Shopping·16 min read

25 Last-Minute Holiday Presents That Aren’t Gift Cards

the best last-minute holiday gifts that'll ship fast
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Amazon
December 4, 2023

This post was originally published in December 2021 and has been updated.

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

The holidays will be here before you know it. Deep breath. If you haven’t started shopping yet — don’t panic. With only a few weeks left to peruse, order, ship, and wrap your presents, we rounded up the best items that’ll arrive quickly. We even have subscriptions and experiences you can activate at the very last minute if you’re running super behind.

Keep calm and gift on — and check out our comprehensive gift guides for everyone on your list. You’ll find even more quick-to-ship gift options there.

Amazon

A weekly self-care tracker to help them relax…

Shopping for someone who could use a little help self-caring? Snag them this handy tracking pad with built-in self-care goals they can check off as they go. With reminders to take a walk, put their phone down, and avoid toxic jerks, plus weekly affirmations, goals, and feeling check-ins, they’ll be on the path to their better self in no time. ($10.50, Amazon)

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Baggallini

Clear travel pouches they can use for pretty much anything...

Perfect as toiletry bags, packing cubes, or to make their everyday tote a little bit more organized. The best part? Until December 15, you can get them for 30% off with code SKIMM30. Use expedited or rush shipping to get them in time. ($27, Baggallini)

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Amazon

A quick solution for cold drinks…

If they’ve ever suffered through a lukewarm iced coffee or left a beer in the freezer only for it to explode, they might benefit from this invention. The HyperChiller can chill drinks in less than a minute without any dilution. The gadget has two levels of ice at work, so they can pour in his drink and start enjoying it ASAP. ($12.86+, Amazon)

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Amazon

A clip-on light so they can read from anywhere…

A thoughtful gift for any book lover, this LED reading light features adjustable brightness levels and an easy clip-on design. Even better, it’s sleek, lightweight, and has an incredibly long-lasting battery (perfect for travel). ($25.99/set of two, Amazon)

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Amazon

A brand new brush set…

OK, hear us out. If your beauty-obsessed friend has everything and you have no idea what to get them, they need these. The 10 brushes in this set can be used for absolutely everything from applying foundation and concealer to contouring, adding highlighter, and so much more. The dense dome shape will provide a smooth airbrushed effect, so they won’t have to worry about any harsh lines when applying their go-to products. ($14.99, Amazon)

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Amazon

A bouquet they’ll have to work for…

If your giftee is a puzzle fanatic, you can give this 16-stem Lego bouquet in the box and let them go to town. If not, you can assemble all 939 beautifully detailed pieces yourself. When the masterpiece is done, they can display it in a vase of their choosing. ($47.99, Amazon)

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Amazon

A sports-inspired bowl for the kids at heart…

For the guy who wishes he was on the field even when he's having breakfast. Dreamt up by an 8-year-old in art class, this sports mug lets you play with your food, literally. Whether it's aiming marshmallows into the hoop or getting cereal pieces into the goal, it adds a playful touch to meal times. ($29.95, Amazon)

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Amazon

A compact air fryer…

So they can make homemade fries like the responsible adult they are. This 2-quart one from Dash is pretty easy to use. They just need to place their food into the nonstick fry basket for crispy deliciousness and then turn the two knobs to set the temp and time. It’s that simple. It’ll shut off automatically and has nonslip feet for extra stability. Add these silicone liners for the ultimate gift. ($49.95+, Amazon)

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Amazon

A couples card game that’ll create some lasting memories…

This handy box is filled with 135 thought-provoking questions. They can keep it on their kitchen table to answer a question at every meal or answer multiple questions on game or date night. Learning new things about their partner = a win. ($25, Amazon)

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Jiggy

A puzzle of the month club subscription…

Jigsaws for the win. With Jiggy Puzzle Club, they'll get a monthly curated 500-piece puzzle and opportunities to meet the artists behind some of the designs. Each one comes in a reusable drawstring bag. And if they’re interested in turning their hard work into an art piece later on, each puzzle comes with glue that’ll help them preserve it. Add a note and thank them for always putting the pieces together for you. ($34/3 months, Jiggy)

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Amazon

Noise-canceling earbuds from Google…

TBH, no one’s ever not happy opening up a pair of headphones during the holidays. These Google Pixel Buds Pro have up to 11 hours of battery life on a single charge (for our full review, click here). They have a Silent Seal that‘ll adapt to their ears and block out any outside noises for ultra-clear listening. Plus, they have touch controls and a wireless charging case. The thing we love most? Its Transparency mode feature, which lets users hear some background sounds while on the go. It's super helpful for runners and anyone who needs to be aware of their surroundings. Just pick their favorite color combo and add a bow. Easy peasy. (Psst…you don’t need an Android for these to work. Apple devices are compatible too). ($119.99+, Amazon)

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UrbanStems

Fresh flowers to add some brightness in their home…

There’s nothing better than having new blooms to liven up a space. With this subscription, you can pick the arrangement style and how often they’ll receive them. And the first delivery comes with a vase. Make their daisy. (Price varies by plan, UrbanStems)

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apple airtag tracking device
Apple

A tracking device that’ll help them avoid the daily frantic search for their keys…

Stop the madness with this Apple AirTag. It simply attaches to any item (backpacks, wallets, etc.) and — via a one-tap setup — syncs with an iPhone or iPad. When something goes missing, the AirTag can play a sound to help them locate their valuables. The future is here, and it’s about to make their life easier. ($29, Apple)

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Amazon

A calendar gratitude journal so they can stay mindful…

Once a new month starts, they’ll be able to record one thing a day that they’re grateful for. It can be as big as landing a new job, or as small as having a good conversation with a longtime friend. When the month comes to a close, they’ll be able to look back on the last few weeks and reminisce on the things that made them feel so loved and joyful. ($24.99, Amazon)

Buy it
online class experience gifts you can purchase
Uncommon Goods

An experiential gift that also comes with a physical present... 

Because sometimes you want to give more than an envelope. Choose from any number of activities: truffle making, painting lessons, cocktail crafting, and so much more. With each activity, your recipient will receive a complementary product shipped to their door. They’ll have everything they need to put their learning cap on. And for more of our fave holiday gifts from Uncommon Goods, shop here. (Prices vary, Uncommon Goods)

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nespresso machine for coffee and espresso
Amazon

A Nespresso machine for the person who can never get enough java…

Now’s the time to splurge on them. They’ll be able to choose between coffee or espresso with the push of a button. Once they place a capsule in, they’ll just need to rest their mug down. The machine automatically disposes of used capsules, aka no cleanup necessary. The water tank can heat up in as little as 15 seconds. Along with the machine, they’ll also receive an Aeroccino (so they can froth milk) and a tasting box of 12 capsules. Now they’ll actually want to get up in the morning. ($188.97, Amazon)

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Memento

A heartwarming custom video that’ll make them smile…

With Memento, you can compile clips from all their loved ones into a personalized video montage. Once you create your account, you can send an invitation link to anyone you want to contribute. They’ll be able record their clip via any of their smart devices. And in turn, you’ll get notifications when new clips are added. The best part? You can then customize the video to your liking and send it as an email to the lucky recipient. It’s called last-minute hustle sweetie, look it up. ($6.99+/month, Memento)

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Amazon

An Echo Dot for kids…

This little smart speaker can read them a bedtime story, play music, and let them take charge of their routines by setting alarms, turning off compatible lights, and more. Alexa’s voice will be based on the design they choose (it comes as a dragon or an owl). Plus, there are character-inspired songs, jokes, and greetings. So cute. ($27.99, Amazon)

Buy it
Amazon

A blow-dryer brush that’ll make their at-home blowouts easier…

They can use this two-in-one tool to tame and style their strands. It has three temperature settings for customized drying and a mix of nylon and tufted bristles to really grip their locks. It’s lightweight and has vents that provide maximum airflow for a super quick blowout. Giving the gift of a good hair day? Priceless. ($108 Amazon)

Buy it
masterclass educational class subscription
MasterClass

A MasterClass subscription to boost their brain power… 

From acting classes with Samuel L. Jackson to cooking classes with Gordon Ramsay to conservation education with Dr. Jane Goodall. They’ll be able to explore their interests, learn from experts, or try their hand at something brand new. All courses are on-demand videos, so learning is on their terms. Class is in session. ($10+/month, MasterClass)

Buy it
oversized fleece hoodie for lounging
Amazon

An oversized sweatshirt they can cuddle up in…

It’s gigantic, has a front pocket for their phone, and is made from sherpa for ultimate warmth. It’s pretty much a wearable blanket, so it’s got more than enough room to cover their legs and feet when curled up. Evenings spent on the couch never felt so good. ($21.59+, Amazon)

Buy it
memory jar you can drop notes and photos into
Amazon

A memory jar to record special moments…

The entire fam can drop in photos, handwritten notes, tickets, and more. It’ll act as a time capsule for everyone, filled with exciting and happy moments to look back on come the end of next year. Cue the nostalgia. ($20.76, Amazon)

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handheld muscle massager for sore muscles
Amazon

A handheld massager to soothe aching muscles…

Whether they’re sore from an intense workout or poring over a report at their WFH setup, this deep-tissue back and body massager can help. It beats at up to 3,700 revolutions per minute and comes with six interchangeable heads to provide relief where they need it most. It’s kind of like their own personal masseuse. Except much more affordable. ($57.99, Amazon)

Buy it
indoor putting green for golf
Amazon

An indoor putting mat that will keep their golf game solid… 

Whether their upcoming golf trip was canceled or they’re trying not to get rusty this winter, this professional putting green will satisfy their need for green. Fitted with an automatic ball return and two different-sized practice holes, it’s a perfect way to provide hours of stress relief and entertainment to the stuck-at-home golfer. ($49.99+, Amazon)

Buy it
bamboo bathtub tray to hold bath items
Amazon

A tray that makes bath time much more relaxing… 

This bamboo tray turns even the tiniest of bathrooms into a spa-like destination. It’s expandable to fit standard-sized tubs and has designated areas to hold a wine glass and to keep a book or tablet safely in place. They’ll be able to keep their phone within reach, along with their favorite body scrub. Now they can finally lie back and enjoy their time spent soaking. ($39.99+, Amazon)

Buy it
Amazon

A five-minute journal with simple, short prompts…

So they can check in with themselves, even if they don’t have a lot of time. The journal is perfect for anyone who might feel intimidated by the idea of free writing. It aims to help improve how you feel on a daily basis and can make the sometimes-daunting task of journaling and habit-forming easy. It only takes a few minutes. You’re welcome, friend. ($28.99, Amazon)

Buy it
waterproof amazon kindle for reading
Amazon

A waterproof Kindle with double the storage…

What’s better than having all their favorite books at their fingertips? Not worrying about lugging them along on vacation or losing them to their bathwater. Enter this waterproof Kindle Paperwhite. It has a glare-free screen and holds twice as many items as earlier versions. The screen brightness is adjustable, which makes it easy to read comfortably at night and outdoors. It also includes Audible, so they can pair the Kindle with their headphones via Bluetooth. ($139.99+, Amazon)

Buy it

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