchen gadget, a new tablet, or a fun set of shower steamers, the options are vast on Amazon. You can also purchase gift cards from other retailers, like Bath & Body Works and Apple, right from the site. Or, if you want to take it a step further, you may want to consider gifting them a Prime membership, which offers all kinds of perks, including free shipping, access to a massive library of Prime Videos and books, and more.

Buy it: Amazon

2. Nuuly Gift Subscription; $99

Nuuly Gift Subscription
Nuuly Gift Subscription / Nuuly

Shopping for a loved one who always appreciates the latest fashion? With a Nuuly subscription, they can choose from countless trendy labels—including Free People, Anthropologie, Universal Standard, and others—and create their dream wardrobe. Subscribers can rent six pieces per month, including dresses, shirts, jumpsuits, and more. They also don’t have to worry about late fees, and can opt to purchase items at a discount at the end of their rental period, so this gift could be great for folks working in an office or who enjoy expressing themselves through their apparel.

Buy it: Nuuly

3. Rosetta Stone Membership; From $126

Rosetta Stone Membership
Rosetta Stone Membership / Rosetta Stone

For the friend in your life who always wishes they spoke a second language or wants to connect to their heritage in new ways, Rosetta Stone is a terrific place to start. Choose from 25 different languages and gift them 12-month access, unlimited access with one language, or unlimited access to all, with prices starting at $126. Once you select a subscription package, you can write them a sweet message and pick an electronic delivery date, then Rosetta Stone will let them pick what they want to study.

Buy it: Rosetta Stone

4. Blue Apron E-Gift Cards; From $70

Blue Apron E-Gift Cards
Blue Apron E-Gift Cards / Blue Apron

Food subscription services have been on the rise over the past few years. Blue Apron is one of the most popular: It offers chef-designed recipes, top-quality ingredients, precise portions, and recyclable packaging materials, so you create less waste. If someone on your list is already a member or is looking to try it out, give them a gift card so they can customize their next food box or try out the brand’s wine delivery service.

Buy it: Blue Apron

5. MasterClass Membership; From $10

Give the gift of learning from experts like Dr. Jane Goodall.
Give the gift of learning from experts like Dr. Jane Goodall. / MasterClass

Every month, MasterClass offers new classes so members can learn from the best in areas such as theater, sports, business, and tech. This year, give the gift of learning from experts like Dr. Jane Goodall about conservation or author Neil Gaiman about the art of storytelling. There are three tiers of memberships with prices starting at $10 per month. There is also a two-for-one deal going on right now at the site, so his could be a clever way to check two people off your list at the same time.

Buy it: MasterClass

6. Cameo; Varies

Cameo
Cameo / Cameo

Surprise someone on your holiday shopping list with a personalized video message from their favorite celebrity. For instance, try a message from James Phelps (who played Fred Weasley) or Bonnie Wright (who starred as Ginny Weasley) for the Potterheads on your list. Fans of The Office could be pleasantly shocked when they get a custom message from Melora Hardin, who played Jan, or Brian Baumgartner (a.k.a Kevin). The options really are that vast.

Buy it: Cameo

7. Disney+ Bundle; From $10

Disney+ Bundle
Disney+ Bundle / Disney+

After the success of shows like WandaVision and The Mandalorian, Disney+ has become the streaming platform du jour for film and TV lovers. If someone on your list has been interested in joining but hasn’t done it yet, gift them a subscription bundle that includes the streaming platform, in addition to Hulu and ESPN, for $15 per month. They can also get it with just Hulu and Disney+ for $10 per month.

Buy it: Disney+ Bundle

8. Uncommon Experiences: Paint Your Pet; From $35

/ Addie Stunkard/Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods has an “experiences page,” which will allow your recipient to virtually participate in a number of cool activities. This experience with host Addie Stunkard lets your friend learn how to paint a portrait of their pet, and is priced from $35 per session. Your loved one doesn’t need to be Renoir-levels of talented to participate in this 90-minute live watercolor portraiture class because Stunkard goes over all the basic techniques that will be used.

Buy it: Uncommon Goods

9. Sips By Subscription Box; From $25

Sips By Subscription Box
Sips By Subscription Box / Sips By

Winter is the perfect time to gift people hot beverages like coffee and tea. Sips by is a tea subscription box that offers the tea lover in your life four blends, which equal over 16 cups per month. You can gift three, six, 12, or 24 months of the subscription to someone on your list, with prices starting at $25.

Buy it: Sips by

10. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Three-Month Membership [Digital Code]; $45

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Three-Month Membership [Digital Code]
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Three-Month Membership [Digital Code] / Microsoft Xbox Live/Amazon

For three months, the gamer on your shopping list can enjoy all that Xbox has to offer. There are over 100 games to play from multiple devices. They’ll even get access to new games the day they’re released.

Buy it: Amazon

A version of this story ran in 2021; it has been updated for 2023.