The Best Last-Minute Gifts, Because You Procrastinated Again This Year

Put down the elbow macaroni, hot glue, and “one free hug” coupon book—there’s still time for you to pick up a thoughtful, last-minute gift that doesn’t involve construction paper or figurative IOUs. We know you procrastinated on holiday present shopping, and we forgive you. Your friends, significant others, and family members, however… Well, they may not be so full of grace.

The best last-minute gifts are the ones that show up on time (bare minimum-wise). Don’t bother with murky delivery estimates and fine-printed guarantees from far-flung sellers—even if you got someone the best gift ever, showing up empty-handed to the white elephant party is 1,000% not the move.

That’s why we’ve strung together a candy necklace of the best last-minute gifts that won’t break the bank (or your loved one’s heart) from celebrity Cameos, tie dye classes, and non-corny gift cards to wine subscriptions. No pressure, but early December is kiiind of “The Final Countdown” period for ordering ~most~ tangible gifts that will arrive on time, so we’ll start off with some of the best presents from retailers who ship real fast, and then, as we get become increasingly desperate, we’ll dive into the sickest virtual gifts for hardcore procrastinators.

Uncork the champers, and let’s make some dreams come true.

If there’s one thing that Amazon is good for, it’s shooting gifts from a cannon directly to your doorstep in a matter of days. If you’re a browsing member (how Eyes Wide Shut of you), just switch the little filter on the side of the page to “Prime Only” and peruse a seemingly endless string of gifts that will arrive in just a few short days. In the electronics department, we’re eyeing AirPods Max and Bose headphones for $100 off.

If you’re trying to find the best gifts for people who love food, don’t sleep on Amazon’s cookware offerings. You can cop a cherry Le Creuset stoneware crock (complete with spatulas and a basting brush) for a hot $69, and a miniature Lodge cast iron skillet that fits in the palm of your hand. Just imagine the American Girl Doll-sized shakshouka. Perfection.

Mommy need a spa day? Pappa’s feet hurting from pesky plantar fasciitis? It happens, mate. You may not be able to bankroll the The Ritz-Carlton Spa or a new set of feet for your loved one this year, but these self-care gifts from Amazon will sweep them off of their tuchus. The luxurious ice globe wands are designed to be chilled in the fridge, and gently rolled over your giftee’s face for headache/puffy skin relief, while the shiatsu foot massager is 48% off and has earned an impressive 4.5-star average rating from over 11,100 Amazon reviews. As one fan writes, “[I AM A] HAPPY BELIEVER IN THIS MACHINE. I'm only level 2 [of intensity], but it's doing it's job and makes me feel better and sleep better. [When] it kneads my toes it gives me butterflies in my stomach.”

…then they’re most likely a Taurus. Brooklinen’s sumptuous bedding and sleep goods are a grail gift for any cozy boy. Luckily, the site ships crazy fast; standard shipping will blast off your parcel in four to 10 business days, and expedited shipping will turbo-blast it (for just $9.99) to arrive in two to six days. The site is having a 15% off sale right now, which means you can swaddle your giftee in one of its best-selling robes or buttery-smooth sheet sets for way less.

Since Uncle Sam can’t get his greedy, puritanical paws out of your business, you can’t make your own liquor at home in the States. Instead of trying your hand at an illegal home distillation setup, buy your giftee a nice bottle this holiday season. Whiskey is always a hit, but a unique amaro they haven’t tried yet is also a great gift. 

You know what's better than ONE box full of something you really like and didn't have to pay for yourself? Two, three, or six boxes stuffed with wondrous new possessions. Subscription boxes are a great way to pay it forward (literally) and these days there's something for everyone, especially the de facto Dionysus in your life.

Nordstrom! There are still plenty of products from the department store—which has an ocean-vast selection of stuff—that guarantee arrival before Christmas. Perhaps your significant other needs to keep their toes comfy with a pair of puffer-material slippers by The North Face, or maybe you want to blow someone away with the candle brand that even John Mayer, king of fuccbois, has simped for. Add to cart, receive, gift. (You can also order online and pick up at your local Nordies brick and mortar store.)

You can bet your sweet peach that there’s a swole Christmas Flowers section at 1-800 Flowers, and that’s cool. But wouldn’t your giftee prefer something especially unique? If you seek to please a Hot Girl this year, give her a bunch of flowers arranged to look like a jolly cat. She’ll feel loved (and, more importantly, seen).

While there is certainly truth to the old adage that ignorance is bliss, education also has some positive gains (we guess). We can certainly advocate for learning how to tie-dye your clothes, make killer cocktails, paint your masterpiece, or cook a bomb meal—all options if you gift one of Uncommon Goods' "Experiences." The lucky recipient will be mailed a kit with everything they need ahead of the virtual classes, which are offered from December into March.

We love them. We are them. Our Place is one of our favorite kitchen gear retailers, from the brand’s super-popular Always Pan to aesthetically pleasing ceramics. If you order this week, we’re confident that you’ll get your gifts before December 24 (a talking crow told us so), and you can help flesh out your giftee’s Our Place collection with some stackable glassware or the Perfect Pot.

A gift card is also a great move when you’re not sure what they’re in need of in the kitchen department:

It’s also a choice last-minute holiday gift. Everyone can stand to learn a little more about pretty much everything, and a MasterClass is a great way to help further or kick start a new hobby. Do they like making their own sausage and smokin’ meats? Get them Aaron Franklin’s guide to barbecue. Is Dad finally ready to take his neighborhood garage band to the next level? Let Metallica show him and his beer-drinking buddies the ropes. 

You know the type: They’re always asking you if you “saw the fights last night,” and can’t believe you didn’t wake up at an obscure hour to root for your favorite Premier League team. If your giftee is this person, they’ll love a ESPN+ subscription for streaming UFC Fight Nights, baseball, college basketball, soccer, golf, and more.

ESPN+, $9.99/month

There are a lot of reasons why we love Huckberry, with its smart synthesis of modern tech and style with rugged lumbersexual vibes. The site is full of genius gifts, but if you’re blanking on what to get or worried about shipping delays, go with a gift card; there’s truly something for everyone, from cozy workwear to camping gadgets.

Look for travel gifts for the perma-OOO friend? If you’ve got a feeling that they’re jonesing for some new bags or on-the-go accessories, an Away gift card is the move. Pick your denomination, and wish them bon voyage on their next getaway that’s lowkey making you super jealous.

Wuh oh; did you super screw up, and this person is a long-term boo who deserves something nice this year? Last-minute pro tip: Plan a special trip with them, whether that means a romantic weekend in a treehouse, a vibey voyage to Joshua Tree, or a visit to a bougie-as-hell mirrored house in the California desert. When the gift exchange comes around, show them a photo of your destination; congrats king: You just won Christmas.

The Mirrored House; sleeps up to 6, $4,816/night at Plum Guide 

Goldbelly is the perfect gift for anyone who loves food (everyone?), or is homesick, or you totally forgot about until the last minute (oopsies). They have an awesome new e-gifting option that’s perfect if you don’t know the recipients address or it’s too late to get Ina Garten’s Coconut Cake delivered on time. You might even make an ex-New Yorker cry upon opening up a Gray’s Papaya hot dog and papaya drink kit—because we all know that tears are the sign of a really good gift.

See you next year, when you hopefully learn your gift-procrastinating lesson. (You won’t.)

The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.