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20 Best Last-Minute Gifts For Those 'I Totally Forgot' Moments

We've got a bunch of digital gifts and presents with quick shipping for procrastinators!

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assorted gifts for christmas for women
Mary Fama

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Look, we've all been there. It's a lazy morning, mere days before Christmas, when it hits you: You still haven't locked down a gift for your sister, mom, best friend, grandpa, cousin... whoever—and the standard shipping deadline has come and gone. Cue the panic? Actually, nope! There's still plenty of time to secure the perfect present.

Sure, you'll have to act now, but with some strategic thinking, you can find a thoughtful gift idea that'll arrive in time. (Shout out to same-day and priority shipping.) And if you really need to push it—because you're so good under pressure!—there are always virtual gifts you can buy literally day-of. TL;DR: Don't let the holiday panic set in just yet—there are some last-minute gift ideas waiting for ya below.

The absolute best last-minute gifts at a glance:


Wait, What Are the Shipping Deadlines?

You actually don't even need to start sweating about shipping... if you order a gift literally right now. You have until December 17 or December 18 to order with USPS (Ground/First Class/Priority), and UPS 2nd Air and FedEx 2Day give you even more time—December 22, to be exact.

Of course, there's always Amazon. Prime members can order by December 22 for Two-Day Shipping, and some items are available to ship December 23 for One-Day and December 24 for Same-Day to still arrive by Christmas.

Keep scrolling to shop our absolute fave last-minute gifts—including chic, practical, and guaranteed to impress finds.

Tons of my girlfriends are obsessed with Nuuly, and for good reason. For under $100 a month, you get to rent six items (anything from formal dresses to winter coats). Then the following month, they'll let you swap 'em out for six more! It's the perfect budget-friendly (and sustainable) way to refresh your closet.

2
this ticket to a future trip

An AirBnB Giftcard

An AirBnB Giftcard

Because memories > stuff. They'll be able to redeem this handy and practical giftcard for a romantic getaway, a girls trip, or other future travels.

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3
this handy travel service

Pack'd Gift Card

Gift Card

Pack'd makes pre-paid shipping bags that you can toss in a suitcase and, should the recipient buy a little more on vacation than actually fits in their carry-on, fill with excess items to be shipped home separately. It's a genius gift for anyone who can't stop booking flights (and overpacking).

This Merry Christmas Experience Gift Box is unlike anything else they'll get for the holidays. You pick the theme and they'll get to choose one of the experiences within your price point. It could be a cozy spa experience, gourmet meal, or winter adventure.

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Stumped on what to buy the friend who has everything? Skip the materials and pick out a pair of concert tickets for a show you can experience together. Lorde, perhaps?

6
this personalized makeup bag

YOOLIFE Initial Cosmetic Bag

Initial Cosmetic Bag

This personalized cosmetic bag is such an easy gift (and sure-fire fave) no matter who's left on your list. In fact, why not just buy the entire alphabet and start wrapping 'em up for the whole friend group.

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7
this AirTag pack

Apple AirTag

AirTag
Now 34% Off

Gift a fresh pack of AirTags to that one friend who's always missing their phone, wallet, or keys—or the one who goes missing the second their vodka soda hits the bloodstream. Maybe both! This four-pack is on sale right now.

This pocket-sized camera is lightweight, easy to use, and has a film roll with 36 exposures and yields around 72 half-frame photos. Perfect whether you're shopping for a content creator, the friend group photographer, or just anywhere who wants to capture the mems.

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9
this spa-like bathroom upgrade

Keenray Towel Warmer

Towel Warmer

A towel warmer is the most underrated home gadgets you can buy for yourself (or someone else!). This under-$90 model will quite literally transform your bathroom into a five-star hotel experience with cozy, warm towels and bathrobes.

You can recreate your fave draft beer pour from home with this beer dispenser that converts any beer's natural carbonation into dense, uniformly-sized bubbles for better aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel—like the nitro style you'd get at the bar.

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The beauty of this wristlet is that you can wear it so many ways. Attach one or both pouches to a larger bag, your keys, a travel tote for easy access, the list goes on.

12
this heated body pillow

Beurer Lux Heated Body Pillow

Lux Heated Body Pillow
Now 14% Off

I promises you this Lux Heated Body Pillow with six (!!!) different temperature settings will change your life—especially in the dead of winter.

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13
this multifunctional hair tool

Wavytalk 5-in-1 Curling Iron Set

5-in-1 Curling Iron Set
Now 28% Off

This 5-in-1 curling iron will change your GRWM game. The multi-functional tool includes four different sizes of interchangeable ceramic barrels and a curling brush, plus a heat-resistant glove and clips to make the blowout process even easier.

14
this personalized cocktail book

Wonderbly How to Make a Name-tini

How to Make a Name-tini

This custom name cocktail book feels so much more personal than another shaker set or new wine glasses. It will literally turn your bestie into their fave drink—and includes tons of other recipes they can try their hand at.

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Give the gift of locked-in glam. This duo gift set of cult-fave Charlotte Tilbury setting spray is the perfect stocking stuffer. In case you're out of the loop: The formula secures your makeup while still feeling totally breathable and hydrating the skin.

This will keep you, your kids, your boyfriend, whoever occupied for hours. Shoppers raved about how the game is "very durable and the perfect size" as well as "easy to understand, setup and play."

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ICYMI, affordable cashmere does exist. This Quince sweater is crafted from the softest, durable, pill-resistant cashmere fabric and comes in so many different colors you can buy a different one for each of your besties.

This digital clock perfectly projects the time right onto your ceiling, walls, or anywhere else thanks to its 180-degree swivel design and sharp, clear imaging.

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This silky two-piece matching pajama set looks and feels so luxurious, and comes in the most charming, whimsical patterns. Anyone will be thrilled to find this style wrapped up under the tree or stuffed inside a stocking.

For the makeup guru, pop culture-obsessed, or former theater kid: this r.e.m. beauty Wicked Makeup Set includes full-sized Waterproof Eye Shadow, All Over Glow Stick, Creamy Lip Liner, and Glossy Lip Balm.

Headshot of Hannah Oh
Hannah Oh
Shopping Editor

Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for. 

Headshot of Megan Schaltegger
Megan Schaltegger
Freelance Writer

Megan Schaltegger is an NYC-based writer. She loves strong coffee, eating her way through the Manhattan food scene, and her dog, Murray. She promises not to talk about herself in third person IRL.

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assorted gifts for christmas for women
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