holiday gifts

44 Last-Minute Gift Ideas Because, Surprise, You Procrastinated Yet Again

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers

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Our perception of time lags then flies. So you’d be forgiven if the holidays have snuck up on you once again this year and left you scrambling for gifts. Whoops. Procrastination can get the best of anyone, but you don’t want to spend the last few weeks of 2023 stressing about presents arriving on time. Lucky for you, we’ve curated 44 gifts that will work for your whole list and ship quickly. You should still, however, make sure you order sooner rather than later to avoid any potential delays. We all know the holidays are a very busy time for retailers and delivery services.

Read on for some last-minute gift ideas from home décor and comfortable pajamas to subscriptions and stocking stuffers that don’t even require wrapping.

For the person who always needs more closet space …

They’re either a hoarder or they love fashion. You decide! They truly love shopping for clothes, bags, and shoes while complaining that they have no room to fit it all. You’re brave getting them a last-minute present that requires proper sizing, but you’ve made up your mind. Godspeed.

We’re big on luxe sunglasses that won’t break the bank. These best sellers are under $100 and rival the designer pairs.

Gift a sweater they’ll get tons of use out of long after the holidays. This unisex option is made of cozy recycled fleece that will keep them warm on their way to the gym or layered under their outerwear.

Ballet flats were everywhere this year, including their Christmas list. Opt for this pink pair in a satin finish that looks just as pretty as the pricier pair from Sandy Liang.

If you don’t want to worry about sizing and eventually having to return what doesn’t fit, an accessory is the way to go. Consider this beaded shoulder bag from Staud with a cool ’90s-inspired silhouette and zebra print. The fashion-forward person in your life will have fun mixing this into their outfits.

One-up the cashmere sweater with a cashmere dress, which comes in three color options and is on sale.

For the person who loves #content …

Subscriptions are the ultimate last-minute gift. It takes seconds to sign up and there’s something for fashion lovers, cinephiles, basketball enthusiasts, New York Mag fans — you name it. How to present it, on the other hand (i.e., to print or not to print the confirmation)? A mystery entirely. We’ll leave that up to you.

Movie buffs are obsessed with the Criterion Channel for its curation and how it offers hard-to-find films you can’t easily get on other streaming platforms.

From $60

The voracious readers out there will love a book membership. Each month, about seven books are curated, and they can choose one or more that will be delivered right to their doorstep.

A style newsletter that industry folks follow is a great gift for someone who asks questions like “Is swag genetic?” and enjoys A-list interviews with the likes of Lorde, Jerry Seinfeld, and Tyler, the Creator.

For the person obsessed with tech gadgets …

They might not even know what they do exactly, but boy, do they like figuring it out. They’re someone who can’t help but tinker and fiddle with buttons, wires, Bluetooth capabilities — you get it.

AirTags are so in thanks to more-chaotic-than-usual airports and lost luggage. If they’ve already stockpiled on ones for their carry-on, give them a leather key ring to slip into their “personal item.”

Wireless charging has never looked better with Courant’s sleek designs.

They’ll love to clip this top-rated, waterproof speaker to anything and everything.

$150

If they constantly complain about their jarring alarm noises, the Loftie will effectively wake them up in a gentler manner each morning.

For the person whose true passion is lounging …

They’re most content nestled up on their couch watching The White Lotus, reading a book, or taking a nap in their comfiest pajamas and fuzzy socks. (Us — you’re gifting us.)

The gold standard in PJ sets. You can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleaser.

Cashmere? For socks? They could come with a warning not to run in the house while wearing, but your giftee wouldn’t do that anyway.

These cozy memory-foam slippers are the closest they can get to the spa without breaking the bank. With all the money you’re saving, you can splurge on a luxe beauty gift.

For the HGTV enthusiast …

Nothing makes their heart flutter more than the word interiors. They always have design ideas for every room in their place, and they live for curating bookshelves with glassware and trinkets.

How chic are these two-toned velvet pillow covers? And you should definitely get the pillow inserts.

This extremely plush blanket has almost 30,000 ratings and 4.6 stars, so it makes a pretty fabulous gift.

Dried flowers are one of the best gifts. They’re already dead — so no need to worry about upkeep — and they add a mood-boosting pop of color to any corner of a room.

To go above and beyond on your last-minute-gifting spree, you can pair the above bouquet with a funky vase like this bold acrylic one.

Is it a platter? Technically. But who’s to say it won’t also make a great tray for trinkets or an accent piece to a coffee table. Let the giftee decide.

Loewe’s candle is pricey, but consider how much of a multitasker it is. The favorite of fashion girls everywhere is a pretty addition to any nightstand and even smells good when it’s not lit.

For the person who binged the second season of The Bear

Yes, chef. They may be newer to the cooking world but were inspired to learn the art of mincing, braising, and searing, or they may already be a pro in need of a couple of new tools. Either way, they’ll appreciate these gifts.

If they already cook a lot, odds are they already have the cult-status Always Pan, so opt for this gift to cover their baking needs.

Channel Carmy in a navy-blue apron with lots of handy pockets.

This versatile chef’s knife is one they’ll have forever. The higher carbon content in the steel ensures it stays sharper for longer.

It’s soup season, baby. They can blend up all the homemade bisques they want with this mess-free blender. It also helps make sauces, batters, and any other purees.

To pair with their perfectly plated meals and crafted drinks, these cool nickel coasters are the perfect dinner-party accessories.

Even if they aren’t the best cook, they can fake it with this all-in-one toaster oven and air fryer. It comes in multiple colors that will fit their décor when they aren’t using it.

Stock up their collection with this organic mezcal with citrusy notes perfect for mixing and experimenting with their own cocktails. The minimalist bottle also makes a nice accent to their bar cart.

Another easy addition to their bar cart. They’ll be excited to break out these colorful cups for guests.

For the person with an extensive beauty routine …

They spend a lot of time on their skin care, hair care, and makeup — and are definitely one of those people who text, “On my way!” while they’re still getting ready.

Naturium’s buzzy, multi-oil body wash has been viral since it launched, so it’s definitely on any beauty lover’s wish list. The lightly scented wash delivers hydrated and glow-y skin, while the body lotion seals that hydration in.

This new lipstick from Freck has a 4.7-star rating out of 5 and comes in a slim tube that can fit anywhere.

Not a want but an absolute must-have according to the Cut Shop and our many hair types. This trio helps to detox and repair damaged hair, no matter your type.

Even early morning showers will be a little more luxurious with this gift set from the Hawaiian-inspired brand Koa. The gentle body cleanser features moisturizing extracts of Hawaiian white ginger, hibiscus, and gardenia, while the hydrator features shea butter and macadamia-seed oil for softer skin.

If bathing is a ritual for them, consider this all-in-one set to help them unwind. It features a candle to set the mood, bath salt, body oil, and, of course, soap. The only thing they’ll be missing is wine and a good book.

Sure they have a skin-care routine, but do they have a smart skin-care routine? Gift this tool that softens, smoothes, and brightens skin over time. Connect the tool with the app for personalized recommendations and video tutorials for more radiant skin.

For the person who considers a 5K a warm-up …

They will go on their nightly run no matter how many people’s schedules they ruin. “I’ll just meet you at the restaurant!” they say. “Fine,” you reply, simultaneously annoyed and jealous of their commitment. These gifts are for the endorphin chasers out there.

Our friends at The Strategist recently highlighted this half-beanie half-headlamp for nighttime runners. Now that the temperatures are dipping, it will keep their heads warm while safely lighting their way.

Combat sweat after a workout with this award-winning clearing clay and mist that soothe inflammation and clear breakouts.

This inventive tool featured on Shark Tank turns any single dumbbell into a kettlebell so they can get different types of strength workouts in while cutting down on equipment.

If they haven’t felt the magic of Bombas socks, they will be obsessed with this gift. And if they’re already a fan, they would never turn down another pair.

For a stocking you need to stuff …

When you’re truly in a panic, just buy a bunch of tiny things to stuff inside their stocking the night before Christmas — no wrapping required.

For the voracious reader in your life, here’s something cute to help them keep their place when they eventually put that book down.

$32 for 2

This is formulated without palm oil and has less sugar than other hazelnut spreads — all without compromising on taste.

A luxe black-truffle-infused hot sauce, ideal for sprinkling over Christmas-dinner leftovers.

Two-tone earrings can be paired with any outfit and can detach the links to wear in more than one way.

A set of trendy reusable shopping bags that fold conveniently into tiny pouches is a great gift.

44 Last-Minute Gifts That’ll Arrive in Time for the Holidays