The clock is ticking, but who still has a number of gifts left to purchase? Me, too. Let me begin the umpteenth last minute gift guide by yet again directing your attention to the validity of the well-conceived gift card, second only to a quick jaunt inside your favorite local boutique. If those don’t satisfy your desires, go digital—subscriptions, classes, and tickets are always a friend to the procrastinators. Books, candles, and mugs always work, but can come off as impersonal if not done correctly. And unfortunately, not a friend to the niche seller or the custom item shipping times so embrace quick shipping times and in-person store visits. If you’re trying to avoid falling down the Amazon consumerism rabbithole, we’ve rounded up a few solutions to the last-minute holiday gift conundrum ahead without sacrificing sincerity.
Rambler Tumbler with MagSlider Lid
Sure, it’s not the most intuitive gift, but few people wouldn’t use a high-quality traveling mug. Pop into your local R.E.I. to snag yours.
Holiday Peonies
A flower delivery is an unwasteful gift for anyone regardless of your level of closeness with them. Just make sure you order by the 23rd!
Annual Subscription
For the aspiring reader, Book of the Month will send a different book each month. And good news for the procrastinator: it won’t begin until January 1st.
Gift Card
A subscription or gift card to the Criterion Collection is always a good idea for the *intellectual* friend.
Cooking Gift Subscription
For the burgeoning cook (who is also subject to a tight budget), treat them to an annual subscription to NYTimes Cooking.
Membership
Give the gift of knowledge with a subscription to Masterclass to your budding artist, chef, or author friend.
AirPods 3rd Gen with Magsafe Charging Case
When in doubt, everyone would like an airpods upgrade, though I don’t envy you standing in line at the Apple store a few days before Christmas.
Gift Card
Help a friend find the wine of their dreams—and then cross your fingers they invite you over to share it.
Scarpato Panettone
Most towns have a Williams Sonoma nearby. Pop in and snag their finest foodstuffs.
New York Brunch for 6
What could be better than a classic Russ & Daughters spread of lox and chocolate babka? Just order by the 23rd!
Classic Candle
In select cities, Diptyque offers same-day delivery if you order by 4 p.m.
Vertuo Lattissima Matte Black and Glossy
In select cities, Nespresso offers $5 premium same day shipping on orders over $150.
Gift Card
You can, of course, buy a generic Ticketmaster gift card or you can tailor your selection further and purchase a concert that caters to the liking of your special someone.
Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil
They sell fancy olive oil at most Whole Foods, just make sure you scratch the price tag off before you gift.
250 Thread Count Organic Percale Sheet Set
Don’t sleep on Target sheets; I’ve been using them since I was an infant. Snag one of these in-person on Christmas Eve and stash it under the tree night-of.