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For some people, it only feels like Christmas when you sit comfortably by the fire, eat Christmas cookies or hang your favorite decorations on the tree. For me, the holiday season only feels real when overwhelming panic sets in and I feverishly type “last minute gift ideas” in the hours leading up to it Secret Santa Exchange.
If you’re like me, you put off at least one gift until the pre-Christmas delivery window slips away. Calm your panic – I’ve rounded up your best chances of physically getting some wrapping paper to get a gift – even – in time for the holidays if your only option is to go to the pharmacy. Here you’ll find gift ideas that all cost less than $30 (as long as you’re willing to get a little creative with them). Even if that’s it thought that countedsomething is better than nothing.
Last minute options with pickup options available now
Use this list of ideas that, at this point, should still have items available for in-store pickup before Christmas. Even if these specific items aren’t available at a location near you, let the gift idea inspire you with some available alternatives. Or order them now and bring them to your loved ones sometime in 2025.
New kitchen equipment
New kitchen equipment is an unusual Christmas present. Take this mini waffle maker, available for Now $9.99 at Target. Or you could opt for something that will serve more people at once, like a double dipping bowl (with spoons!) for $26.94 at Target. As a rule of thumb, searching for “quirky kitchen appliances” is fun and yields surprisingly useful results.
As far as last-minute shopping goes: There is definitely some form of a popcorn popper for your home. Come by in time for Christmas $28.94 at Walmart if you choose same-day delivery or in-store pickup.
An inspired candle range
With a little more planning you could have treated yourself a candle that smells like Adam Driver. But you not Plan, you are reading this article in a state of panic and despair. What are you doing? Head to Walgreens and buy a candle or four! If not Walgreens, go to a TJ Maxx, dollar store or grocery store. What I mean by this is that you can buy candles anywhere. Good luck.
Card game “We’re not really strangers”.
However, “We’re Not Really Strangers” offers a special level of authenticity (as opposed to the simple shock value you get from something like “Cards Against Humanity”). The goal of this card game is to create connection through devastating personal revelations. The prompts on these cards will spark conversation and foster connections between old and new friends – but remember that to play fair, you must be willing to delve deep. Come by in time for Christmas $25 at Target if you choose same-day delivery or in-store pickup.
Anything fluffy, cozy and warm
If you live in a place where it gets cold, it’s always a safe bet to get in on the holiday theme and gift something fluffy, cozy, and warm. Gifts like these also fall into the category of “things that would improve my quality of life but that I never buy for myself.” You can’t go wrong with a cozy reversible blanket $28.99 for Pottery Barnor maybe some quality wool socks for $27 from Darn Tough. Again, if you can go to a store to select these items in person, you’ll be in better shape than if you were to pray for overnight shipping options.
Clever cups
It’s true, mugs are a dangerously popular gifting option. But you’ve been putting off shopping until the last minute, so now’s not the time to be picky. And how about something to fill those cups with? Even if the recipient isn’t a big tea or hot cocoa drinker, having them at home to host guests during the holidays is a smart thing to do.
Choose a selection of tea flavors $3 at Trader Joe’s (my favorites are the ginger turmeric and harvest blend). Throw in a cup that looks like a gnome house $13.99 at Macy’s. Giving the gift of something that people can sip on is the perfect mix of charm and utility.
Try it at your local drugstore
Like me previously writtensometimes your only option is a Hail Mary. Head to Walgreens and pick up a selection:
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Gift cards
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Candles
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cosmetic bags
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Therapeutic massager
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Jewelry
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Insulated cup
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Calendar or planner
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Notebooks
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Coffee/tea packages
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Wine and a corkscrew (depending on your state’s alcohol laws)
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Picture frame
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Electronic devices such as earbuds or portable chargers
These items are not absolutely necessary bad gifts, but many are easily recognized as last minute purchases. The success of drugstore gifts depends on the charm of the giver and the chill factor of the recipient.
