It happens to all of us no matter how well we feel like we’ve planned. I’m talking about the struggle to find the perfect gift. That struggle can turn even the most prepared of us into a last-minute gifter. It’s usually pretty easy to tell when we’ve been the victim of a last minute gift. “Oh, aloe-infused fuzzy socks, you shouldn’t have.” Okay, truth be told I actually really love those fuzzy socks. The point is you can give a great last minute gift without resorting to the sale at your local drug store. Today I’m sharing a last minute gift guide with ideas don’t seem last minute. Feel free to forward on to any of the shopping procrastinators in your life. This post contains affiliate links, all opinions are completely my own!

last minute gift guide

give the gift of experiences

Top on my list is gifting experiences over material goods. One of my most memorable gifts I got as a child was a Disneyland Annual pass. Of course, back then they were about a quarter of the price they are now. Oftentimes in lieu of big birthday parties we go on a family trip or go spend a fun day together. I don’t know about you but our family has enough stuff but there never seems to be enough time together.

An annual pass to an amusement park or a local zoo or museum is the gift that keeps giving. Plus, it can be completely 100% last minute. However, it won’t seem like it since you can print out the confirmation just minutes before gifting to someone. A trip is a great last minute option too. You don’t even need to do any planning ahead of time if you’re really racing against the clock–a simple card that says “We’re going on a cruise!” is more than enough.

diy a gift basket

If you really want to give a tangible gift then take the standard last minute find up a notch by creating a gift basket around the object. Things like a box of chocolates, bubble bath, or a pair of socks might seem standard. However, combine them all together in a cute basket and it’s a much more personalized present. Some DIY gift basket ideas include:

• A Warm Cup of…: Grab a cute mug and fill it with some hot chocolate or tea packets and some yummy biscotti. Consider throwing in a $5 or $10 gift card in there to your local coffee shop too.
• At Home Spa Night: Gather a loofah, face mask, a candle, and a nice bar of soap or bubble bath. The perfect gift for an overworked and exhausted mom!
• Home Sweet Home: A cute basket filled with kitchen towels, new kitchen utensils, and baked goodies make a sweet gift.
• Movie Night: Package up some popcorn and candy with movie rental codes or a theater gift card.

shop from your friends or family

No, I’m not saying to raid their closets and pantries–well, not exactly. However, I’ll bet all of us know at least one person who sells something through an MLM. Chances are that if you contacted your good friend who sells clothing, kitchen goods, oils, supplements, makeup, or whatever and asked, “Hey, I need a gift for so-and-so tomorrow, can I come check what you have on hand??” they would be absolutely thrilled. That way you can give a thoughtful gift and support a loved one!

the ultimate last minute gift guide suggestion:

two words: Amazon Prime

Of course I have to mention the last minute shopper’s paradise–Amazon Prime. What last minute gift guide would be complete without it? Amazon Prime will grant you free two day shipping on thousands of items. That means there’s still plenty of time to make your purchases in time for Christmas.

save and splurge for kids

You can find an amazing variety of cute toys on Amazon without trying to make your way through the hoards of crazy shoppers in the toy aisle at Target. Melissa and Doug is a favorite brand of ours. I love their Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter. If you’re looking for a bigger ticket item the Snacks and Sweets Food Cart is absolutely adorable!

Older kids that like LEGOs and Harry Potter can have the best of both worlds with the Hogwarts Whomping Willow. There’s also the pricier Hogwarts Great Hall Building Kit that will keep them busy all winter break!

save and splurge for him

If your guy is tech-savvy at all the Echo Dot is a great gift. Best of all, Amazon devices are usually discounted around the holidays! Check online for a variety of great Amazon devices the whole family will love!

save and splurge for her

What do most women (especially moms) say they really want for every birthday and holiday that comes their way? Sleep. You can’t guarantee a night of peaceful slumber, but you can help them relax with a great Essential Oils Diffuser. If you have more room in your budget a new set of Egyptian Cotton Sheets would be a thoughtful gift for that exhausted mom in your life.

I hope you found all this last minute gift guide helpful! Be sure to pin to refer back to this in the future!