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20 Ways You Can Still Nail Last

Source: publishtime:2025-01-07 07:15:35

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Canada Goose

20 Ways You Can Still Nail Last-Minute Holiday Shopping

Just ’cause you waited too long to shop doesn’t mean you have to show it.

By Trishna Rikhy

So you waited until the very last minute to do some holiday shopping. Hey—I'm not judging. I'm notoriously a last-minute gift shopper myself, but I've gotten so good at it over the years that nobody would suspect it. The secret is finding gifts that feel like they have some thought put into them. So this year, don't go to your local Barnes & Noble to peruse the random trinkets and knickknacks they have at checkout, randomly scooping up a handful and giving them out to everybody on your list (guilty). Instead, shop this list of 20 perfect, thoughtful, last-minute gifts that don't feel last-minute at all.

  • Fringed Logo-Jacquard Wool Scarf

    the luxe accessory

    Burberry Fringed Logo-Jacquard Wool Scarf

    Read moreArrow down Regular Icon
  • AirPods Max

    the everyday hero

    Apple AirPods Max

    Read moreArrow down Regular Icon
  • Pure Silk Pillowcase

    the silky stocking stuffer

    Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase

    Read moreArrow down Regular Icon

You may have waited too long to get your shopping on, but I didn't. I found gifts below that a) have fast shipping times and b) are sure to check your giftee's boxes. There's something for everybody here, so you really have no excuse anymore. I know you're a procrastinator, but do yourself a favor and get these gifts ASAP—the longer you wait, the worse holiday shipping will be, and you may find yourself standing in line at Barnes & Noble on Christmas Eve after all.

the luxe accessory

Burberry Fringed Logo-Jacquard Wool Scarf

Fringed Logo-Jacquard Wool Scarf$390 at MR PORTER

Two things are always surefire gifts: wool scarves and anything Burberry. Put 'em together and you have the ultimate chic, stylish gift that anyone will love. Plus, Mr Porter's fast shipping comes in clutch for the holidays—the brand delivers five days a week, from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and in my experience, you usually get your packages about three days after you order them (of course, postal speed varies during the holiday season), so be sure to put in your order by December 21.

the everyday hero

Apple AirPods Max

AirPods MaxNow 16% Off$549$459 at Amazon

Amazon famously offers very speedy shipping, so anything from the mega retailer is a safe bet. For these headphones, order by December 21 to get 'em by Christmas Eve. Apple's AirPods Max are more than a safe bet—they're the accessory that everybody wants, even if they already have a pair of functional headphones.

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the silky stocking stuffer

Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase

Pure Silk Pillowcase$76 at Nordstrom

Everybody sleeps, so everybody can use a pillowcase. I got this silk pillowcase for Christmas a couple years ago and I've used it ever since. Silk pillowcases are soft and cooling, and they make your skin and hair look better. So really this is a gift that'll improve their sleep and looks. A win-win. And if that weren't enough, Nordstrom offers free (and speedy) shipping—just order soon to be on the safe side.

the convenient card

Uber eGift Card Gift Card

Gift Card$15 at Amazon

Here's the beauty of a digital gift card: You can literally buy it, like, five minutes before the family starts unwrapping presents and be totally fine. This one goes straight to your giftee's inbox, with as much Uber and UberEats money as you're willing to load—and since there's no delivery or fee, don't be stingy.

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the soft slippers

Madewell Mocassin Loafers

Mocassin Loafers$78 at Madewell

A pair of comfy, cozy, and chic loafers never hurt anybody. And if you order by December 22 with overnight shipping, these'll still arrive by Christmas.

the affordable kitchen gadget

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

Mini Waffle Maker$10 at Amazon

For only ten bucks, this cute little waffle maker makes for the perfect stocking stuffer for everybody—but especially for your kid in college who just wants a damn buttermilk waffle straight from the dorm room. Amazon Prime, as usual, offers same-day delivery to select areas.

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the perfect home good

Crosley C62 Record Player & Speakers Shelf System

C62 Record Player & Speakers Shelf System$279 at Urban Outfitters

For the audiophile in your life, a pair of bookshelf speakers and a luxurious record player to go along with it are the ultimate gift. Crosley crafts a set with a sleek design that looks good in any home—and high-end sound quality, too. See Urban Outfitters' delivery times here.

the cold essential

Canada Goose Garson Vest Black Label

Garson Vest Black Label$650 at canadagoose.com

If you're wanting to gift a timeless little luxury this season, Canada Goose's new black-label puffer vest is just that. It's warm and protective, with a quilted fabric and leather trim. For next-day shipping, order by December 20, before 1:00 P.M.

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the cooking essential

Ninja Air Fryer

Air FryerNow 11% Off$90$80 at Amazon

If your giftee doesn't have an air fryer yet, this will be the gift of all gifts. Ninja's is one of the best on the market, clocking in at under 100 bucks—and available for same-day delivery with Prime.

the quirky gift

Uncommon Goods Compact Swivel Cheese Board with Knives

Compact Swivel Cheese Board with Knives$87 at Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods has some of the best, well, uncommon goods out there. Our 20 favorites are here, and they include this swiveling cheese board that comes with a knife set—your charcuterie game just got so much better. See the brand's shipping options here.

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the high-tech skin care

TheraBody TheraFace Mask

TheraFace MaskNow 17% Off$599$499 at Therabody

Give the gift of better skin. The TheraFace LED mask uses red light, blue light, and infrared therapy to improve the looks of aging, including fine lines, sagging, and dark spots. The brand typically ships within two to three days, so order fast.

the cozy cashmere accessory

Everlane Cashmere Ribbed Beanie

Cashmere Ribbed Beanie$75 at Everlane

A little cashmere goes a long way. Everlane's ribbed beanie is soft and warm, not to mention versatile as hell. See the brand's shipping times here.

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the comfy cable-knit

J.Crew Cotton Cable-Knit Rollneck Sweater

Cotton Cable-Knit Rollneck SweaterNow 42% Off$118$68 at J Crew

Not quite sure what kind of clothing to get them? Fear not—a timeless cable-knit sweater from J.Crew is a welcome addition to any and every closet. Order by December 20 to guarantee delivery by Christmas.

the trendy sneaker

Adidas Originals x Wales Bonner Samba Millennium Paneled Croc-Effect and Metallic Leather Sneakers

Samba Millennium Paneled Croc-Effect and Metallic Leather Sneakers$250 at MR PORTER

Back to Mr Porter's fast-AF shipping, because it's a safe bet—if your giftee has even a slight interest in footwear or fashion, you've gotta get 'em these Adidas x Wales Bonner sneakers. They're on my wish list (and in my shopping cart, just in case), so get these quick—I might just beat you to it.

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the practical staple

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Bottle with Straw

FreeSip Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Bottle with Straw$32 at Amazon

This stainless-steel water bottle is Esquire editor approved tenfold. In fact, ever since I got my Owala, I've been drinking so much water that my doctor actually, honestly told me I need to hydrate less. True story. Depending on where you live, you can get same-day delivery on this water bottle thanks to Prime, too. To be safe, just order by December 23.

the homey fragrance

Diptyque Feu de Bois (Wood Fire) Medium Candle

Feu de Bois (Wood Fire) Medium Candle$110 at Diptyque

A Diptyque candle is one of the best things you can have in your home. They smell amazing, last for ages, and look beautiful—honestly, this just might be a last-minute gift for yourself this year. Plus, if you order by December 22, you'll receive it by December 24.

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the cozy blanket

Soho Home Claudius Throw

Claudius Throw$445 at sohohome.com

Soft, fluffy, and cozy as hell—this blanket is the gift that just keeps on giving. Soho Home offers three-day delivery, so place your order by December 21 to have it on Christmas Eve.

the chic jewelry

Louis Vuitton Catch It Bracelet

Catch It Bracelet$340 at Louis Vuitton

LV's monogram bracelet is subtle yet stunning. It's an accent piece that works for everyone, no matter their style. If you order by 12:00 P.M. EST today, you can enjoy complimentary express delivery for December 24.

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the functional decor

Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Emberton II Portable Bluetooth SpeakerNow 41% Off$170$100 at Amazon

If you're really stumped, Marshall's retro-inspired portable speaker is a gift that looks good in any home. Whether they're a true audiophile or a casual listener, this is the gift that really makes some noise. And here's to Prime's quick shipping, baby.

the everyday essentials

Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch 5-Pack Boxer Brief

Cotton Stretch 5-Pack Boxer BriefNow 46% Off$71$38 at Amazon

Every man needs underwear—they may as well be Calvin Klein, which are currently on sale and available for fast-AF shipping. If you order by December 20, you can have these at your doorstep by December 23.

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