Last Minute Gift Ideas for Anyone on Your List: This One Strategy Works Every Time!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites.

It’s Christmas Eve or the day before your friend’s birthday bash and you’re sweating bullets–you still have shopping to do and let’s face it, you dropped the ball this year! Take a deep breath, press each thumb to their respective middle finger, close your eyes, and calm down.  Here are some last-minute gift ideas to get you through this Holiday or any gift-required celebration.

This One Gift Buying Strategy Has You Covered

Gift buying is all about the gift recipient’s interests! I know…it sounds silly and obvious, right? But how many times have you received socks, pajama pants, or a gift card from a store you never visit? It doesn’t have to take much time or a lot of extra money, but a little thoughtfulness will go a long way.

Gift Ideas That Make a Big Impact

The good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make an impact on that special someone.  If you’ve been listening to them for the past year (and guys, hopefully, you’ve tuned in some of the time when you’re special someone was bending your ear), you will know what interests them.  For instance, if you have a crafter you have to buy for, pick up some supplies for them, or a really neat crafting tool (like the Cricut machine) that can help them with their hobby.

If you have an athlete you need to buy for, think about a few gift ideas you can put together in a box or separate boxes that can be tied together to show that they are a “package” gift. 

For instance, if your loved one or friend is a runner, and they will be pounding the pavement this winter, get them some winter running gear.  A warm, winter running headband,  running tights and running gloves, plus some chapstick for their stocking all make great gifts.

I have a friend that is super busy so I bought her a stress relief body scrub and body spray.  I put them in a nice little gift bag and gave it to her over drinks. Again, I didn’t spend a lot of money on it, but the gift showed I’ve been listening to her and wanted to acknowledge her busy schedule.

Some of my interests include self-help books by Mel Robbins, Dean Graziosi, Brendon Burchard, and Dr. John Sarno. I also love anything about blogging, saving money and making money, and running.  My husband knows this.  If he bought me a few books on those subjects, I would be thrilled! It would show that he recognizes my interests.

My husband likes history books so I always check the History Book Bestseller list on Amazon. In addition, I bought him some gifts that go with a hobby of his, as well as an electronic gift that will solve a problem he has been complaining about for months!

Gift Cards Don’t Have to Be Boring

Another great last-minute gift idea is a gift card.  However, don’t just buy a gift card as the only gift for someone. 

Are they a coffee drinker? Buy a pound of their favorite coffee, or a travel mug and tie a gift card to the item. 

I made the below Starbucks-inspired travel coffee tumbler using my Cricut Maker machine. The tumbler was a little birthday gift to my friend. Her birthday was on Halloween so I filled it with candy. I could have easily tucked in a Starbucks gift card.

Do they like going to the movies? Fill a gift bag or popcorn bucket with their favorite candy or popcorn and include a movie gift card. 

Are they always shopping at a particular store? Buy an accessory like a scarf, hat, or gloves (maybe all three), and include the gift card to that store in the box.

Does your gift recipient like shoes? You may not want to buy them a new pair, but what about a gift basket filled with shoe polishing items?

Do you always see your coworker with a book but you’re not sure what book to buy them? Get them a nice book light, bookmarker, or the Magnetic Poetry Book Lover’s Kit to accompany a Barnes & Noble gift card. 

Is your significant other really into their car? Perhaps you can buy them a car washing bucket filled with great car washing and cleaning products.

Presentation is Everything

Remember that the presentation of your gift is just as important as the gift itself. Take time to wrap it nicely, and try to avoid the sticky bow!

Find a nice ribbon, tulle, or raffia to complete the look. A sprig of holly, a candy cane, or some greens that can be found in your yard and all look great as a present topper. Just slide the decoration through the ribbon once it’s tied.

So your next step? Shut off your computer and hit the road or head over to Amazon Prime if you still have a few days left! I’m hopeful that these last-minute gift ideas will help you find the best gifts ever for those left on your list.

Happy gift buying!