We've all been there, waiting until the last second to secure the perfect gift. Whether it's a birthday present, thank you sentiment or just because, there's always time to find a last-minute gift, and it can still feel thoughtful and intentional. For anyone in a real hurry, subscription gifts are the ultimate last-minute gift idea — they're delivered immediately, and your recipient can explore it once they have time to check their inbox. We've compiled dozens of thoughtful last-minute gift ideas below, including the best food gifts and easy, broad-appeal gift cards.
To meet your deadline, many retailers offer 1- or 2-day shipping options, but in-store pick-up and email delivery for digital gifts provide even more flexibility. Stores like Nordstrom, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Kohl's, Ulta, Sephora, and Dick's Sporting Goods offer quick curb-side pick up, same-day delivery options, and timely updates on how soon you can pick something up from a nearby location. Be sure to use the filter options to browse through fast-delivery to see whats available for your area and prevent the chance of falling in love with something thats not available within your time frame.
Delicious treats
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
-
Subscription for cheese loversSatiate their hankering for a good gouda or creamy brie with a monthly cheese subscription. -
A caffeine gift that keeps getting betterThis coffee subscription designed to hone in on your giftee's palette has an e-gift card option for instant gift delivery.
-
A treat (or three) from Milk BarThere are plenty of choices from Milk Bar, which is sure to be a hit.
-
Gourmet chocolate from ParisThe French chocolatier offers overnight and expedited delivery of its decadent rectangular truffle praline and ganaches.
-
A gift that's as uniquely sweet as they areGifting just got sweeter. You select the number of treats, and Sugarwish takes care of the rest.
-
A 12-pack of wine for under $100Looking for a last-minute gift that's perfect for your favorite vino fan? We recommend a few bottles from NakedWines.com.
-
For those who can take a little heatFilled with gourmet picks from all over the country, each box contains three 5-ounce bottles and is shipped quarterly.
-
Upgraded olive oilAny home cook or foodie will appreciate the gift of premium olive oil. Plus, this bottle looks incredibly chic on any countertop.
-
For the global gourmandEach box comes with up to three spice blends and a chef created seasonal recipe to pair it with.
-
For the sober-curiousThis rotation of flavorful mocktails come infused with herbs and other organic ingredients. Each month includes three zero-alcohol elixirs.
No-fail gifts with quick-shipping or in-store pick up
-
A wonderful smelling candleOne of our favorite scents, Volcano is a fruity treat of tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons, and limes.
-
The coziest slippersThese classic UGG slides have a warm, fuzzy lining and a chunky sole with traction control.
-
For the beauty queenFor the woman who can never have enough lippies, this sample set includes three full-size lip products from Rare Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, and Makeup by Mario, as well as travel sizes from Yves Saint Laurent and Tower 28.
-
The best small firepitCompact in size, it lights quickly and produces a surprising amount of heat.
-
The gift of relaxationThis Renpho heating pad provides necessary relief for achy necks, backs, and shoulders.
-
A burst of caffeineUpgrade their morning coffee; they'll love you forever. The compact Pop+ brews five sizes of coffee without sacrificing counter space.
-
Staff Pick
A cult-favorite body sprayPacked with plum, musk, and jasmine, this scent is rich and full of depth. Some even say its a great dupe for Baccarat Rouge 540.
-
A hilarious card gameThey'll be forever thankful for adding this strategic game to the game night lineup. It's creative, easy to learn, and fun for all ages.
-
A dainty necklaceChoose from tons of stones, with many that can be delivered as soon as overnight.
-
A sleek RFID blocking walletThis classic leather bifold is a smart, stylish way to carry cards and cash.
-
The "It" water bottle of 2025This insulated water bottle , with a built-in straw and leakproof design has become sort of a status symbol among Gen Z.
-
A versatile beanieChoose from over a dozen colors of this classic cap.
Useful tech and hobby gifts
-
A gift to capture future memoriesEligible for 2-day shipping on Amazon, this classic film camera leaves you with a tiny print.
-
A gift to reflect on past memoriesThis finalist from Oprah's favorite things list can be delivered same day for some Amazon Prime members.
-
An Amazon Kindle for book lovers who travelThe latest Paperwhite has a backlit screen with zero glare so they can read it both outside and in bed with the lights out, and is even faster than earlier models.
-
An Echo Spot for the smart-home enthusiastGreat for those who have just started outfitting their home with smart capabilities, or enjoy the convenience of having Alexa around to answer questions.
-
A pair of Apple AirPodsSecure a pair of these online and have them shipped in short order or pick them up the very same day.
-
A frequent flyer must-haveThe AirFly is a nifty little Bluetooth transmitter that allows you to use your wireless headphones or earbuds wherever there's a headphone jack.
-
A pocket-sized speakerThis teeny-tiny waterproof speaker is inexpensive and received high Amazon customer ratings.
-
A bestselling online drawing classThis bestselling drawing class is perfect for complete beginners or advanced artists looking to pick up new skills.
Subscriptions they'll actually use
-
An opportunity to learn from the bestMasterClass is an online platform that has an array of classes taught by celebrities and industry leaders.
-
For listening on the goAn Audible subscription gives them credit to choose an audiobook or several to tide them over on long trips, commutes, or runs.
-
An arts and crafts subscription boxEach month, they'll get a curated box of crafting supplies as well as a virtual workshop to walk them through the steps.
-
A membership to make life easierThe gift of Amazon Prime is always one that'll be met with extreme appreciation, given that it is both practical and thoughtful.
-
An endless closet of designer clothingPerfect for the fashionista in your life and lets them rent something new for any occasion.
-
Hours of endless entertainmentGet unlimited access to movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and National Geographic.
-
A service for freshly delivered bloomsSend beautiful bouquets on a regular basis at the rate of your choosing — weekly, biweekly, or monthly.
-
For soothing meditationsListen to narrated meditations with a Buddhist monk or leverage wind-down guided exercises to enjoy better sleep.
-
For anyone who spoils their dogYou can send a box directly to their house or purchase an e-gift card, which they can redeem immediately.
-
Send them coffee from around thew worldAny caffeine fiend will love receiving beans or grounds direct to their door each month.
-
A Blue Apron subscriptionMeal kits are perfect for anyone who enjoys cooking but lacks the time to do all the planning.
-
Discover a new signature scentThis fragrance subscription service lets them sample designer perfumes and colognes.
Something personalized
-
Fresh, beautiful flower bouquetsUrbanStems is available in 48 states, and some bouquets have next-day delivery.
-
A virtual message from their favorite starCameo offers over 40,000 celebrities and entertainment personalities to choose from.
-
A monthly curated option deliveredThe Book of the Month Club is a service that narrows a selection of new releases down to five options.
-
For the sentimentalistCustomize a photo book of favorite memories, travel adventures, or a year-in-review. Express shipping options are available.
Out-of-the-ordinary gift cards to send immediately
-
A gift card for their favorite eatsGoldbelly brings regional foods like NYC bagels and Southern BBQ right to their doorstep.
-
A gift card to try fitness classes near themA ClassPass membership helps them figure out what they like without the pressure of committing to a gym right away.
-
A gift card that supports local bookstoresEvery purchase on the site helps support independent bookstores around the country, and the selection is massive.
-
Take it hot to goAllow them a night off from cooking with an opportunity to try local cuisine.
-
A favorite destination for unique giftsLet your giftee discover something quirky and delightful with a certificate to this gifting marketplace.
-
A gift card to encourage that much-needed vacationA Hotels.com gift card can help them easily book accommodations.
-
A gift card for a bottle of something niceReservebar excels in specialty wine and spirits, but recipients can have their pick of just about anything.
-
An e-gift card to Everlane for anyone who loves the basicsFrom cozy cashmere to classic button-downs, we can't think of anyone who wouldn't be able to put an Everlane e-gift card to use.
-
An e-gift card to Warby Parker for the glasses-wearerWarby Parker has affordable prescription glasses (pairs start at just $95, including lenses), and stylish non-prescription sunglasses.
-
For the beauty junkieThis annual subscription allows the recipient to shop from the luxury beauty warehouse at insider pricing.
-
A gift card to frame their art or photosThey'll enjoy the chance to custom-frame something for their home with Framebridge.
-
A fun way to freshen up their wardrobeRecipients can try out different brands and styles they may not usually buy and it's easy to return pieces.
-
An easy way to book travelAirbnb has thousands of listings for private home vacation rentals around the globe and across the US.
-
A customizable suitcaseFrom confetti to marble patterns, Calpak offers suitcase designs for every traveler.
