60 Best Last-Minute Christmas Gifts That Are Actually Really Thoughtful
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During the whirlwind that is the Christmas season, it's all too easy to let a gift (or two) slip your mind as we head towards the big day. And no matter how genuine your intentions are, the holiday rush (perfecting your holiday party menu, scouring the internet for Instagram-worthy Christmas pajamas, packing in those holiday bucket list activities) can leave very little headspace for remembering every single person on your gifting list.
If that’s you this year, don’t feel bad. It happens to the best of us. Instead of scrambling to find an affordable gift that feels thoughtful and will arrive on time, you can rest easy by relying on our expertly curated guide to the best last-minute Christmas gifts. Your search just got 100 times easier!
CLICK TO SEE OUR ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE LIST FOR 2023
The most important part of selecting a present that perfectly embodies the essence of its recipient is to home in on what they value most. For a gift for mom, you may want to focus on a sentimental item that will make her reminisce on Christmases past. But if you’re in need of a gift for dad, you may want to focus on something more practical that he will be sure to put to use every day. For everyone else, we've included some of most popular gifting ideas for 2023, many of which can be found on Amazon (which offers 2-day Prime shipping and, sometimes, overnight options).
Top Last-Minute Christmas Gifts That Will Ship in Time:
Heated Car Blanket, $23 on amazon.com
Coffee Hyper-Chiller, $18 on amazon.com
Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set, $28 on amazon.com
Moon Lamp, $20 on amazon.com
Now, you may be thinking about DIYing a homemade gift to ensure you have something to put under the tree come Christmas morning, but if you'd rather save yourself the time and energy, we also suggest opting for a subscription or experience gift that can be delivered instantly via email. Need more inspiration for this Christmas? Don't forget to check out more of our top gift guides:
The Best Digital and Virtual Gifts | The Best Gift Cards to Give | Affordable Stocking Stuffers for All
Heated Car Blanket
Those chilly mornings of waiting for the car to warm up are over. Gift them this heated blanket, which can be charged in the car to keep them (or the kids!) cozy all winter.
Candle Warmer Lamp
Gifting a candle can be a bit too obvious. Instead, give them one of this year's hottest gifts, a candle warmer lamp. This lamp heats up a candle's wick so it can emit those fragrant aromas sans flame.
Money Puzzle
Thinking about just giving them cash? Make things more fun with this pinball gift machine. They'll have to get three balls into the slot at the end of the lightning bolt for the drawer to pop open and release the cash.
Ui Self Heating Mug Set
There's nothing like cozying up with a hot beverage once the cold weather rolls around. Whether they're a coffee or tea person, or just have a special love for hot chocolate, this mug warmer set will keep their beverage of choice warm all day long (literally). It's available in several different colors, too.
Iced Coffee/Beverage Cooler
If they're the type to sip on iced coffee year-round and you want to help them save some money, the HyperChiller can turn any drink — even pipping hot coffee — into a frozen delight in under a minute (and without watering the beverage down).
Password Book
Another GH reader favorite, this book will help keep all of their passwords, account information and logins safe (and off the internet).
Moon Lamp
This cool moon lamp can shine with 16 different colors of lights. It also offers adjustable brightness depending on their mood. For even more awesomeness, there's this galaxy-styled option, too.
Small Wallet for Women
Good Housekeeping readers are absolutely loving this giftable accessory. Available in so many pretty colors, it's small but can hold up to eight cards, and there is a bill fold option as well.
Subscription Snack Box
Sign them up for Bokksu's subscription snack service, which delivers authentic Japanese snacks, candies and teas straight to their door every month for up to a year (you can also select a one-time option). Each delivery also comes with a "culture guide" explaining each product and its background.
8 in 1 Multi Kitchen Tool
Know a cook who has tight kitchen space? Gift them this must-have cooking tool that packs eight essential kitchen tools into an easy-to-store bottle design.
Shower Steamers
Because a good gift doesn't have to be expensive! These aromatherapy tablets can be thrown in the bottom of their shower to turn their morning routine into a spa-like experience.
Crossbody HydroBag
Want to make a really good impression? Get them one of the internet's top-trending bags. This year, it was voted one of Oprah's Favorite Things because of how stylish and sensible it is — not to mention that it can hold all their essentials easily, including a bottle of water!
Snow Cone Machine
Shopping for a whole family can be tough (and expensive!), that's why getting one gift they can all enjoy is ideal. We love this snow cone maker because it's cool, but also, it's an activity the family can do together any night of the week.
Cubic Zirconia Classic Tennis Bracelet
Diamonds might be out of the question, but a beautiful piece of jewelry doesn't have to be. Available in gold, rose gold and silver, Amazon reviewers were so impressed with how much the crystals looked like "the real thing."
Habit Tracker Calendar
After Christmas fun come the New Year reflections, where they might be thinking about what changes they want to make in their lives. This calendar encourages them to take a few minutes a day and write down their daily habits, wins and more.
Mystery Tackle Box
He probably has all the fishing gear he could ever need, but every time he goes out on the water, he has to have bait. This box offers a surprise element as five different baits and lures, plus more goodies are included, but he won't know exactly what kind until he opens it.
Slim Wallet with Money Clip
Sure, he might have a wallet, but does he have one with RFID-blocking security to make sure his card number and information are protected? If not, get him a smart wallet that's also stylish, like this version, which has over 80,000 5-star reviews on Amazon.
Wooden Family Birthday Plaque
Something as sweet as this could be for your grandma, mom, aunt, sister, co-worker, you name it. Once they get the plaque, they will write in the initials and birthday of their loved ones on the included charms.
"I Love You Mom" Ring Dish
If you and your mom can't spend the holiday together, or you're so last-minute you need the gift to come already wrapped, here's an excellent option. The trinket dish comes in a pretty red box.
Monthly Kids Science Kit Subscription
Our experts rated this the best educational box for kids because of how it engages them in STEM. Plus, it comes with everything they need to start building immediately. You can choose just one box or more.
Succulent Subscription Box
When you're really working on a budget but still want to give a wow-worthy gift, look to this succulent subscription box. For just $10 per box, each month they will receive a pretty succulent and instructions on how to care for it.
Gravity Maze
There are 60 maze challenges they have to complete, which get harder and hard each time they flip a card. So while one might take them a day to figure out, once they start to learn the system, it could take them much longer for the next few.
Chunky Hoops
A classic pair of earrings are always a good idea. Without breaking the bank, these hoops offer just that, plus they are really lightweight, making them perfect for everyday wear.
UNO Barbie The Movie Card Game
There's UNO, and then there's Barbie-themed UNO. A great little gift for any Barbie fan in your life, each card features iconic photos from the movie.
Cross Band Slippers
The 17,000+ reviews speak for themselves: One Amazon shopper raves that they are "the comfiest slippers ever," while another comments how they "look way more expensive than they actually are." Sold and sold.
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Snack Bowl for Stanley Cups
It's all about Stanley this year, but if they already have the coveted Quencher cup, get them this silicone snack ring designed to fit atop the popular tumbler.
The Big Grip Beer Stein
It's all about Stanley this year, but if they already have the coveted Quencher cup, get them the beer stein, which can hold up to 24 ounces of any liquid. It's also really durable, and will hold up to any backyard hang.
Gift Card
Don't think of a gift card as impersonal, think of it as the most thoughtful gift ever because you want to make sure they get exactly what they want!
Chocolate-Covered Cookies
When in doubt, go the edible route. They'll get 20 delicious chocolate-covered cookies that are topped with treats like peppermint, peanuts and more.
Kanoodle 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle Game
It's not hard to see why this satisfying brainteaser caught fire on TikTok (check out #KanoodleChallenge to see what we mean!): Players pick a challenge card, which kicks off a 2D pattern or 3D shape, and then the goal is to fit in the remaining pieces from there. It's aimed at kids age 7 and up, but it's fun for adults, too!
GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope
Our toy experts are a huge fan of this talking microscope, which features Bindi Irwin's voice. It encourages kids to explore and learn more about nature, plants and animals.
Paper Pop Up Cards
Fresh-cut flowers only last a few days, but this card, which looks super realistic, can last forever. We suggest the white roses, which make a beautiful statement this winter.
Annual Membership
With exclusive videos and workbooks, MasterClass gives them access to the best in food, music, sports, entertainment, art and more. That means, they can finally learn how to whip up a meal like Gordon Ramsey or serve like Serena Williams... right?!
Vegetable Chopper
Depending on the included attachment they use, this viral gadget will dice, chop, shave and spiralize all kinds of fruits and veggies.
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Faux Shearling Warm Pullover
For the days when she wants to look put together for work calls but doesn't want to compromise comfort, this pullover fits the bill. Depending on how much she wants to commit to her comfy-casual look, she can pair this ultra-soft pullover with jeans or leggings.
Layered Initial Necklace
There's an art to layering necklaces, but lucky for her, she can just throw on this two-layer beauty and call it a day. Or, if she'd prefer, she can wear the choker or initial pendant solo for a more subdued look.
Kids Selfie Camera
If you're really in a bind, you can overnight this adorable kids' camera, so it can be under the tree come Christmas morning. You can snag this for your little one in blue, white or purple, and it'll keep them entertained with dual-camera configuration, making selfies super easy.
Ki Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set
Their next acupuncture appointment is on you: When they put weight on this mat and pillow, they'll activate 8,000 acupressure points, comforting stiff muscles and easing minor aches.
100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Silk pillowcases protect hair and skin from heat and friction throughout the night, but sometimes they can cost a pretty penny. This one by Mellanni, the brand behind the most popular sheets on Amazon, brings all those benefits for under $30. If that seems too good to be true, it's backed up by over 1,000 Amazon reviews with a 4.6-star rating.
3-in-1 Charging Station
Instead of letting all of his cords and cables take over his workspace, he can weave them through this charging stand for a sleek display. It'll even keep his smartphone, smartwatch, and AirPods in clear view while they charge.
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S'mores Maker Tabletop Indoor Kit
Gift them the gift of s'mores right from the comfort of their own dining room with this tabletop firepit. Amazon reviewers have said that while it's small, it's effective and creates a great ambiance.
Women's Plush Slipper Socks (6 Pairs)
Amazon reviewers rave about these fuzzy socks, which happen to be a steal at this price. (We’re talking 8,300 ratings and counting, with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.) These come in a handful of other fun prints as well.
Magnetic Wristband
Know someone who loves a good home improvement project? Make their next one a lot easier with this magnetic wristband that can keep track of all their screws, nails, bolts and other necessities with ease.
Space Night Light
Give the kids something out of this world with this rotating night light. They'll have the option of choosing to fill their room with a moon, stars, or planets pattern as well as four different color shades.
Jewelry Subscription
Give her three, six or twelve months of unlimited accessories by signing her up for Rocksbox, a jewelry rental service. Each box comes with three hand-selected jewelry pieces that can be swapped out as many times as she'd like in the given month. If she falls in love with something (it'll be hard not to), she can apply a $21 credit to her purchase and make it part of her permanent collection.
Mega Gemstone Dig Kit
Your little archaeologist will have a blast chipping away at this large dig brick until they uncover 15 sparkling gemstones — including pyrite, amethyst and tiger’s eye.
Clue: 'The Office' Edition
In this game of Clue, Michael Scott has called the Dunder Mifflin crew together for a mandatory team-building murder mystery exercise... so, whodunit? Fans of The Office series will definitely get a kick out of this.
Essential Oil Diffuser
This ceramic diffuser will fit right in with their home's aesthetic. And if the white exterior is too plain for their space, they can flip a switch until they land on a color (purple! blue! yellow!) that they love.
11-in-1 Survival Credit Card Tool
If he's a beer drinker, handyman or camper (or all of the above), he'll find this do-it-all tool very useful. He can stash it in his wallet or pocket, then pull it out when he needs to pop open a beer, measure a space or fix up the house.
Mini Projector
Small but mighty, this projector can display up to 170" of cinematic gold on a blank sheet or wall. Connect it to more than 10 devices — your laptop, game console, Google Chromecast, and more — to find exactly what you want to watch.
I Wrote a Book About Us
Make your gift personal this year. This book is full of simple prompts that can be easily tailored to your special bond.
Desktop Vacuum Cleaner
This affordable mini vacuum is a top-seller on Amazon, thanks to its convenient size.
Car Vacuum Cleaner
This affordable car vacuum is a top-seller on Amazon, thanks to its convenient size and handy attachments.
Large Claw Clips (4 Pack)
When it comes to fashion trends, what's old is new again. Claw clips have been making the rounds on TikTok — and this matte four-pack is loved by teens (and, well, everyone else).
Moondust Box
This monthly subscription box is curated by therapists, so each shipment comes with an activity proven to boost happiness and a bunch of wellness goodies (think: essential oils and hand creams), all valued at more than $100.
Dome Crossbody Bag
There are so many reasons why this adorable bag is a best-seller on Amazon: It's big enough to hold her everyday essentials, comfortably stays put and comes in 30+ colors!
Bamboo Charcuterie Board
Their charcuterie boards will never be the same once you gift them this wooden serving set. Complete with the necessary serving tools, all they'll be missing are the yummy meat and cheeses to go with it (but you can pick some up at the grocery store to sweeten the pot!).
Silk Satin Pajama Set
Step up their pajama game with this stunning two-piece silk satin set. Once you have the gift covered, you just might even want to pick up a silk sleeping mask for yourself.
Subscription Box
At the start of every month, the tea drinker in your life will get to sample four of the brand's best teas. The first box comes with reusable linen filters, so each cup after can be brewed perfectly.
Beautifully Organized: A Guide to Function and Style in Your Home
Anyone who loves to clean and organize will appreciate this glossy 224-page book filled with genius tips and smart decluttering ideas. Same-day Prime delivery makes it perfect for a last-minute gift.
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Mindfulness App Subscription
Headspace is the gift that keeps on giving: Meditation pros and newbies can listen to guided sessions, calm down with breathing exercises and read up on the importance of mindfulness. Start 'em off with a monthly membership or if you have more money to spend, opt for the annual subscription.
Digital Gift Card
Not sure where their green thumb stands? Leave it up to them by sending an e-gift card from plant company The Sill, where they can shop from an assortment of succulents, hard-to-kill houseplants and small trees.
2-Ticket Charity Gift
These scratch-off tickets come with a cause: When they find a match, they'll find out exactly how their gift is bettering the world, whether it's by donating three weeks of clean water or a nutritious meal for a child in need. Even if they don't win, your purchase will support charities like Rise Against Hunger and Water Is Life.
Gift Card
If he takes his watch game seriously, then let him call the shots with this monthly membership. After completing his Watch Gang profile with his personal preferences (leather vs. stainless steel, for example), they'll send him arm candy from brands like Armani Exchange and Fossil.
Gift Card
Can't remember if they prefer Merlot or Pinot Grigio (or neither)? Give them a gift card and let them choose from Winc's assortment of red, white, rosé and sparkling wine.
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