If you find yourself racking your brain to come up with last-minute gift ideas before the holidays, it may prove comforting to know that you are not alone. Surveys indicate that upwards of 79 percent of gift buyers shop until the last possible day. The reasons involve being overwhelmed with work and family, inability to find the perfect gift, or simply procrastination. Whatever the reason you find yourself pressed for time, here are eight last-minute gift ideas worth considering.
What to Consider Before Purchasing Last-Minute Gifts
With the holiday season fast approaching, some people succumb to pressure and purchase a not-so-great gift. In other cases, the "re-gifting" maneuver may make people anxious that someone will remember that ugly sweater, gift basket, or jigsaw puzzle. Or, worse, you re-gift back to the person who initially gave it to you.
Before making a desperate move, take a breath and keep two things in mind. First, estimate the time it would take to have a present delivered from an e-commerce platform or another source. You want to make sure your gift arrives on time. Second, make sure the friend or family member will enjoy it thoroughly. Here are some great last-minute gift options you can easily purchase and have delivered.
1: Streaming Service Gift Card
There is nothing worse than sitting in a group of friends and talking about the latest binge-worthy show and not being able to participate because you are not subscribed to that streaming service. Gifting a friend or loved one a streaming service gift card for a channel you know they don't have is a great personalized gift option, and it shows the giftee that you took the time to remember what streaming service they don't have. There are lots of streaming platforms emerging that serve general audiences as well as niche interests. Netflix, for example, churns out a wealth of different shows and movies. By contrast, Disney caters to more family-friendly entertainment. These are just a few more popular streaming channels you can gift based on the recipient.
Amazon Prime Video
Apple TV+
Discovery+
ESPN+
HBO Max
Hulu
Showtime
Sling TV
Vudu
The impulse to buy a gift card and let the person purchase something they like is certainly an option. But a specific streaming gift card feels far more thoughtful, and they are available at many retail outlets and online. The convenience of paying with a debit or credit card also makes gifting a streaming service painless since the person you are giving the gift to can bypass the payment section and go straight to enjoying their streaming.
2: Plant Subscription
With many people working from home, creating a relaxing, esthetically pleasing, and calming environment is more important than ever. A plant subscription ranks among the top gift ideas for gardening enthusiasts and people living in apartments. The subscription involves delivering a wide variety of plants monthly or quarterly, and it's also a great environmentally friendly and "green" gift option.
They can be tailored for loved ones who do not necessarily possess a green thumb and avid gardeners. The flexibility and convenience of giving a plant subscription and the gift recipients' joy of receiving plants on their doorstep make this gift option a double win.
3: Coffee Sampler Subscription
If you offer a friend or family member coffee and they ask, "what kind," that's a telltale sign they take java seriously. A coffee sampler subscription is a no-brainer in terms of last-minute gift ideas that appear planned. Stop by your local coffee shop to see if they offer this option. It's also relatively easy to go online and review the mail-order options and select one that fits your budget. If your gift recipient is not a morning person or someone who savors their morning cup of coffee, you will surely win the "best gift" this year. Consider a tea sampler subscription for non-coffee drinkers.
4: Book of the Month Subscription
Time and time again, we hear about the importance of reading; the ability to increase your creativity, improve your memory, and become more open-minded and aware are all solid reasons to read, no matter your age. A book subscription is a great gift and can be tailored for different ages, and this is an excellent option if you are looking for an educational but fun gift for young loved ones. Many parents are requesting grandparents, aunts, and uncles give educational or stimulating gifts this year, and a book subscription is a great option.
It's important to match the book subscription to the genre your friend or family prefer. With that in mind, costs can vary significantly, and some offer additional items such as cozy socks, knick-knacks, and other items. An internet search will turn up plenty of book subscription choices, along with the following popular options: Book of the Month, OwlCrate, Coffee & A Classic, Lillypost, The Book Drop, Page 1 Books, and Call Number.
5: Essential Oil Diffuser
Sometimes we all need a little TLC, and an essential oil diffuser set gives the gift of self-care. Used in aromatherapy, they give loved ones a reason to pamper themselves in the privacy of their own home. A variety of oils are readily available online as well as some truly chic and beautiful diffusers that anyone would love to display. If you know someone with a high-stress job, lavender oils are a great calming option, or if you know someone who could use a good night's sleep, eucalyptus oils would be a solid bet. It's also a great dorm/apartment-friendly option, as you don't need to worry about flames and candles if you purchase a plug-in diffuser. Giving an essential oil diffuser set seems like a well-planned purchase, even though it's a clever last-minute gift idea.
6: Marshmallow of the Month Club
Yes, artisan marshmallows are a thing, and they have a club. Seeing the different flavors incorporated into a marshmallow would be a fun treat to enjoy every month. This a deliciously quirky gift idea that inspires awe and wonder, and it's something that most people would not buy for themselves, making this the PERFECT indulgence gift. Depending on your subscription, the recipient typically receives a variety of sweets ranging from hand-crafted Graham Crackers to Gourmet Sipping Cocoas. If your loved one has a massive sweet tooth, this is the gift for them. They may need a dentist afterward, but marshmallows are worth it.
7: Goldbelly E-Gift Card
If you haven't heard, the internet has made it easy for you to travel the world through various methods. Food is no different. If you have dreamed about a famous NY slice of pizza or a Chicago deep dish, you are in luck. Now, no matter where you live, you too can experience city, state, or even country-specific delicacies through services like Goldbelly. Foodies will be like kids in a candy store after receiving a Goldbelly gift card. In terms of last-minute gift ideas, you can literally set up a Goldbelly e-gift card minutes before guests arrive. The e-card can be charged to a debit or a credit card and customized.
You can add a message or photo before the email is sent to the recipient. It's an excellent option for someone you know who is homesick and living far away or for someone who may not be able to travel and want to experience some culinary treats. The money is downloaded into a shopping cart that allows the user to purchase food from a network of restaurants, delis, and bakeries.
8: Deep Tissue Massage Gun
If you ask 10 people around you if they want to get a relaxing massage, they will most likely say yes. Add the convenience of having access to a deep tissue massage at home, and you have a gold-standard gift. Deep tissue massage guns are trending among gift ideas because they have become increasingly easy to use and relieve muscle tension. Massagers with multiple heads and settings can be purchased for under $100, making them a relatively budget-friendly gift. If you have a loved one who complains about tight muscles, an aching back, or sore feet, there's no reason to wait.
Keep Track of Your Holiday Spending with Online and Mobile Banking at Middlesex Federal
With all the unique last-minute gift ideas available to get your holiday shopping done, keeping on budget is easier than ever with online and mobile banking. You can manage your money and debit card online anytime! Deposit checks, transfer money, set up alerts & notifications, access statements, pay a bill or person, and more.
We hope you find these gift options useful and can find the perfect last-minute gift that's thoughtful, light on the stress, and something your giftee will truly enjoy.