It happens to the best of us—sometimes, we miss the shipping deadline to get that holiday gift on their doorstep just in time. Or, sometimes, we're so busy during the seasonal rush that shopping for everyone on our list slips our minds.
It's okay—it happens!
Luckily, with the advent of technology, you can snag plenty of last-minute gifts that don't feel rushed. Plus, you don't have to waste time browsing the Internet—because we did that for you.
Here, we've curated a convenient gift guide of no-frills, stylish, and last-minute options for you to check out before the holidays are upon us, no matter who's on your list.
And perhaps most importantly, each gift on this list will get to you or your recipient quickly—so no worries about showing up to the holiday party empty-handed!
On our list, you'll find:
- Braid Holiday Pools
- Various subscriptions
- Amazon Prime membership
- Amazon Kindle
- Personalized Cameo
- Drizly beverage delivery
- Apple AirPods
- Courses and classes
- Smart home accessories
- Homemade items
Without further ado, let's get gifting!
10 of the best (and most unique!) last-minute Christmas gifts
1. Braid Holiday Pools
What's a Braid Holiday Pool, you ask? Well, it's a quick, easy way to contribute to someone's dream gift!
This season, instead of giving someone cash—which can feel like a cold, impersonal cop-out)—gift them Holiday Pools instead.
Holiday Pools are way more convenient than gift cards (which local people into specific stores or services.) They are simple, free money pools that can be personalized to match your gifting goal and recipient. Plus, they're stored on your recipient's phone, meaning they'll never lose them.
Your recipient will also never have to keep track of their Holiday Pool balance—the pool lives on their phone, and you can share it with them with a simple link.
So, gift a Holiday Pool instead of giving physical cash this holiday season. Recipients can:
- Spend pool funds anywhere Visa is accepted
- Spend without pressure or deadlines
- Transfer pool funds to their bank account
- Have more control and use the Braid Cash toward their dream gift!
Gifting Holiday Pools also takes the pressure off you, the gifter.
You can stop worrying about shipping delays and personalize the money pool with custom images and text.
So, for example, you could create a travel-themed pool for your best friend's upcoming trip or a music-themed pool for your little brother's guitar-buying goals—and it feels more special than dollar bills.
And if you're gifting last-minute Holiday Pools with others? Anyone can contribute to the Holiday Pool with a debit card or credit card.
Make financial gifts more festive with a Braid Holiday Pool! Click here to get started.
2. Subscriptions
There are so many excellent subscriptions to choose from, and you're bound to find the perfect one for everybody on your last-minute gift list.
For gourmet foodies, gift boxes full of the most sought-after food from around the country with Goldbelly.
Craft beer lovers will enjoy the Craft Beer Club, where they can receive 12 independent bottles every month.
And for a boozy last-minute gift, a Flaviar Spirits subscription includes expertly curated spirits your giftee will be psyched to place on the bar cart.
Want to help someone get healthier for the holidays? Freshly's chef-cooked food subscription delivers meals to their door so they can heat and eat.
These are just a few ideas, but so many more are out there!
3. Amazon Prime membership
Make their lives easier with Amazon Prime, a gift they will surely meet with extreme appreciation. This membership is both practical and thoughtful, after all.
And if your giftee already has a membership, no problem—the money will convert into a gift card they can use on the site.
Consider sending the money in a Braid Holiday Pool. Simply change the pool name to something like “Amazon Gift” and send the money to your recipient.
They can choose to use the money for their next membership payment, purchase their next wishlist item, or anything else.
4. Amazon Kindle
Kindles make the most incredible last-minute gift for voracious readers.
Even if your recipient loves the feeling of a physical book in their hands, they'll see the value of a Kindle once they see how much easier it is to travel with one—instead of four thick novels!
Your giftee is sure to be grateful you introduced them to the seamless, on-the-go magic of the Kindle. The Paperwhite has a handy backlit screen with zero glare so they can read easily outside in the sun and in bed with the lights out.
Another pro? It's waterproof.
5. Personalized Cameo
Is your giftee a huge movie buff or pop culture fan? Request a Cameo, or a personalized video message, from their favorite actor, comedian, athlete, or media personality.
Cameo offers over 40,000 entertainment personalities and celebrities, with many options under $150. Select talent can fulfill requests typically within 24 hours.
Just include some details about your special recipient, and they'll create a personalized video message that's sure to be unforgettable.
6. Drizly beverage delivery
Only have a few hours to send a gift? There's always Drizly, the alcoholic beverage delivery service that delivers in a flash.
Find gift sets, like this fun Veuve Clicquot in a cassette box, and endless options for nice bottles.
7. Apple AirPods
Apple AirPods are perfect for the music lover or the business bestie who likes to take meetings on the go.
Depending on how last-minute you are, you should secure some of these online and have them shipped super quickly—or pick them up the very same day.
8. Courses and classes
Giving the gift of knowledge is always a great last-minute option. There are lots of popular courses on Udemy, one of the most recommended learning platforms due to how seamless they are to take at one's own pace.
This bestselling drawing class is ideal for complete beginners, although there are several options if your recipient is more advanced in their artistic skills.
And if your recipient is a fan of trying out different workouts? Gifting them classes from ClassPass is also an excellent last-minute idea.
Send them the money to learn the skills or achieve the goals they’ve been dreaming of in a Braid Holiday Pool. Click here to learn more.
9. Smart home accessories
If you have at least one day to order a gift, the latest Echo Dot is a fantastic last-minute gift that won't require much effort. If you are suspicious that your giftee would enjoy the convenience of Alexa or the ability to play music in small spaces, the Dot is a great pick.
Or, if your recipient is always complaining about their high energy bills, you could help them upgrade to the latest Google Nest. This smart thermostat will give them control of their home's temperature at their fingertips. Plus, it will help them cut energy costs since it will go into eco-mode when they leave.
10. Homemade gifts
Homemade gifts are always thoughtful, and your recipient will cherish whatever you create. Handcrafted jewelry, paintings, ceramics, and more are all great choices.
Baked goods are always popular gifts, and for a good reason—who wouldn't enjoy a tray of freshly baked cookies or luscious pumpkin bread?
Handwritten cards and coupons are always touching, too. For example, you could write your loved one an "IOU" for a romantic dinner homecooked by you in the future.
Or, if your recipient's love language is acts of service, you could offer to mow their lawn, do household chores, run their errands, walk their dogs, etc.
Whatever last-minute gift you choose, make it unique and make it count. Holiday Pools can help take the stress out of the holidays and make your loved one's holiday season even more joyful.
