Super Last-Minute Gift Ideas—and Excuses—for Procrastinators
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A Sleek SlateApple iPad (2021, 9th Gen)Read more
Small but MightySony SRS-XB100Read more
Practical and PortableAnker Nano Power BankRead more
December is halfway over, and you haven't finished your holiday shopping. It's OK—you're not alone. Whether you forgot to pick something up or you succumbed to choice paralysis and waited too long, there's still hope. If you're in a crunch, these gifts can be delivered in just a few days, and while they may not be the most personal, we included picks that we think most people would enjoy.
The picks below are our favorites, but we have a separate guide dedicated to the best digital gifts and subscriptions. Give that a read for even more ideas. If you're OK with shipping delays, check out our many other gift guides or buying guides.
Updated December 2023: We've refreshed this guide with new picks and updated pricing.
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Photograph: AirBnBGo Digital
From gift cards to game subscriptions, we have an entire guide dedicated to the Best Digital Gifts you can buy. There's something for every person at every price point. If your deadline is approaching fast, these gifts can be delivered in just a few minutes.
- Photograph: Apple
A Sleek Slate
Apple iPad (2021, 9th Gen)I think everybody could get some enjoyment out of an iPad—even folks that aren't in the Apple ecosystem. The 9th-generation iPad (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our top pick for most people. It's readily available and also relatively affordable this time of year. I use my iPad to play games, but they're handy for notetaking, planning, watching videos, and even getting work done. Don't even get me started on the accessories! Our guide to the Best Tablets has more recommendations.
- Photograph: Sony
Small but Mighty
Sony SRS-XB100Sony's affordable XB100 speaker is one of our favorites. It's available in several different colors and if you can't find it online it might be available in-store nearby. The sound is punchy and the battery lasts up to 16 hours on a single charge.
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Practical and Portable
Anker Nano Power BankMost gift ideas aren't one-size-fits-all, but a power bank is nearly universally useful. This model from Anker is featured in our guide to the Best Portable Chargers. It's affordable, it arrives before Christmas, and the tiny footprint means it can travel anywhere. Just be sure to get the correct version for your giftee—the Anker Nano is available in both Lightning and USB-C versions.
- Photograph: Amazon
A Pocket-Size Library
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021, 11th Generation)Our favorite e-reader and favorite Kindle for most people, the Paperwhite ships quickly and may even be available for in-store pickup. The battery lasts for weeks at a time and there's enough storage space to hold thousands of digital books. You could also pair it with a Kindle Unlimited subscription to get your giftee access to popular titles spanning nearly every genre.
- Photograph: Breo Box
“Your Gift Will Arrive in 6 to 8 Weeks on Purpose”
Breo BoxSubscription boxes are gifts that keep on giving. Breo Box ships its gadget-packed boxes once per quarter (four times per year). It's a wonderful option for the tech fanatics in your life, but it's far from your only choice. There are hundreds of boxes available for all sorts of hobbies and interests. The options are nearly endless.
We have a roundup of the best subscription boxes for gifting, as well as the best subscription boxes for kids, the best snack box subscriptions, the best coffee bean subscriptions, and the best meal kit delivery services.
Subscription box companies often provide a greeting card or special email to let your giftee know what you've signed them up for, which will help get them excited while they wait for their present to arrive.
Photograph: Kristina Kohanova/Getty Images“You Don’t Need to Get Me Anything”
Donations to CharityDid you struggle to shop for someone because they don't want any gifts? Do you want to give them something anyway? Consider a charitable donation made in their name or honor. There are thousands of charities out there, so it shouldn't be too hard to find a cause close to your recipient's heart.
CharityWatch and Charity Navigator are good resources for finding charities that use donations efficiently.
You could also regift something. Maybe you have a nice candle that you've never burned, or you've been considering donating that cool leather jacket your relative is always eyeing. Technically, you won't be getting them anything.
Photograph: Jakub Porzycki/Getty ImagesBuy Yourself Some Time
ExcusesDid you forget about someone you live with? Maybe you already know what you want to give as a present, but you ran out of time. Or cash. Or both. Meet the oldest excuse in the book: passing the buck. This year, your excuses might not even be white lies. Blame the slower shipping times, the inventory shortages, your dog eating something it shouldn't have, or anything and anyone but your own procrastinating.
But if honesty is the best policy (it usually is), you could always opt for the classics like an “IOU” or a handmade coupon book. We could all use a little grace these days, and your positive intentions will go a long way. Spending time together, even if it's from afar, is the best gift you can give.
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