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For some people, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas until you’re curled up by the fire, eating Christmas cookies, or hanging your favorite ornaments on the tree. For me, the holiday season doesn’t feel real until an overwhelming state of panic sets in and I’m feverishly typing “last-minute gift ideas” in the hours leading up to a Secret Santa exchange.
If you’re like me, you procrastinate at least one gift until the window for pre-Christmas delivery slips out of your grasp. Calm your panic—I’ve rounded up your top prospects for physically getting some wrapping paper around a gift in time for the holidays—even if your only option is going to the drug store. Here are gift ideas that are all under $30 (so long as you’re willing to get a little creative with it). Even when it’s the thought that counts, something is better than nothing.
Use this list of ideas that, as of writing, should have items available for in-store pick-up before Christmas. Even if these specific items aren't available in a location near you, let the gift idea inspire some available alternatives. Or, order them now and get them to your loved ones some time in 2025.
Novelty kitchen equipment is a quirky holiday gift staple. Take this mini waffle maker, available for $9.99 at Target now. Or you could go for something that serves more people at once, like a double dip bowl (with spoons!) for $26.94 at Target. As a rule of thumb, searching for “quirky kitchen equipment” will turn up fun and surprisingly useful results.
In terms of last-minute shopping: An at-home popcorn popper is sure to be available in some form. Get in time for Christmas for $28.94 at Walmart if you opt for same-day delivery or in-store pickup.
With a little more planning, you could have splurged on a candle that smells like Adam Driver. But you didn’t plan, you’re here reading this article in a state of panic and desperation. What are you doing? Go run to Walgreens and buy a candle or four! If not Walgreens, head to a TJ Maxx, dollar store, or grocery store. What I’m saying is that you can buy candles anywhere. Godspeed.
However, “We’re Not Really Strangers” brings a special level of authenticity (as opposed to the simple shock value you get with something like “Cards Against Humanity”). The goal of this card game is to foster connection through harrowing personal revelations. The prompts on these cards will spark conversation and foster connections between friends old and new—just remember that to play fair, you have to be willing to dig deep. Get in time for Christmas for $25 at Target if you opt for same-day delivery or in-store pickup.
If you live somewhere that gets cold, it’s always a safe bet to lean into the holiday theme and gift something fuzzy, cozy, and warm. Gifts like this also fall into the realm of “things that would improve my quality of life but I never buy them for myself.” You can’t go wrong with a cozy reversible throw blanket for $28.99 on Pottery Barn, or maybe some high-quality wool socks for $27 from Darn Tough. Again, if you can head to a store to select these items in-person, you’ll be in better shape compared to praying for overnight shipping options.
True, mugs are a dangerously popular gift option. But you left shopping to the last possible minute, so it’s no time to be picky. And how about something to fill those mugs with? Even if the gift recipient isn’t a big tea or hot cocoa drinker, it’s a smart thing to have in the home for hosting guests during the holidays.
Go for an assortment of tea flavors for around $3 at Trader Joe’s (my favorites are the ginger turmeric and the harvest blend). Throw in a mug that looks like a gnome home for $13.99 at Macy's. Gifting something that people can sip on is the perfect mix of charm and utility.
As I've written previously, sometimes your only option is a Hail Mary. Head to Walgreens and round up an assortment:
Gift cards
Candles
Cosmetic bags
Therapeutic massager
Jewelry
Insulated mugs
Calendars or planners
Notebooks
Coffee/tea bundles
Wine and a corkscrew (depending on your state’s liquor laws)
Picture frames
Electronics, like ear buds or portable chargers
These items aren’t necessarily bad gifts, but many will be easily detected as a last-minute purchase. The success of drug store gifts will come down to the charm of the gift-giver and the chill factor of the recipient.
