Last Minute Gift Ideas (That Are Still Thoughtful)

Need some last minute gift ideas?

I get it. The season is crazy busy, you think you have more time, and then BAM. It’s two days before Christmas and you forgot someone essential on your list.

I make it my life mission (at least when it comes to gift giving) to not give clutter, and I absolutely DESPISE giving gift cards. Seriously. I hate them.

Here are my favorite last minute gift ideas that are still thoughtful:

Consumables

Consumables are one of my favorite last minute gift ideas…even better, they make the best clutter-free gift.

Need some ideas on what types of consumables to give as a last minute gift? Here are my favorites you can make right now:

• Homemade cookies
• Homemade bread
• A freezer meal (Trust me, a busy mom will LOVE this gift.)
• A favorite dessert

Not a baker or cook? No problem. You can still give a consumable gift, even at the last minute.

Go to a local grocer, gourmet grocer (think Whole Foods), or bakery, and buy a nice loaf of bread or specialty item. It’s super thoughtful, perfect at the last minute, and super yummy.

Give an experience as a last minute gift

Experiences make the best gifts, and they are easy to give, even at the last minute.

One of our favorite gifts we receive each year is a family membership to the local zoo. It’s the gift we get to enjoy, as a family, all year long. We love it!

Other experience ideas:

• Movie tickets
• A trip to the way overpriced ice cream/yogurt shop in town…with ALL the toppings included
• Concert tickets
• A trip or membership to a local museum
• A National or State Parks pass

Need more ideas: Check out these experience gift ideas for everyone on your list!

Specialty Items

Specialty items are those items you love but would rarely buy for yourself because they are a little pricier. Think about last minute gift receiver, their likes and passions, and then look for a specialty item they would enjoy.

Here’s a few examples;

For the tea lover: Check out Plum Deluxe and order them a gift subscription for a month or two. They will love it! There are even gourmet grocers and tea shops that have loads of specialty teas as well. You can even stick in a fun tea accessory to round out the gift.

For the coffee lover: Pick up a specilaty bag of coffee or two.

For the baker: Find a specialty pan the baker in your life will love. Even better if you find a fun new cookbook to go with it.

For kids: I love STEM kits, games, and any type of outdoor toys that get kids playing in the sunshine! Specialty hot cocoa also makes a fun gift for kids.

Other ideas: Specialty hot sauces, specialty bath items and accessories, hardback books, etc

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Think of their likes, and then think about how you can spoil them within that category.

Practical Last-Minute Gift Ideas

Practical gifts are also wonderful last minute gift ideas. What’s a practical gift idea? It’s basically anything that can make the person’s life easier and will get used.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Car wash supplies or a car wash membership
• Grocery delivery service
• An electronic toothbrush (OK, maybe this is personal, but gosh, they are expensive and I love having an electric toothbrush)
• An umbrella (a nice one…I hate spending money on things like this)
• A membership to a wholesale store (Sam’s Club, Costco, BJs, etc.)
• Nice socks (think wool)
• A streaming service upgrade

The gift of learning something new

Sometimes, the best gift is the opportunity to learn something new. Need ideas? Check out these awesome last minute gift ideas that help teach someone something new:

• Yoga classes
• A cooking class
• A craft class
• Dance lessons
• Music lessons
• Online lessons or a class: The Big Declutter (shameless plug for my favorite decluttering membership)

Have you finished holiday shopping yet? What are your favorite last minute gift ideas? Comment below and let us know!