Spending weeks upon weeks hunting for the perfect gift for your mom, partner or teenage kids is all well and good – until you check the calendar and find yourself empty-handed and out of time. That’s OK – not every unforgettable gift needs to be custom-ordered in August. In fact, you still have plenty of enticing options, even for a gift that’s getting unwrapped tonight.
From subscriptions and digital gifts that you can order from your phone in minutes, to stores that offer delivery in hours, modern technology offers plenty of escape hatches for last-minute gifters. We’ve rounded up our favorites to find the right fit for anyone on your list.
The best digital gifts and subscriptions
When you’ve exhausted every second and need something now, reach for these emailable gifts. They’re also great for friends and family in different states and countries.
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$12.99 per month at HeadspaceAmid all the holiday chaos, give them a moment of peace and quiet. Of all the therapeutic strategies I’ve tried (and my doctor has recommended many!), nothing has regulated my nervous system quite like a nightly five-minute meditation with Headspace in place of my regular doomscroll. When The Filter evaluated dozens of meditation apps, we also picked it as the best for beginners. It’s a strong solution for anyone looking to manage anxiety, sleep better, feel focused or just get more out of each day.
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$28.99 a month at One PelotonI work as a certified personal trainer, and I’ve still purchased this on repeat for the last four years. It’s that good – and you don’t need specific Peloton equipment. Whether they’re looking to get more movement during the cold season or add structure to their already-robust routine, they can sift through thousands of expert-designed classes geared toward every level. Choose between everything from bodyweight strength classes to treadmill bootcamps incorporating both cardio and resistance training. The best part? Each class has a playlist worth cranking up the volume for.
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Atlas Coffee Gift Subscription
From $49 at Atlas CoffeeI received this creative coffee subscription as a gift several years ago, and I’ve now become that guy with an opinion on where my beans are coming from. Discovering all the possibilities and refining my palate has enriched my life in an unexpected way. Send them down the same rabbit hole with Atlas Coffee Club, which offers a gorgeously curated selection of single-origin fresh-roasted coffees along with accompanying flavor notes, postcards and history of the coffee that’s fun to read while you sip.
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From $5 a month at MasterClassI’m in my interior design era, so you can bet I fangirled as I learned to pick colors, textures and lighting from award-winning designer Kelly Wearstler. She’s just one of many industry experts sharing her skills on MasterClass, where you can choose from more than 200 topics for your recipient to learn from a master. Think filmmaking from Werner Herzog, tennis from Serena Williams, or drumming from Ringo Starr. With the ability to watch on a TV, phone, or computer, it offers the flexibility and convenience they need for a productive snow day.
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$11.99 a month at SpotifyIf my headphones are on, you can bet Spotify is in my ears. Arguably the gold standard of streaming, a Spotify Premium membership keeps them plugged into their favorite podcasts and albums without annoying ads. They can also download content for offline listening, skip songs, and my favorite part, revel in an AI-powered playlist that seems to know exactly what to play. Plus, the audio quality on a paid subscription is noticeably superior to its free counterpart.
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From $15 per month at AudibleBetween all the walking, driving and running after my small child I do, sitting down with a hardcopy book rarely fits the schedule. An Audible audiobook subscription allows me to breeze through everything from psychological thrillers to biographies while I’m tackling dishes or stuck in traffic. Whether they’ve got a long flight coming up or have sworn up and down they would start reading more in the new year, an Audible subscription is a fantastic way to steer them in the right direction.
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Custom amount at GoldbellyCan’t spend Christmas dinner with them, but want to treat them anyway? Gold Belly ships food from regional favorites nationwide, like bagels from New York’s Russ & Daughters, pizza from Chicago’s Lou Malnati’s, and BBQ from Joe’s in Kansas City. This is the gift card to impress and delight.
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Custom amount at AirbnbThey’ve heard of Airbnb rentals, but have they heard of Airbnb Experiences like mushroom-foraging classes, or Airbnb Services like visits from a private chef? Blow their mind with a gift card that unlocks bucket-list excursions and indulgences they’d never buy for themselves.
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From $19 a month at ClassPassIf they might appreciate a membership to a yoga studio or spa, but you have no idea which one, this is the fix. ClassPass lets members use credits to dip their toes into various workout classes and beauty appointments and find what works best for them. In the month since I’ve joined, I’ve had two dominating thoughts: “Why didn’t I buy this sooner?” And “This would make the perfect last-minute gift for that person who likes to try all the cool spots.”
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Custom amount at UberIt’s not the most glamorous gift they’ll ever receive, but you can bet it’s up there with the most practical of the bunch. An Uber gift card lets them choose between reliable rides or delicious meals ordered through Uber Eats. If you hate giving a gift card, instead schedule an Uber Eats Gift Delivery directly to their door, which also lets you choose a video holiday greeting from Megan Thee Stallion, the Jonas Brothers or Tracee Ellis Ross.
Best same-day deliveries and last-minute pickups
When something digital just won’t do, plenty of nationwide retailers offer same-day delivery and pickup, so you can snag the perfect gift without battling everyone else who waited until the last minute.
Walgreens 2-Sided Wood Ornament
From $19.99 at WalgreensWalgreens’ same-day pickup service is a godsend for those who’ve just realized they can’t show up empty handed, but want to look like they’ve put tons of planning into a gift. This two-sided wooden ornament personalized with a cherished memory is something they’ll be thrilled to unwrap and proudly hang on their tree. Choose from dozens of holiday-themed templates, or opt for a blank canvas to personalize it freely.
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Fields of Europe for Christmas with Holiday Cheer Strawberries
From $84.99 at 1-800-FlowersSame-day, hand-delivered flowers are an instant winner – full stop. Not only do they add a touch of life to a dreary winter day, but they come in an array of arrangements and colors to best suit the occasion. This rose, carnation and lily bouquet paired with a festive sweet treat checks off every box.
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Eccentric Red Wine Gift Basket
$49.99 at Total WineIn as little as two hours (location dependent), they’ll be ready to toast to Christmas or a happy New Year with a well-curated gift basket. From cabernet and malbec wines to smoked gouda cheese spread, sesame crackers and olives, the beautifully wrapped gift box oozes thoughtfulness, even if it was a game-day decision. Cheers to that.
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Owala Special Edition Stainless Steel FreeSip Water Bottle
$34.99 at TargetFun fact: for an extra $9.99 at checkout, you get anything from Target delivered on the same day (this fee is waived if you’re already a Target Circle 360 member). Not sure where to start in the treasure trove that is Target? This is the best water bottle we’ve ever tested, in part because you can choose between a straw for a clean sip, or a spout for a satisfying gulp. Go with the limited-edition holiday-themed version for a little extra cheer.
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Mainstays by Becky G & Alejandra Candle Wax Warmer Lamp
$17.88 at WalmartOnce you create a Walmart account, you can sign up for a time slot to grant you same-day delivery in as fast as an hour. They’re getting a lot of candles this season. Instead of adding to the pile, grab this thoughtful, practical and ultra-trendy candle warmer lamp that allows them to enjoy their favorite scents without the hazard of an open flame. Grab it in a festive red hue to stay on theme, or opt for black or gold for a sleek and timeless look.
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Laneige Glowy Lip Minis Lip Treatment Gift Set
$20 at SephoraSephora is an absolute goldmine when it comes to giftable beauty goodies, and selecting “same-day delivery” at checkout lets you schedule a two-hour delivery window for free. During these blustery winter months, I never leave home without applying my Laneige lip treatments that at once moisturize and provide a subtle elegant gloss. This mini set lets them try the brand’s top flavors from berry to gummy bear, which are a treat for the senses as much as they are for the skin.
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Kendra Scott Glass Stone Elisa Pendant Necklace
$49 at Macy’sNeed a thoughtful gift, but you’re up against the clock? Place your order before 5pm at Macy’s, and your giftee will be well on their way to waterworks by the next day. Kendra Scott makes these stunning yet affordable 14-karat gold-plated pendant necklaces that make for the ultimate glitzy gift, and at Macy’s, you can grab them in an array of stone varieties from purple amethyst to rose quartz.
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Beautyrest Electric Plush Heated Blanket
$71.99 at JCPennyPlace your JCPenney order at least two hours before store closing, select free same-day pickup at checkout, and your gift will be ready to roll day-of. This plush heated electric blanket by Beautyrest makes for a cozy addition to their couch when the weather outside is frightful. It has 10 heat settings, a 12-hour timer, and a corded remote control.
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Echo Pop (1st Gen) Full Sound Compact Smart Speaker
$21.99 at Home DepotThe Home Depot carries all sorts of items besides tools, and offers both same-day curbside pickup service, and free same-day delivery for many items (turn on the filter when you search). The Amazon Echo Pop is compact enough to fit everywhere from a nightstand to a cluttered kitchen counter, making it a perfect starter smart speaker, or a way to add Alexa to one more room. They can play music, set timers, and even control smart-home devices by voice.
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Sharper Image Powerboost Deep Tissue Percussion Massager
$59.99 at Kohl’sIf a retailer doesn’t offer same-day delivery and you don’t have time to run there yourself, turn to Instacart, which will do the shopping for you at stores including Best Buy, PetSmart, and in the case of this pick, Kohl’s. This powerful and ergonomic massage gun uses percussive therapy and five unique attachments to target aches and pains from the comfort of your favorite chair. At the time of publication, it’s on sale for half off, making it well worth the last-minute buy.
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Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Holiday Bundle
$85.95 at AmazonIf, like many of us, you already have an Amazon Prime subscription, you’re in luck for last-minute gifting. Simply click the same-day delivery tab below the search bar to browse through thousands of giftable goodies at reasonable price points. We’ve previously recommended Fujifilm Instax gifts as a surefire hit with the women in your life, but they’ll certainly delight anyone on your list looking to capture holiday cheer in real-time. This bundle has it all, from instant-print film to a photo album and a tote bag.
