26 Actually Thoughtful Last-Minute Gifts You Still Have Time to Buy
Ah, the last-minute gift hustle. It’s okay, we’ve all been there. And there’s no shame! Life is busy, work feels even busier, and the holiday season books up your calendar faster than you realize. Take a deep breath because we’ve got you covered. Each of these thoughtful gifts can be ordered online with speedy shipping or are available for in-store pick-up, ensuring you’ll be able to spread Christmas cheer even if it’s mixed with a little procrastination.
Still, our advice: Don’t keep dragging your feet. Though these last-minute gifts should all arrive in time for the holidays, we recommend ordering by December 15 to be extra safe. That way, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday season with time to spare.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Corina Quinn.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Aura Carver photo frame
Meet the perfect way for your favorite traveler to display all of those trip photos sitting on their phone. This 10.1” HD digital display can show off stunning mountaintops, bustling city streets, and perfectly poised selfies in just minutes through an easy-to-use app. With free, unlimited cloud storage and an option to preload with curated photos and videos, it’s the perfect thoughtful last-minute gift.
Ostrichpillow memory foam bed pillow
Featuring a lightweight travel bag and a machine washable case, this foam pillow can be taken anywhere. Its shape offers unique ergonomic contouring for a variety of sleep positions, and the memory foam allows air to circulate continuously to ensure you stay cool and comfy wherever you’re resting. It is available for express shipping in two to four business days.
Vibes High-Fidelity earplugs
The gift that provides peace and quiet in-flight or in one’s own home, these reusable earplugs are a packing essential. Featuring three adjustable silicone earbud options for the optimal fit and a hardshell travel case for easy portability, your favorite traveler can stuff them into any carry-on or backpack, even if they’re a chronic overpacker.
Dr. Loretta gentle hydrating cleanser
You can’t go wrong with any product from Dr. Loretta. A dermotologist-founded, female-run brand, Dr. Loretta products have a particular focus on combatting exposure to real-world environmental aggressors that leave skin feeling healthy, glowing, and revived. The gentle hydrating cleanser offers a boost of hydration and seeks to reduce irritated, inflamed skin, whether from long travels or general life stressors.
Hatch Restore Sunrise alarm clock
There is nothing better than a good night’s rest, and this all-in-one reading light, sound machine, and alarm can help you get there—all while looking chic in your bedroom. Via direct buttons on the clock or through an app on your phone, you can customize color, brightness, sound, and volume to promote a healthy sleep schedule. The morning alarm also simulates the rising sun, allowing you to ease softly into your day. As of publication it’s available for in-store pickup at multiple Nordstrom locations.
Sachajuan Thickening shampoo
For the friend who is always complaining about their flat, lifeless hair, you can be their fairy lockmother with this thickening shampoo that truly works miracles. Aimed at supporting each individual hair fiber, Sachajuan's Ocean Silk and Thickening Technology detangles and volumizes while also containing UV and heat protection. If you’re feeling particularly generous this holiday season, you can pair the shampoo with Sachajuan’s Thickening conditioner to win extra brownie points.
Reigning Champ terry robe
What makes this robe truly stand out from competitors are the ribbed cuffs (trust me, gamechanger) and oversized hood. This boxing-inspired design offers a sleek silhouette while still being the epitome of comfy cozy. Featuring a thick waistband and deep front pockets, don’t be surprised if you find yourself putting an extra one of these in the cart for yourself (and, frankly, you should).
Secura electric wine opener
For the friend who enjoys bringing back a bottle of wine from new travel destinations, this stainless steel electric wine opener can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge. It’s also small enough to bring to a party or throw in a carry-on. It’s a gift that will certainly have the recipient cheersing to you.
Bliss Plush Throw
Everyone loves a movie night on the couch. And what makes one even better? This ultra-soft throw. Complete with stylish tassels and made with a plush fabric you can toss directly into the wash, it’s hard not to love. Plus, it comes in seven different colors, and is available for in-store pickup at multiple Nordstrom locations.
Homesick scented candle
Sometimes, even your most well-traveled friend will find themselves grounded with no upcoming trips on the horizon (especially in this day and age). When these periods hit, bring the experience to them. To wit: Homesick Candles tap into our most emotional sense, smell, from our favorite places—cities like Dallas and Philadelphia, and countries like France for the homesick expats out there. As far as last-minute Christmas gifts go, this is a rather thoughtful one.
Kodak Smile instant bluetooth printer
If you've been meaning to finally organize trip photos, what better accessory to have at hand than this small photo printer? Compatible with both iOS and Android, it’s wireless and prints high-quality photos in black and white or color in seconds. Be safe and throw in extra film for whoever you’re giving it to.
Vitruvi stone diffuser
If someone you know recently moved or wants to make their bedroom more spa-like, this diffuser is perfect as it doubles as a piece of home decor. Diffusers make every room more relaxing and help you unwind after a stressful work day. This one is quiet and has an automatic safety shut off and optional LED light.
Lianyu travel utensils set
As sustainability in travel becomes ever more pressing, people are going beyond reusable straws and looking to other single-use plastics like utensils. Set them up with this kit that has it all—two styles of reusable straws (with a cleaning pipe), a fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks. The tools are made of stainless steel, and their pouch is flat and soft, making them easy to carry.
Bose QuietComfort noise-canceling earbuds
Earbuds are an everyday essential for travelers, commuters, and gym goers alike, but they're not often something someone wants to spend money on upgrading for themselves. These noise-cancelling earbuds eliminate outside distractions and have a six hour battery life. The charging case it comes with provides an additional 12 hours of battery life and they are sweat resistant, making them a great gift for fitness fanatics.
Charcuterie board set
This last-minute gift is ideal for new homeowners or expert dinner party hosts. The bamboo cheese board and knife set makes putting together a cheeseboard simple—it has pull out drawers to store knives, multiple serving sections, and comes with serving accessories. It'll inspire the ultimate charcuterie board at their next party.
DIY Gift Kits hot sauce making kit
This kit is for the hot sauce lovers in your life. It's great for foodies who appreciate an experience over a traditional gift—they can make a day out of crafting their own hot sauce, and will love getting to control the flavor from their very own kitchen. The kit includes recipes and a flavor guide, custom label stickers, squeeze and glass bottles, a bottling funnel, and more.
Keurig K-Mini coffee maker
For the coffee fanatics you know that are always on the go, a Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker is the right gift. This one is great for small spaces and makes coffee in minutes. Its sleek design saves more space on smaller countertops than traditional Keurigs and other coffee machines.
Parlovable cross band slippers
Any homebody in your life would love a pair of cozy slippers like these. Available in white, black, pink, turquoise, caramel, and more, these criss-cross slippers are perfect to lounge in while working from home. With an open toe, they're breathable but will still keep feet warm and comfy all winter long.
Cocktail shaker set with stand
Allow your friends and family to feel like bartenders at home with this affordable cocktail shaker set. It comes with a 24-ounce martini shaker, muddler, jigger, strainer, mixer spoon, tongs, corkscrew, two liquor pourers, and recipe cards. The bamboo stand it all comes in works as a decorative piece, too, so your giftee can turn their kitchen into a cocktail bar.
Conair pedicure foot spa
Birald grill set
If you need a practical yet fun gift for your dad, this grill set has you covered. The 34-piece stainless steel accessory set comes packed with a thermometer, grill mats, BBQ brush, and kitchen shears for cutting bones and raw meat. It all fits inside a portable aluminum case to neatly store everything when not in use.
Foldable lap tray
With plenty of people still working from home (or Airbnb), lap trays have become more useful than ever. This one has enough room for a laptop, coffee, small keyboard, notepad, and other office essentials. Working from your bed has never been more comfortable.
Dash Tasti-Crisp electric air fryer
The ultimate last-minute gift for anyone on your list: an air fryer. This affordable one is easy to use, and can make any giftee instantly feel like a chef. It won't take up too much room on their countertop and can be used to prepare quick meals—throw everything from frozen food to wings to seafood in there.
GoFiltr portable water bottle filter
Finding a sustainable option for clean water on the road can be a challenge, so your loved ones will certainly thank you for setting them up with these filters, which fit inside their portable water bottle and turn the contents into alkaline mineral water in minutes. Not only do they work with all water bottle models, but one pack includes three months’ worth of refills.
