No shipping needed: 5 last-minute gift ideas you can deliver now

 

 Just because you forgot to buy something special for the holidays doesn’t mean they need to know you forgot.

BY Doug Aamoth

Shipping deadlines? Checkout lines? Traffic? Christmas morning panic? Amateur hour—all of them.

Whether you’re forgetful, inconsiderate, or just plain unorganized, eleventh-hour gifts don’t always demand springing for exorbitant shipping fees or, worse, diving between Target’s sliding doors mere milliseconds before the store closes.

These last-minute gift ideas prove that you can be thoughtful, creative, and budget-conscious, all while appreciating the convenience the 21st century.

Entertainment

A subscription or gift card to a popular streaming service is a present that truly keeps on giving. It requires very little effort on your part, and expects very little effort on your recipient’s part.

No shipping needed: 5 last-minute gift ideas you can deliver now | DeviceDaily.com

If, for some reason, you’re feeling especially ambitious, you could curate a list of show or movie recommendations based on your giftee’s unique tastes, or even suggest a virtual watch party to enjoy some streaming time together. 

Gaming

If the person you’re gifting is a gamer, nothing—and I mean nothing—says lovin’ like some in-game currency or, better yet, credit that can be used toward full games.

 
No shipping needed: 5 last-minute gift ideas you can deliver now | DeviceDaily.com

Just make sure you know their gaming preferences, including the platform or platforms they use to game.

 

Online Learning

Even though school’s out for a bit, for the person who loves to learn and explore new ideas, gifting them access to an online course or workshop could be perfect.

 
No shipping needed: 5 last-minute gift ideas you can deliver now | DeviceDaily.com

Platforms offer a wide range of subjects, from photography to coding, cooking to creative writing. They can explore a new passion or develop their existing skills over the break.

 

Subscription Boxes

Sometimes, a gift that keeps on giving month after month is the perfect solution. Remember how happy Clark Griswold was when he got that Jelly of the Month subscription? Wait, maybe I’m mis-remembering that.

No shipping needed: 5 last-minute gift ideas you can deliver now | DeviceDaily.com

Anyhow, From coffee and snacks to books and beauty products, there’s a subscription box for almost every hobby. Best of all, it’s a tangible gift that you can initially give virtually.

 

Audiobooks

There are officially too many podcasts to sift through, so let’s all resurrect the tried and true audiobook.

No shipping needed: 5 last-minute gift ideas you can deliver now | DeviceDaily.com

Whether a single audiobook or a gift membership to an audiobook service, this is a great gift for someone to enjoy stories while commuting, exercising, or relaxing.

 

 
 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Doug Aamoth is a former writer and editor at TechCrunch and TIME Magazine, and has written for Fast Company, PCWorld, MONEY Magazine, and several other publications. With more than 20 years in consumer electronics, tech media, digital video, and software, his goal is to make technology approachable and useful for everyone, helping readers stay informed, productive, and secure in the digital age. More


Fast Company

(1)