Gift Edit 2023

47 Last-Minute Gifts That Still Feel Special

updated Dec 12, 2023
Apartment Therapy received compensation for this post, which was written and edited independently by our editorial team.
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Credit: BONNINSTUDIO/Stocksy

This feature is part of Apartment Therapy's Gift Edit, our editor-curated collection of gift ideas. Need more inspiration? Check out all our guides here.

Looking for last-minute gift ideas? Maybe you shop better under pressure, or you’ve just been waiting for the right inspiration to find you. It’s okay, we won’t tell! With the holiday shipping cutoffs, there unfortunately won’t be too many tangible options that you can purchase online for much longer. Normally, we’d suggest last-minute gifts that you can snag from Amazon (read: fast shipping) that will have everyone on your list feeling the love right on time. Instead, we bring you some awesome subscription and gift card picks that are no less exciting to receive, plus a few more inspirational finds.

And last-minute doesn’t mean lackluster! When it comes to the courses and experiences we’ve selected, we found a little bit of everything (including a few things we ordered to keep for ourselves). Your gifts will land at doorsteps and in email inboxes with plenty of time to spare, and no one will suspect you weren’t shopping way ahead of schedule.

1 / 47
From our partner
Five Below
$25.00

Anyone who loves to play their favorite tunes in the house 24/7 will be delighted to receive this nostalgia-inducing speaker, which boasts colorful LED lights. At 15 inches tall, the mini jukebox certainly makes a statement while still remaining easily portable. Best of all, the speaker connects to Bluetooth, so your giftee can enjoy their Spotify playlists from just about anywhere.

2 / 47
Amazon
$26.37
was $32.97

All the cool kids have a mushroom lamp, or at least that's what TikTok tells us. This fun bedside light comes in eight colors and features a soft glow that adds a retro flair to any space. The best part? This find will be at your doorstep well before Christmas!

3 / 47
Amazon
$24.99
was $29.00

Help someone you love hit their goals and then some this New Year with a goal-oriented journal. Thanks to its structured layouts, goal-setting prompts, and habit-tracking features, the Self Journal transforms aspirations into actionable steps, making it the perfect companion for those eager to kickstart the New Year with purpose.

4 / 47
Harry & David
$179.99

Gift baskets are always a safe present, and they're even more fun when they're a surprise. This one comes with all kinds of yummy snack foods, including cheese, crackers, chocolates, fruits, and other eats for your BFF to munch on this winter season. The best part? There's quick shipping, and you don't have to do any of the packaging or arranging!

5 / 47
Amazon
$59.99

There's no better gift than the gift of a good night's sleep. The secret? The right pillows. These Beckham Hotel Collection bed pillows are an editor and reader favorite, encased in a 250-thread count cover and filled with a super-soft down alternative. Give their head and neck a comforting experience with these cooling and breathable bed pillows that are also wonderful if they easily overheat.

6 / 47
Amazon
$199.99

The perfect companion to a set of pillows? The Hatch Restore 2. Featuring an integrated sound machine, soft-glow reading light, meditation prompts, sunrise alarm, and more, this clever gadget is basically like having your own personal sleep coach right on your nightstand. Sweet dreams await!

7 / 47
Amazon
$19.99

It’s hard not to laugh when a pun is so bad that it’s good. With 1,332 puns on 222 cards, this game gift makes for one hilarious game night.

8 / 47
Amazon
$51.99

Any candle lover will be thrilled to get this candle-warming lamp as a gift. Instead of burning candles, it warms them with a small heat lamp and lets their aroma float around without any smoke. It also generally makes each candle last longer.

9 / 47
Amazon
$248.00
was $348.00

Have you been trying to track down the perfect gift with no success? In that case, we’ll direct you to these Sony noise-cancelling headphones, which are just the thing for paying attention during Zoom meetings, maintaining privacy on flights, or relaxing with great music.

10 / 47
Amazon
$36.00

Grab this modern, minimalist organizer from Yamazaki for anyone on your list who could use a little help finding their phone before they leave the house (as well as a stylish place to drop their keys at the end of the day).

11 / 47
Amazon
$110.00

If you have a charcuterie board, you have a party. Hand-sanded and laser-engraved, this beautiful natural wood board is an elegant gift for any host. The serving dishes and cheese platter take it to the next level.

12 / 47
Amazon
$27.99
was $32.25

Upon first glance, this sleek container looks like any regular water bottle. It's much more clever than that, though, because it features a patented spout that allows you to drink in not one but two different ways: through the built-in straw or through the wide-mouth opening, giving you the option to sip or swig. Your gym-going friend will love it, no doubt.

13 / 47
MasterClass
$120.00

With the MasterClass All-Access Pass, your inquisitive giftee will have so many learning opportunities at their fingertips. Whether they want to receive poetry writing tips from Amanda Gorman, singing lessons from Mariah Carey, or business advice from Howard Schultz, this year-long subscription plan will make these desires totally accessible.

14 / 47
UrbanStems
$60.00

Flowers are always a great "last-minute" gift that feels uber special. Gift them the gorgeous Darcy bouquet from Urban Stems for a perfect seasonal assortment of spray roses and carnations in a blend of deep reds and rich pinks.

15 / 47
Lula's Garden
$98.00

Lula's Garden offers pre-Christmas shipping dates on their holiday bundles, which is especially convenient when you consider that you're ordering live plants. This ethereal peace lily will brighten up any window sill, and it even comes with its own mister. It's just festive enough without being too in-your-face.

16 / 47
Amazon
$98.00

Looking for the perfect last-minute gift for the little budding musician in your life? Beloved by parents, rockstars, and kids alike, the Loog Mini is a kids guitar you don't want to miss. About the same size as a ukulele, this tiny 3-string guitar features an adorable design that comes bundled with flashcards, an app, and free video lessons. An innovative way to teach guitar, the Loog works like this: comprised of the first three strings of a regular guitar (same strings, same tuning), it teaches traditional finger placement that can be easily applied to a 6-string guitar, something sure to excite little ones as they get older.

17 / 47
Craftsy
$9.99

Another great digital find, Craftsy is a great place to find dozens of affordable online classes on topics such as baking, painting, and quilting. Their lineup includes this Decorating 101 class, which entails nearly 40 minutes of in-depth home design lessons from experts Monet Masters and Tavia Forbes. For just $10, your recipient will learn how to use light, color, fabric, and other design principles to achieve their dream space.

18 / 47
Amazon
$27.99
was $40.99

Aspiring plant parents and seasoned gardening enthusiasts alike will love this gorgeous copper watering can. The gooseneck spout makes it easy to water even the hardest-to-reach plants, while the stainless steel interior is leakproof and rustproof, ensuring plenty of well-hydrated plants in their future.

19 / 47
Amazon
$159.95
was $249.95

If your giftee is in need of a new pair of earbuds, these are the ones to get them. Beloved for their rich, booming bass and wrap-around ear design that stays in place during even the most rigorous use, the Powerbeats Pro wireless headphones are some of the best in the game. Plus, they're also currently $80 off!

20 / 47
Atlas Tea Club
$55.00
was $65.00

Every tea drinker has their favorite blend, but that doesn't mean you can't give the gift of experimentation. Beautifully packaged and endlessly tasty, a 3-month subscription to Atlas Tea means many cups of loose-leaf tea from farms around the world. Each month's tea also includes a postcard of the origin country as well as notes on flavor and steeping. You can customize the subscription by choosing between three tea types or get a little bit of everything for your giftee with the sampler pack.

21 / 47
Uncommon Goods
$35.00

Chances are, one or more of your friends are about to be swamped with decor pieces and new presents from the holidays. Help them manage their interior spaces by gifting them one of these organization classes from Uncommon Goods. There are numerous dates to choose from, and one class entails two whole hours of personalized decluttering advice from a professional organizer.

22 / 47
Amazon
$19.78
was $35.00

For fans of the popular Instagram account @humansofny (read: everybody), this book from Brandon Stanton, the photographer and storyteller behind the account, features heartfelt stories from everyday humans across more than 40 countries.

23 / 47
Amazon
$39.92

If someone in your life is a true coffee nerd, an Aeropress is a perfect way to let them know you care. When we tested various coffee makers to determine which method could produce the best Italian-style cup, the Aeropress brew was the clear winner, a perfect 10 out of 10. Just like your loved one.

24 / 47
Amazon
$79.90

Fall is the best time of the year to pull out the Dutch oven and if your foodie fanatic friend is missing one in their cooking arsenal, this Lodge pick makes the perfect gift. Combining versatile porcelain enamel with Lodge’s legendary cast-iron technology, this vessel sears, roasts, and braises just as good as the big names.

25 / 47
Book of the Month
$99.99

For the avid reader, this book of the month subscription will feel like heaven every time a new shipment arrives. Choose between a three, six, or 12-month subscription. They can choose from a selection of five to seven books and there's even the option to skip a month. This is a fun way for someone to be introduced to new titles, read books they've been meaning to get around to, and never struggle with finding a new title to read.

26 / 47
Amazon
$34.99
was $39.99

If your loved one is looking to save some money in the New Year by packing their own lunches, they'll love this lunch box. The Bentgo Modern Lunchbox makes packing a fun and varied lunch not only easy, but incredibly stylish. Not to mention, it's spill-proof and dishwasher-safe!

27 / 47
Vrbo
$428.00

Book a few nights for the whole family at this spacious and sunny log cottage in El Dorado County, California. This 3-bedroom beauty features an outdoor hot tub and sauna, as well as a game room that's perfect for kids, so you'll find plenty of opportunities for some R&R even amid your relatives. The cottage is located near a state park, shopping center, and local orchards, so you'll never experience a dull moment.

28 / 47
Amazon
$44.95
was $79.95

You've been washing your hands all the time these past three years, but what about your phone? Considering how much your phone gets used all day, every day, it’s no surprise that it's a germ magnet. This PhoneSoap Smartphone Sanitizer uses UV light to kill germs in just 10 minutes. Just pop your phone in, plug it in, and close the lid. It’s compatible with all smartphones, making it a great gift for anyone on your list.

29 / 47
Goldbelly
$269.85

Delight your favorite foodie with this 3-month subscription box from Goldbelly. Even if they don't live in a major U.S. city, they can still try treats from top dining spots in Chicago, San Francisco, New York, and other beloved destinations. Each box comes with enough food for four people, so they can share with their family, too.

30 / 47
Amazon
$99.95
was $116.00

Fitness enthusiasts will love tracking their next sweat session on Fitbit's understated and discreet Luxe tracker. The subtle smart accessory will help you keep tabs on everything from your heart rate to your calories burned, as well as wellness-focused metrics including sleep tracking and breathing rate. It's the ultimate fitness tracker.

31 / 47
Amazon
$15.06
was $19.99

Tracking mud into the house will be a ghost of Christmas past, thanks to this portable paw washer. All pet parents have to do is fill the cup with warm water and dip and twist their dog’s paws for an easy wash on the go.

32 / 47
Hulu
$7.99

A Hulu subscription is the perfect thing to get any young adult who's on their journey of becoming more independent. They suddenly have all these bills to pay, they're off their parents' phone plan, and taxes are a pain to figure out. Help them take a load off by watching their favorite shows with Hulu's most popular monthly plan. It might be only $7.99 per month, but it's one less thing they'll have to worry about on their budgeting spreadsheet.

33 / 47
Amazon
$165.99
was $199.00

Give the gift of relaxation: The Theragun Mini is a portable percussion massage gun that melts tension and aids muscle recovery. It's the perfect gift for your favorite athlete, but everyone will appreciate having a massage handy 24/7.

34 / 47
Amazon
$9.99
was $11.99

The terrazzo trend is still going strong, and that’s what makes these stone coasters the perfect gift for anyone design-savvy on your list. Made of natural stone, reviewers love that this set of four coasters has a nice feel and weight to them and that they come with their own holder.

35 / 47
Amazon
$24.95

The holidays are all about gifting friends and fam things they may not ordinarily buy for themselves, and an aesthetically pleasing bedside carafe definitely falls into this category. We can't get over this gorgeous pick from Lefonte that looks like a vintage find!

36 / 47
Amazon
$10.99

Have a friend who loves entertaining and throwing killer dinner parties? Pick up this fun taquito platter from Delimex! Designed to hold two dozen taquitos and six dips, it's sure to become a mainstay at all of their future get-togethers

37 / 47
Amazon
$35.00

A stylish thermal mug is the must-have accessory for traveling, commuting, or just a morning walk around the block with coffee.

38 / 47
Amazon
$22.80
was $34.00

Homesick makes some of our favorite candles, and this festive-yet-relaxing scent is no exception. With base notes of Champagne grapes and top notes of mandarin and grapefruit, it will add a pleasing aroma to both celebrations and chill evenings at home.

39 / 47
Amazon
$37.95

For the person who has everything, or someone who loves candles, gift this uber-stylish glass cloche. It’s a gorgeous hand-blown glass dome that houses matches, and comes in lots of sizes and colors making it such an elegant gift that’ll elevate any coffee table or mantel.

40 / 47
Amazon
$14.98
was $25.00

If there's one hydrating skincare product likely to be on their wishlist, it's the COSRX Snail Mucin Essence. We know — the name probably doesn't sound enticing but hear me out: This essence is formulated with a high concentration of snail secretion filtrate shown to deliver intense moisture, repairing and soothing even the dryest skin instantly. With more than 40,000 five-star reviews, it's the skincare secret they've been missing.

41 / 47
Amazon
$34.95

Loop earplugs are the gift that keeps on giving. Whether it's for travel, noisy environments, or concerts, these innovative earplugs will keep your giftee's hearing safe and look good while doing so. Plus, their compact size makes them a dream to travel with and a great stocking stuffer!

42 / 47
Amazon
$29.99
was $39.99

Bamboo accessories are the perfect way to add warmth and elevate the look of any room, but especially the bathroom. This folding bath mat is made of 100% bamboo and is extremely versatile thanks to non-slip pads underneath that protect floors and stop them from moving around.

43 / 47
Amazon
$49.00

Cold winter nights are made for cozy clothes, hot beverages, and relaxing activities, like this cheerful jigsaw puzzle. The festive scene is sure to keep spirits bright, and it even includes glue so they can frame their finished masterpiece.

44 / 47
Winc
$60.00

The wine lovers in your life are sure to appreciate this one. With a Winc gift card, the recipient is free to take Winc’s Palate Profile quiz that will reveal expertly curated wines for their unique tastes. Or, if you’re buying for someone who knows what they like, they can skip that step and add anything they like right to their cart.

45 / 47
Amazon
$44.99
was $49.99

Some of the best gifts are the ones they wouldn't buy for themselves. Grab an upgraded version of something they already have to go with that wine subscription, like a stunning marble wine sleeve. Pop it in the freezer an hour before use to keep those bottles at the perfect temp.

46 / 47
Airbnb
$270.00

Looking to create fun memories instead of imparting a material gift? Check out Airbnb's endless online experiences, including the best-selling Pasta with the Grandmas class. For $270, you can sign up your group, request your date, and learn how to prepare authentic Italian pasta from Chiara and her Nonna with all your besties.

47 / 47
Amazon
$50.00

As much as we all love sentimental gifts, you can still never go wrong with an Amazon gift card. Your recipient, no matter who they are, is bound to find something they like on Amazon, which is why this is a perfect last-minute option. They'll be too busy browsing for their next home purchase to realize that you might've procrastinated.