10 Last-Minute Gifts That Truly Don't Suck

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Listen, this is a safe space, but you really need to get your shit together. I understand you've got a lot of people on your list—your wife or husband, mom, dad, brother, Gen Z nieces, coworkers, and whoever the hell else—it's a lot. But I've still got to tell you, as your buying counsel, waiting until the week-of to get any gifts is a bad idea.

Ok, that's the end of my finger-wagging. Let's talk solutions. If you're really pressed for time, go for an E-Gift Card. It might feel lazy, but if you get them the right one, it'll be their favorite gift of the year. Or, just swing by the liquor store and grab an alcohol gift (if you really wanna impress, seek out one of our award-winning bottles). Beyond that, candles are easy to find and gift. And though you'll be hard-pressed to find actual things that ship in time, it can be done, and I've compiled a list for you.

This is everything my fellow Esquire editor's and myself want this year, with the added caveat that there's still time to get them. Buy anything off this list before the specified dates—they are conveniently ordered from most to least last-minute—and you should be good to go, assuming the supply chain gods work in your favor. You're in the bottom of the ninth and need a home run. I just tossed you this hanging curveball straight over the plate.

E-Gift Card

How far behind are you? Need something within minutes? You've got to go for a gift card. My pick is Smythson because 1. It's an expensive brand, so you look generous and less like a dickhead who forgot someone's gift. And 2. A new planner is a great practical gift to give.

Order the day of

Pinhook Collaboration Series Edition No. 2

Another gift for anyone in a serious bind: liquor. Pinhook bourbon won an Esquire Spirit Award. My childhood liquor store in nowhere Georgia has it stocked, so you should be able to find it wherever you are.

If you go in on Christmas day, bring a baked good to your liquor store attendant. It's a nice holiday gesture.

Go and buy it at a liquor store

Terres Blondes Refillable Candle

We love Diptyque's new refillable candles, and I've telling everyone I know they're the perfect gift this year. If you live in a city with a Diptyque location (or within driving distance of one) you can reserve a candle online and pick it up in-store. All locations will be open on the 23rd, and most should be good to go early on Christmas Eve.

Order by December 23

Dopp Kit

A lot of guys just keep using the same shitty old dopp kit they've had for ages. This pebbled cowhide one from Lucchese is what I personally use. Since Lucchese is a U.S. company, it's stock is stateside, and you don't have to worry about longer than expected ship times. If you overnight it early on December 21, you should get it in time.

Order by December 21

Solid Cashmere Scarf

A big issue with the last-minute rush is figuring out what to actually get. Anyone and everyone will make use of a cashmere scarf.

Order by December 21

Catch:3 - Italian Leather

We love this catchall-slash-wireless charger for the bedside table. There's a handful of fabric and color options, but this off-white Italian leather is the only one that'll make it in time for Christmas.

Order by December 21

SmartGoggles

One of our editors' favorite gifts of the year, these goggles are part of Therabody's amazing little wellness category. They give you a heated face massage to relieve sore eyes and low-grade headaches. Perfect for anyone with stress, trouble sleeping, or an annoying office job.

Order by December 20

The Freestyle 2nd Gen

I love this little projector so much I just gave it honors in our Esquire Gaming Awards. It's great for movie nights or game nights, and it's small enough to toss in a carry on.

Order by December 20

Rocks Glasses – Set of Two

Please God, do not buy another set of whiskey stones. If you're looking for last minute drinks gear, get them a beautiful set of rocks glasses. These leather wrapped glasses from Clayton & Crume look classy, and they keep your sweaty hands from over-warming your drink.

Order by December 20

Stanmore III

We had an office discussion recently about what you could gift siblings or friends who live together and share spaces. The obvious answer was a kick-ass bluetooth speaker, and Marshall is the brand making said speakers.

This Stanmore III is still in stock on Amazon, so depending on your location, you can get it delivered next day.

Order ASAP

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