14 Great Last Minute Gifts For Everyone On Your List

So you’ve just realized it’s only days (or hours!) before a holiday, birthday, or anniversary and you’ve totally forgotten to get someone a gift. You meant to remember this time and plan in advance, but somehow life got in the way. Now, here you are, scrambling to find something they’ll love that you can track down in record time.

While last minute shopping can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some great last minute gifts that are sure to delight anyone on your list. Many of these are gift subscriptions and memberships, and all of them can be purchased online within a few short clicks.

The Book Lover

#1. Kindle Unlimited or Audible Subscription

If the bookworm you’re shopping for already has a Kindle eReader, gift them a Kindle Unlimited Membership Plan so that they can unlock unlimited reading from over 1 million eBooks.

Do they not have time to read as much as they’d like? Consider giving them a subscription to Audible. They can listen anytime and anywhere to a wide range professionally-narrated audiobooks in many genres. Perfect if they’re is looking for entertainment while at the gym, cooking, gardening, or commuting.

The Historian or Art Lover

#2. A Museum Membership

If you’re shopping for a culture or arts buff, consider gifting them a museum or art gallery membership. Not only do they provide free and/or discounted access to exhibits, they also often include invitations to exclusive member-only events and presentations.

Prices vary by location, but as an example, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) gift membership fees comes in at $102 annually per person.

The News Junkie

#3. A Newspaper or Magazine Subscription

Whether it be in hard copy or digital, a publication subscription will keep your loved one informed all year long. This is also a great gift for hobbyists – pick up an Allure Magazine subscription for the beauty lover on your list, or Men’s Health for the fitness fanatic.

If you’re going the digital route, I recommend checking out Texture by Next Issue. My fiancé has been a subscriber for years, and reads magazines on his iPad through the Texture app every work day. They offer unlimited access to over 200 magazines, including back issues. Texture‘s Basic plan is $9.99CAD per month and their Premium plan is $14.99CAD per month. While the Basic plan offers unlimited access to monthly magazines, the extra $5 give you unlimited access to all weekly magazines as well.

The Beauty Lover

#4. A Monthly Beauty Box Subscription

These subscriptions were all the rage a few years ago, and for good reason! They contain a sampling of trial- and full-sized beauty products, and are available for more niche categories as well, like nail polish or men’s grooming.

There’s no shortage of options to choose from, but here are some worth checking out:

• GLOSSYBOX: $69USD for 3 months, $135USD for 6 months, or $234 for 12 months
• Birchbox: $30USD for 3 months, $60USD for 6 months, or $110 for 12 months
• Birchbox Man: $30USD for 3 months, $60USD for 6 months, or $110 for 12 months

The Foodie

#5. Meal Kit Subscription Box

It’s no secret I love meal kits! They’ve taught me how to cook, help me eat healthier, and are a fun date night in activity. Gift the gift of meal planning made easy to anyone who loves food, cooking, or is trying to get their bearings in the kitchen.

Some options to consider are:

• Chef’s Plate (Canada): Offers gift cards (and get 3 free plates of your own when you sign up!). Read my complete review here.
• HelloFresh (Canada, U.S., UK): Offers the ability to gift a meal plan (U.S.), a gift card for a meal plan (Canada), and straight up gift cards (UK). Check out my detailed review.
• BlueApron (U.S.): Offers gift cards. I haven’t tried them myself, but I’ve heard great things.

The Fashionista

#6. A Fashion-Related Subscription Box

If your loved one likes trying new clothes and styles, gift her a membership to Le Tote! Available in memberships from 1 to 6 months, she can get unlimited totes with free shipping both ways.

If you’re not familiar with Le Tote, here’s how it works: your mom will receive a “tote” of clothing and accessories that she can rent and wear for however long she’d like. Once she returns her box (with free shipping!) she can customize another one. Find all the details here.

Another subscription box option is FabFitFun. They offer more variety in their quarterly boxes, including lifestyle and beauty products. Find out more here.

The Snacker

#7. Snack Subscription Box

For healthy eaters or those often on the go, a snack box subscription makes a great gift.

I’ve tried Naturebox in the past and loved their snacks. They offer the flexibility of gifting a gift box or a gift card. Gift boxes range in price from $36.99USD to $204.99USD, and gift cards can be purchased in any denomination.

Love With Food is another good option. I haven’t tried them myself, but they are more focused on health and also donate to a food bank for every purchase made. Now that’s a gift you can feel good about! Gift boxes are available at various price points – shop them here.

The Music Lover

#8. A Music Subscription Service

Skip the boring iTunes gift card and get the music lover on your list a subscription to a music streaming service.

While there are tons of options available, my pick is Spotify Premium which works on multiple devices and has an easy-to-use interface.

The Sports Fanatic

#9.Tickets to a Game

Looking for a more experiential gift idea? Take your friend or family member to to a sports game. As a bonus, you’ll get quality time together! See what tickets are available in your city by searching StubHub. And find more in my post 45 of the Best Experience Gifts for Everyone On Your List.

The Glued To the Tube

#10. A Subscription to Netflix

For many, traditional cable TV has been replaced by Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Crave TV. A subscription makes a fantastic gift they’ll use time and time again.

Looking for some Netflix TV recommendations? Here are my top 15!

If your loved one loves shopping or simply the convenience of getting things quickly, look no further than a gift membership to Amazon Prime. They will be able to order pretty much anything she needs with free two-day shipping and no minimum order size. Plus, they’ll get access to music, TV shows, and movies through the Prime program.

Memberships are available in 3-month and 12-month plans and make a great last-minute gift. Shop here.

I don’t even have a dog, and yet I adore everything about BarkBox! This monthly subscription includes a bunch of canine-friendly items. Gift options include Gift Cards and Gift Boxes.

Check out KitNipBox and MeowBox for feline friends.

The DoGooder

#13. A Socially Conscious Subscription Box

Help your loved one discover and support world changing products, companies, and causes with CAUSEBOX. Their quarter subscription features ethical products that support charities and community empowerment around the globe. Starting at $49.95USD per quarter.

#14. A Donation to Their Favourite Charity

If who you’re shopping for is particularly passionate about a cause or non-profit, consider making in a donation in their name. This is a gift you can feel good about, and can make a big impact on those in need. Many charities will send a card to the honouree, making your gift a bit more polished than a print out of your contribution.