Psst! Your Friends Will Actually Love These Last-Minute B-Day Gifts

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We’ve all thought about and shopped long and hard for the perfect 21st birthday gift or 30th birthday gift to get our BFFs when they hit those special milestones. But what about the birthdays we don’t always think about? Or worse, the birthdays we accidentally forget about? Coming up with the best gifts is hard enough without adding a ticking clock to your purchasing window. Unfortunately, I can’t help you magically have a better memory, but I can help ensure you never show up to a birthday party empty-handed again by rounding up the best last-minute birthday gifts money can buy.

When it comes to a last-minute birthday gift, there’s one nonnegotiable: All gifts must either be available for purchase in-store, offer fast shipping, or have virtual delivery. Speed is the name of the game, so before you press Buy, you’re going to want a clear delivery date. This might limit your options, but don’t stress: All the gifts on this list are either downloadable or have super-quick shipping options so you can get that gift STAT, so your friend will never know you kinda, sorta, totally forgot their birthday. That’ll be our little secret. From personalized jewelry to actually exciting gift cards to some of the best Amazon finds with Prime shipping, shop the best last-minute birthday gifts below.

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Acrylic Phone Wallet Keys Reminder Keychain

For the friend who's always forgetting something, this keychain is a great last-minute gift. It's funny, feels personal, and if you really need it ASAP, Rebel Disco Designs' Etsy shop offers a Rush My Order option to ensure your goodies will be shipped within 1 or 2 days.

Sprinkle Cake Pops

Sure, birthday cake is great, but you know what's even better? Birthday cake pops. You can ship these straight to your friend's door with only a few days notice.

Best Friend Personalized Necklace

Fool your friend into thinking you totally, absolutely, definitely remembered their birthday way in advance with this personalized necklace. Etsy seller Twinkle Personalized offers super quick shipping, so you won't miss a beat!

Gift Card

Gift cards can sometimes feel impersonal, but I'm guessing your friend will give you a pass if that gift card is for a spa treatment OF THEIR CHOICE.

Taylor Swift Birthday Card

Get your bestie a card that says, "It's me. Hi. I'm the one who forgot your birthday." Sure, a card isn't the most thrilling gift, but it's the thought that counts, and this digital download card can be purchased and printed in minutes. Personalize it with some heartfelt bday wishes, and you've got yourself a fun, unique gift.

Neapolitan Bar Mini Makeup Palatte

Dessert-themed makeup should be a bigger thing. There, I said it. Beauty Bakerie's sweets-inspired makeup line is perfect for a last-minute gift because it's already got adorable packaging. No extra wrapping required.

Annual Membership

No matter what your friend is into, there's a Masterclass for that. Screenwriting with Shonda Rhimes? Photography with Annie Leibovitz? Yep, they've got it. This year-long membership is the perfect gift for your friend who loves to keep learning.

Chunky Gold Hoop Earrings

If they haven't seen/snagged these chunky teardrop earrings that keep going viral on TikTok, they make the perfect last-minute gift (shoutout to 2-day Prime shipping). Available in gold or silver, they're the perfect statement earring for your stylish friend.

2-in-1 Convertible Backpack

When in doubt, think practical. This three-in-one backpack/tote is not only cute, but it's definitely something your friend will use on a regular basis.

Peptide Lip Treatment

We have finally reached a place in society when the Rhode peptide lip treatment isn't always sold out, but your bestie might not know that. Give them the gift of this viral lip balm that'll give them moisturized, super glossy lips.

The Body Lotion

A great bday gift is one that your friend might not buy themselves. Like, say, an expensive body lotion that'll leave their skin silky smooth. This clean, fragrance-free option from beauty brand Nécessaire feels super luxe and splurge-worthy.

Handwoven Crossbody Handbag

Give your friend's closet a boost with this super cute and unique crochet purse.

Complexion Pillowcase

Have a friend that's super into skincare? Try getting them this complexion pillowcase from Discover Night. The double-sided pillowcase features a mulberry silk side to help those with dry skin and minimize hair breakage and a moisture-wicking eucalyptus side to help those with oily skin.

$20 Gift Card (Email Delivery)

Yes, it is possible to subscribe to Tidal for free, but paying members get access to better quality sound, ad-free playlists, and more. It's the perfect gift for the music-lover in your life.

Chocolate Lover’s Variety Pack

Who doesn't want chocolate chip cookies on their birthday? WHO? This set of five boxes is the birthday treat that keeps on giving.

Gift Card

Have a friend that hates to cook? Get them a gift card to Ipsa, a company that provides high-quality frozen dishes. Unfortunately, the brand hasn't expanded beyond New York City, the Tri-State Area, and Boston, so this is not the gift for your West Coast pals.

Round Mini Shoulder Bag

This small-but-mighty Uniqlo bag is literally my go-to everyday bag, which makes it a pretty reliable gift option in my eyes. Plus, it comes in a ton of cute colors, so you can personalize your pick.

Clear Bubble Umbrella

This umbrella is so freakin' cute and SO much better than those cheap drugstore umbrellas you buy in a mid-rainstorm emergency.

Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter

Get this rich, fluffy body butter for the friend who loves sweet fragrance and soft skin, and you'll be their BFF for life.

eGift Card

Let me set the scene: you're in bed, it's 11 at night and you just realized it's your friend's bday. You want to send a gift that'll really stand out? Enter a Babeland eGift Card.

Women's Surplice Dress

This dress is a) cute, b) available in a wide range of sizes, and c) an Amazon brand, so you know it has quick shipping.

Coffee Run Sunglasses in Black.

Sunglasses can be tricky to buy online, but this pair from Quay are a pretty safe yet chic bet. The oversized frames paired with gold accents is just *chef's kiss*.

Custom Crossword Puzzle

Not only is a custom crossword puzzle a fun and unique gift, but Sweet Notes Paper Co. does rush jobs so you can get a PDF download within 24 hours for an extra $5.

Honey Potion Plus Ceramide Hydration Mask

This Honey Potion Plus mask is a fan favorite for a reason. The luxurious hydrating mask warms up upon application and immediately makes you feel like the fanciest person on planet Earth.

Oversized Silk Scrunchies for Hair

Who doesn't love an extra-large scrunchie?

How we chose the best last-minute birthday gifts:

Cosmo's shopping team is constantly curating the internet to bring you the chicest, trendiest options like it's our job (because it is, heh). We have pretty high standards when it comes to recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes picks for all styles. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to.

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