We’ve all been there: You realize your friend’s birthday is tomorrow, and you haven’t had time to pick up a card yet, let alone a gift. Or, your anniversary snuck up on you this year and you’re frantic because you have no idea what to get your spouse – and you’re running out of time. Last-minute gift-giving is a common occurrence, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Edible Arrangements® offers a large selection of beautiful, delicious fruit arrangements and gift sets for any occasion to take the hassle out of last-minute gift-giving.
For a last-minute birthday gift, consider our mouth-watering Birthday Pineapple Drip Cakes™ & Berries with fresh strawberries dipped in gourmet semisweet chocolate topped with white chocolate Happy Birthday sentiments and fresh, cake-shaped pineapple dipped in gourmet chocolate and decorated with colorful chocolate glaze and sprinkles. Or, our FruitFlowers® Bouquet – Edible® Donut, a tasty assortment of strawberries, berries, grapes, and more, topped with a delightful Edible® Donut – a donut-shaped Granny Smith apple dipped in gourmet chocolate and decorated with colorful chocolate glaze and sprinkles – makes a perfect last-minute gift for a birthday or any occasion.
Need to brighten someone’s day or wish them well? Our Bundle of Cheer gift set has it all: chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate dipped pineapple, and an assortment of fresh fruit in a keepsake container, plus a box of mixed Dipped Fruit™ and a fun and cheerful balloon. Our Chocolate Indulgence Box is a versatile and affordable gift for any occasion, with three sizes starting at just $19. Need to say, “I love you”? Our Berry Sweet Bundle fits the bill, featuring a cuddly plush bear and an arrangement filled with chocolate dipped strawberries and cake batter-flavored white chocolate dipped strawberries topped with sprinkles, paired with a festive love-themed balloon.
Browse our selection of birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, thank you gift baskets, congratulations gifts, anniversary gifts, and more – even “just because” gifts – to find an amazing last-minute gift for a friend, loved one, or business associate, for any occasion.
Great Last-Minute Gift Ideas
For more last-minute gift ideas, we put out a call for ideas and curated responses below. (Note: Edible Arrangements® is not endorsing any of the products or ideas discussed below, but we asked for suggestions to get some different perspectives.) Keep reading to find out what the contributors who responded to our query had to say.
Ethan Taub
Ethan Taub is the CEO of Goalry and Loanry.
“If you are looking for a last-minute gift, you can never go wrong with something for the office. A new diary or calendar is usually something that people need but always forget to buy for themselves. The younger people in your family may need a diary for school too, so it is a very versatile gift. You can get some that come with pens or files, so there is a lot of variety there, too. If you are struggling to know what to get someone, this is the perfect gift.”
Lucas Robinson
Lucas Robinson is the CMO of Crediful.
“My favorite last-minute gifts have to be unusual gifts. These gifts are usually not on everyone’s wish list, but this is due to them not knowing these items exist. You want to give your loved ones something to make them smile and something that will be the most memorable gift of the day, so why not buy them an experience day? An experience gift means you don’t have to wrap anything, and it is something they can look forward to once the festivities have ended. However, if your budget isn’t able to manage this, how about a gift that can be used every day, like a novelty USB storage device or chocolates that are shaped to look like something else? Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t like chocolate?”
Lisa Torelli-Sauer
Lisa Torelli-Sauer is an Editor at Sensible Digs. After graduating from the University of South Florida in 2002, Lisa enjoyed ten years working in financial services for both large and small companies. After her sons were born, she decided to become a stay-at-home mom and has since immersed herself in the ins and outs of motherhood and housekeeping.
“A regionally themed food basket is an excellent last-minute gift idea. The best part about this present is that you can find everything you need at the grocery store. It’s especially fitting this year since most people aren’t able to go to their favorite restaurants during pandemic shutdowns.
Think about the person receiving the gift – what is their favorite type of cuisine? Or, what kind of cuisine do you think they might like to try? Once you’ve decided on a region, head to the grocery store. Collect several items that are typical for the region you’ve chosen.
For example, if you’ve decided on an Italian food theme, pick up some fancy pasta, a good Italian cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley. Put the items in a gift bag or basket. Add some ribbons and a cute card wishing them “Buon appetito,” and your last-minute gift idea is complete!”
Jacob Pinkham
Jacob Pinkham is the CEO of In Smooth Waters.
“One time it was my wife’s birthday and I still hadn’t bought her a gift. This was before I found my work/life balance.
I ran around the store, picked up a lasagna, a Dean Martin CD, two candles, and a bottle of red wine. The idea is to have a romantic night in.
I didn’t want to buy her a gift that wasn’t worth it, just for the sake of buying a gift, so I bought her an experience. A romantic night in with her husband may not be the adventures often sought, but it is a night we have always remembered.”
Joselyne Peralta
Joselyne is one of the founders of PBH Foods, a bakery committed to delivering delicious desserts that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and contain no refined sugars or oils.
“My favorite last-minute gift idea, honestly, is my products. I am guilty of giving our products to family members and they love it. In an era where everyone wants things NOW, it is really hard to find gifts that people do not already have. My husband and I only give consumable gifts, and our products are perfect for that. The little candles that you give people might never be lit, and the sweater you gave grandma will likely sit in the closet with the rest of the sweaters you have gifted her in previous years. Gifting something like cookies or donuts will be eaten. It has also been a weird year, so gifting something sweet can definitely bring a smile to someone’s face this year.”
Ian Kelly
Ian Kelly is the VP of Operations at NuLeaf Naturals.
“When I need to throw together a last-minute gift, my go-to idea is to get a nice but inexpensive mug and fill it with some chocolates and gift cards. Most grocery stores and pharmacies have a selection of gift cards for coffee shops, online music downloads, or bookshops, so I get a nice assortment of cards and put them in the mug with some nut-free chocolate bars and candies. A gift card alone is a little impersonal, but a selection of cards, treats, and a good novelty mug add a more personal touch.”
Katherine Crow
Katherine is the Co-Owner of Janie’s Cakes.
“My favorite last-minute gifts are gifts from Janie’s Cakes. Janie’s Cakes is a mother-daughter-owned bakery located in Tyler, Texas, making old-fashioned pound cakes using a family recipe developed by the real Janie and her grandmother Papu. Each bundt shaped pound cake is made using precise amounts of pure, quality ingredients – no exceptions. They’re packed to perfection in our signature yellow and white striped box with a blue ribbon and can be mailed nationwide for every occasion.”
Sally Rong
Sally Rong established RELLERY, a crafted-in-the-USA jewelry brand, in 2018. While her plans and dreams for the brand evolved, her ultimate goal has always remained the same – to craft meaningful, high-quality jewelry, sold at a fair price.
“Jewelry can be some of the best last-minute gift ideas. Small kitchen appliances, electronics, and monthly subscriptions for essentials can be at the top of your list. But sometimes, as the special date draws nearer, you may begin to feel a little sentimental and wish that you had also included something from the heart. The first thing to keep in mind is that jewelry can be meaningful without being overly expensive. Pieces with initials, quotes, and titles like mother, wife, and daughter will never go out of style. Plus, you won’t always have to wait to have something inscribed as there are so many more options readily available these days, due to their popularity. If you feel like you’re just missing that one special gift, carefully selected jewelry will never disappoint.”
Samantha Moss
Samantha Moss is the Editor and Content Ambassador at Romantific.
“I’m fond of giving gifts and sometimes I just forget to buy some, which always leads me to buy my favorite last-minute gift. Personally speaking, receiving gifts is one of the best feelings that almost everyone loves to feel. That’s why I always see to it that I always give gifts to the celebrator.
As for me, my most favorite last-minute gift idea is giving vouchers or gift cards that they can use to buy the things that they want. This makes your life easier when choosing the best gift to give, and it allows the receiver to choose what gift she wants for herself. You can get vouchers and/or gift cards from almost every retail or online store, where you can usually purchase gift cards immediately. That’s why gift cards are perfect for last-minute gift ideas.”
George Sheaffer
George Sheaffer of Sheaffer Construction is a local Northern Virginia builder who has been in the family business since before he can remember.
“My favorite last-minute gift is easy: A nice card with a note. That’s enough. Most of us have everything we need, so just the gesture can make a huge impact. Plus, a personalized note can carry a lot more weight than an unnecessary object or material item. Plus, if you aren’t into writing your own notes, Hallmark can help!”
Michelle Devani
Michelle Devani is the Founder of LoveDevani.
“Gifts or presents are given to someone to show your affection and appreciation. As a relationship expert, I always believed that it’s always the thought that counts. When you know the person so well, you know exactly what to give.
Try giving scented candles. You can never go wrong when you give away scented candles. There are a lot of different styles, shapes, and scents to choose from depending on what you think your recipient needs most.
Hand out journals. Although some people now use online journals, there are still some people who prefer to write in a physical journal. To them, it’s still more therapeutic to have to write things down.
Give them a potted succulent to instantly brighten their day. Succulent plants also help purify the air, can add fresh oxygen to your environment, and can help improve focus.”
Sonya Schwartz
Sonya Schwartz is the founder of Her Norm.
“Here are two of the best last-minute gift ideas:
- DIY Resin Jewelry. Since resin becomes a trend, it is best to give this as a holiday present. Make it a necklace or an accessory that every girl will love.
- Easy-to-Maintain Plants. We all know that COVID-19 led many people to love plants since it is their way to relieve stress while staying at home. Plants are one of the best last-minute gifts you can send. Plant one in a beautiful pot with a special touch of ribbon and a card, and you are good to go.”
Edgar Arroyo
Edgar Arroyo is the President of SJD Taxi.
“Portable chargers or smart home assistants, such as Google Nest or Amazon Echo, make for great last-minute gifts as they are very practical.
You can also make a donation to a charity of your recipient’s choice as a last-minute gift. You can buy gym passes, Amazon Prime memberships, or Kindle Unlimited subscriptions as a gift, as well.”
Lisa Sanchez
Lisa Sanchez is the fashion editor of The Nines, a site that features celebrity fashion exact matches and “buy it for less” versions of every outfit. Lisa has been working in various roles in the fashion industry since graduating from the University of Colorado in 2012.
“For last-minute gifts, I like to personalize something that can be purchased in a snap: a subscription box. Sometimes my friends are big fans of coffee, socks, or makeup, but they don’t treat themselves that often. I like to jump start that enjoyment by paying for a few months of a subscription that they can continue or easily cancel. Also, in pre-COVID-19 days, I bought annual memberships to museums or experiences (like skydiving) for friends. All you have to do is order, print, and wrap!”
David Cusick
David Cusick is the CSO and Executive Editor of House Method.
“One of my favorite last-minute gift ideas is this electric heating pad. With a lot of us working from home, in front of our laptops, it’s easy to develop muscle cramps and neck and shoulder pain. This heating pad can provide immediate relief and help you relax.
Another suggestion is this giftable signature garden. If your giftee loves to cook, this will
help them start their own garden of herbs, spices, and vegetables so that they’ll always have fresh ingredients within reach.”
Estelle Russo
Estelle Russo is the Founder of Paleo Safe, a Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer who calls North Texas home. She combines the latest personal training trends and advice on healthy eating with her clients and readers online.
“My personal favorite last-minute gift is a cheese and meat board from a local butcher shop. This is the perfect choice because every town has a local butcher with a few ‘to go’ options so you are covered if you are traveling out of town, and your excuse for shopping at the last minute is that you wanted the meat and cheese to be as fresh as possible. It also goes well with every holiday and season. Plus, who does not like a sampler tray? I recommend picking a bottle of your friend’s favorite wine to make the gift even better.”
John Barnes
John Barnes is the Design Editor for Lamps Plus, the nation’s largest lighting retailer that carries all the top brands alongside thousands of exclusive and patented designs in lighting, home furnishings, and décor.
“Have someone in your life that likes to burn things on the grill? Get them an LED BBQ light so at least they can see what they’re doing. It doesn’t matter if it’s grilling season or not, this gift will absolutely excite anyone.
If you’re buying for someone that already has a lamp they like using, get them a USB workstation base. You place the lamp on top and the base, and it has USB and outlets built-in.
Here are my top two last-minute gift ideas that add a personal touch. You may not have thought of these before, but table sculptures and decorative pillows are exceptional and thoughtful gifts. A table sculpture is a cost-effective way to add personality to any room, and decorative pillows give any decor a quick style boost.”
Ruaan Neel
Ruaan Neel is the Co-Founder of Electric-Biking.
“My absolute favorite last-minute gift that works every time is to give someone a ticket for something they would enjoy, whether it’s a play, rave concert, art show, museum, or sporting event, festival. I like receiving and giving experiences to people instead of things, although a book is always a great choice for a gift, as well.
We used to do Secret Santa for Christmas in my old firm, and one year I got a massage voucher. It was just what I needed at that time because I was under a lot of pressure at work. People usually think, ‘I should go for a massage,’ but you never really get one for yourself, so it was a perfect present.”
Oliver Walsh
Oliver Walsh is the Co-Founder of ASYSTEM, a science-backed company whose aim is to make self-care easy. They offer supplements, skincare, recovery, and pain management products created by combining the best of science with the best of nature.
“With COVID underway, many of us were not able to visit our friends and family this year. You may have even put off purchasing gifts for others because of this current situation. However, buying gifts and having them sent directly to your loved ones is an ideal option this year and anytime you can’t celebrate with friends and family on a special occasion. Here are some favorite last-minute gift ideas:
- Care packages: Massaging tools, essential oils, bath salts… all the things that can help reduce stress this year make perfect gifts for anyone.
- Gift cards: Who doesn’t love a gift card? This gift allows your loved ones to purchase exactly what they want.
- Meal box subscriptions: Since having meals with family members may not be in the cards right now, why not send a meal (or two)?
- Small business finds: Small businesses offer many unique gift ideas. You can find a unique gift at a local shop or online retailer and support a small business.”
Lily Ugbaja
Lily Ugbaja is the Founder of Mombabyheart.
“Some of my favorite last-minute gift ideas include:
- A 6 or 12 pack of wine from an independent winemaker.
- A subscription with a florist shop to have fresh bouquets delivered.
- A beautifully embroidered fleece pullover for the winter season.
- A gift card – you can never go wrong with one.”
Benjamin Smith
Benjamin Smith is the Founder of Disco Skincare for Men. Before moving to Austin in the spring of 2016, Benjamin attended Wake Forest University, where he graduated in Communications and Entrepreneurship and launched two boutique gyms during his Junior year. Ben raised outside funding, scaled the businesses, and eventually sold both in the fall of 2018. Benjamin also worked as a Marketing Director at Houston-based En-Plast Technology, where he oversaw all marketing efforts.
“A quick and easy last-minute gift is a self-care set. Almost every store, from Dollar Tree to Bloomingdale’s, sells kits equipped with a range of essential body care and beauty products. These sets are geared for virtually every audience possible. Whether it’s a DIY nail kit for your niece, a shaving kit for your brother, a perfume and body lotion set for your co-worker, or a face cleanser and mask set for your spouse, self-care sets will make a perfect last-minute gift.”
Roy Ferman
Roy Ferman is the founder & CEO of Seek Capital. Roy has led Seek Capital from incubation to the market leader in startup business funding, having funded in excess of $400 million to startup business owners. Prior to founding Seek Capital, Roy was the CEO of Breakthrough Ads, a digital ad agency specializing in SMB focused verticals. Roy has worked with SMB financing since 2010 and continues to expand the offerings of Seek Capital.
“A great last-minute gift is a nice mug or wine glass with the recipient’s initials on it. Most department stores with household items sell them, so it would be an easy and inexpensive find when you need a last-minute fix. The personalization of the letter will make it so sentimental, the recipient will never know it was a last-ditch effort.”
Nik Sharma
Nik is the CEO of Sharma Brands, a strategic-initiatives firm working with a wide range of brands to help grow and scale revenue across digital platforms. Nik is one of AdWeek’s Young & Influential, Forbes 30 under 30, and an investor and advisor to some of the fastest-growing brands in commerce.
“A nice, quick last-minute gift would be a houseplant. Grocery stores like Ralphs and Trader Joe’s have decent sized nurseries that include plants like orchids, aloe vera, and varieties of succulents, which are all, for the most part, very easy to care for and make for trendy home decor.”
Daniel Shapiro
Daniel Shapiro is the Founder & CEO of Fourlaps. He has a decade-long career in the fashion industry, with a focus on corporate retail merchandising. In August 2016, the industry vet fulfilled a childhood dream of launching an apparel company, Fourlaps, a New York-based brand that creates functional athletic apparel. Daniel resides in New York City, where he can be found working on upcoming collections.
“A cool last-minute gift is a picture frame. Whether you want to gift someone a trendy painting or a framed picture of a fun memory, a picture frame is a quick and easy way to brighten someone’s day that won’t break the bank.”
Jonah Phillips
Jonah Phillips started Crossword Hobbyist in 2013 because someone told him not to start a website for teachers, and he doesn’t like being told what to do. He gave Crossword Hobbyist its sister site, My Word Search, in 2015. Jonah graduated from the University of Chicago. He currently lives in New York.
“Personalized word puzzles made at Crossword Hobbyist or My Word Search would make a great last-minute gift for anyone! With a subscription you can make unlimited unique crossword puzzles or word searches in minutes, customize the look of puzzles, share puzzles online, or print or save them as a PDF. Anyone can also make a single customized puzzle for just $6.”
Jill Caponera
Jill Caponera is a New York native who has called Los Angeles home for the past five years. She holds a BS in Public Relations and Organizational Communication from SUNY Plattsburgh in Plattsburgh, NY. Jill is a Consumer Savings Expert at Promocodes.com and enjoys spending her free time browsing flea markets, crafting, camping, and hiking.
“A great last-minute gift idea is a personalized photo blanket that you can quickly and easily create online on sites such as Shutterfly.com. Personalized gifts are a thoughtful way to show someone that you care. It will appear that you’ve put a lot of time and effort into the process, even if you didn’t!”
Brooke Brumfield
A California native, Brooke Brumfield grew up between her birthplace in Lake Tahoe and the hills of Orange County. Born into a TV newsroom out of college, she cut her teeth as a producer at ABC affiliates in Oregon and San Diego for the first three years of her career. She has since put her CSU, Chico degree in Journalism to use through community outreach, strategic communications and PR across industries including non-profits, ski, travel, finance, technology, consumer packaged goods, small business, and much, much more. She lives in the small town of Verdi, Nevada with her husband James, their Bernese mountain dog Smokey, and daughter Juniper. Brooke is also last-minute gift-giver.
“I’ve found that the most well-received gifts are 1) things people won’t buy for themselves and 2) things people hate shopping for. Thank goodness for online shopping because I can either buy a gift certificate online and write it into the card or print it up last minute, OR I can ship it straight to their house in a day or two.
“Where I’ve really found my stride, though, is with subscription boxes. This is something I’ve found is a HUGE hit for my friends and it keeps giving. I gave my husband a subscription to Harry’s Shave Club recently. A friend got BarkBox for her two lovable dogs when she watched mine.
“For my close female friends of my age, I’m REALLY in love with PantyDrop – an underwear subscription that’s high-end and highly personalized.”
Cynthia Rowland
Cynthia Rowland is the founder/CEO of Rejenuve, Inc., a successful beauty and anti-aging business. She is the creator of the Facial Magic facial exercise program, the inventor of the Luscious Lips lip plumper, and the author of two books.
“One last-minute gift idea that is always welcome by beauty lovers is the at-home SkinRehab Roller micro-needling device. The SkinRehab Roller treats the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven pigmentation. The 580 titanium needles disturb the skin so that our body’s amazing healing capability kicks in to enhance the area in need of repair.
“In the past, these skin-loving treatments had to be done in a doctor’s office with a steep price tag, sometimes in the hundreds of dollars for one treatment. The SkinRehab Roller retails for only $19.95, which includes instructions and a storage case.”
Adam Barraclough
Adam Barraclough is in charge of communications for Can You Handlebar, a men’s grooming company with a focus on beards and mustaches. He is senior editor and a contributor to Can You Handlebar’s educational blog, The Beard Mentor. He’s been growing and caring for his beard since 2000.
“Can You Handlebar products are an excellent gift for any man. They let him know that not only are you thinking of him, but that you respect and appreciate his decision to grow and maintain a beard. And they are a gift that gives back, helping him to look his best while softening and nurturing his facial hair and addressing the dryness, itch, and flaking that many men experience when first growing a beard.
“Our goods are thoughtfully designed, from the use of premium natural ingredients to packaging built for real everyday use, and all of our products are made right here in the U.S. That’s not just a point of patriotic pride; it allows us oversight on quality control from manufacturing to the day it ships out of our Mt. Clemens, Michigan warehouse.
“Our goods are sold in barbershops and salons all over the world, as well as in every U.S. location of The Art of Shaving. We also retail through Amazon as well as our own site, offering free shipping on all domestic orders.”
Dr. Saniya Deshpande
Dr. Saniya Deshpande is the founder and CEO of an ethical fashion non-profit called Kindred Belle.
“We produce beautiful, vibrant apparel for women inspired by the planet’s most majestic and vulnerable creatures. Our best sellers have been the elephant and whale scarves and active wear. With each purchase, we donate 100% of the profits towards the care and conservation of the animal on your clothing, by fostering the animal on your behalf for one year! Each purchase comes with an adoption certificate, news, photos, and updates on the animal’s well-being for one year! We’ve partnered with leading wildlife funds such as David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, who care for orphaned elephants and rhinos. Other partners include Orangutan Foundation International in Indonesia, Whale and Dolphin Conservation in Canada, Galapagos Conservancy, etc.
“This is the perfect gift for women – teachers, partners, kids and animal lovers in general. It’s a great way to show your gratitude and love, while also reminding them of that each time they get an update on their foster-baby elephant!”
Srajan Mishra
Srajan Mishra is the CEO of TSI Apparel. He is an electrical engineer by degree but an entrepreneur at heart. Srajan has hands-on experience and skills in Graphic Design, Website Design, SEO, Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing, Content creation & promotion, etc.
“I would say the best last-minute gift idea is an Amazon Prime Subscription for three months. It offers great value to the recipient, and if they already have a subscription, it turns into a gift card, which they can use to buy whatever they desire.”
Samira Vicinanza
Samira Vicinanza is the PR Manager at ZigZagZurich, a home textile brand based in Zurich and born in 2013.
“Our Artist Cotton Blankets collection is the perfect gift (also last-minute because we have fast and free shipping). We collaborate with artists and designers and translate their art into the medium of textile, creating amazing, high-quality products for the home.”
Paige Arnof-Fenn
Paige Arnof-Fenn started a global branding and marketing firm 17 years ago and always tries to tailor her gifts to clients’ tastes and interests. She is the founder & CEO of global marketing firm Mavens & Moguls based in Cambridge, MA. Their clients include Microsoft, Virgin, venture-backed startups as well as non-profit organizations. She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School. She is a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes.
“Last-minute ideas that have been successful for me include gift certificates for hot restaurants, health & wellness things like massage or acupuncture, movie theater passes, or for my sports fans a box of goodies from their favorite teams. In my experience, people genuinely appreciate thoughtful gifts that align with their lives. Plenty of companies send generic holiday gifts to everyone, but as a small business you can really stand out by tailoring your gifts to meet their needs.”
Eartha Watts-Hicks
Eartha Watts-Hicks is a mom from New York City area and also an award-winning author. Her work is on Amazon.
“I always say never allow the knowledge to go to waste, so I have recently developed a Planner and Journal series to empower through time management, as well as sharing tools tips, advice, quotes, and resources.
“My latest releases are A Planner Is a Girl’s Best Friend and the Everyday Excellence Student Planner, featuring the phenomenal little Ms. Celai West and the photography of Ms. Katie Moffit.
“My planners are perpetual, filled with activity sheets that give our little ones a preview to those important life lessons that are often omitted from the school curriculum (like cursive writing and how to tell time on an analog clock).
“For those who have a daughter, niece or goddaughter, this is a great last-minute surprise for back-to-school or any gift-giving occasion.”
Bernard Meyer
Bernard Meyer is a digital marketer, food enthusiast, and fiction lover. He runs the Meyer Food Blog with his wife and cooks whenever he has a chance.
“Subscription boxes. Yup, subscription boxes are gaining in popularity because they make everything so convenient nowadays.
“Of course, you’ll need to make sure you know what the recipient will love and enjoy. If you do, then you can start them off with a 3-month subscription box. The best part: you don’t have to leave your home to get started, and some companies deliver the first box in a few days. Some of my personal favorites include:
- men’s tie and socks boxes
- men’s health boxes
- popcorn of the month boxes
- women’s nail and face boxes
“The amount and availability for subscription boxes is amazingly varied, and I’m pretty sure anyone can find something for themselves or the special people in their lives.”
Rachel Avery
Rachel Avery is the Digital PR Executive at Find Me A Gift.
“Every person is unique and individual, so it’s important – even if it’s a last-minute gift – that it shows some thought and effort. A great gift idea would be a gift experience voucher! There are hundreds on the market, and some give you the option of over 100 experiences, including spa days, super car driving, skiing, and weekends away. They are ideal for the person who has everything or someone who loves to try something new.”
Shelley Grieshop
Shelley Grieshop is a Creative Writer/Public Relations at Totally Promotional.
“This idea is for everybody who’s ever had to scramble for a last-minute gift that needs to be personal. Good luck, right? Well here’s an idea that will save you a lot of time in the future: Take your favorite quote or saying. You know, the one everybody knows is you. Combine it with a design that fits. Extra points for you if your design is your creation! Place your text and design on a travel mug or can cooler and order a couple dozen of them. When they arrive, put them away for that day you realize you forgot to get your best friend a birthday gift, or when your co-worker is having a tough week. These gifts are personal, ready to go, and really quite affordable.”
Rebecca Graham
Rebecca Graham writes and manages blog content for BestCompany.com, an independent and impartial review site where companies don’t pay to play and consumers can access real customer reviews and educational materials to help them decide which companies are best for them. She also manages content for the Gift Baskets site at BestCompany.com.
“Relive a moment in time. So many of us primarily post photos digitally with a large group of followers, making photo sharing somewhat impersonal. For a last-minute, yet meaningful gift, make a favorite memory tangible by printing a candid picture of yourself with your loved one. If you don’t own a photo printer, you can get a printed photo — and several other photo products — printed within an hour at Walgreens or even immediately if you go in with your file ready to go. It doesn’t get much more last-minute friendly than that!
“Slip your photo inside a card with a handwritten letter that describes how much the memory means to you. Consider including a gift card or cash that will pay for the two of you to enjoy a similar activity again. And, of course, it wouldn’t hurt to deliver the gift with a treat he or she can enjoy right then!”
Kathy Selders
Kathy Selders is the Co-Founder and Board President of Charity On Top. She is a fundraising expert and consultant for nonprofits along with her business partner, Marchelle Sellers. Their BIG goal is to push money to nonprofit organizations — as much as possible to as many as possible. It is the heartfelt, mission-driven fanatical philosophy of Charity On Top that we need to keep charitable giving at the top of our minds and weave it into our everyday actions.
“More often, people are choosing to give gifts of charity. Donating to charities on behalf of gift recipients has become a popular alternative to giving more stuff. But how do you choose which charity to support?
“How about giving your recipient the ability to donate money to their favorite charity? With Charity On Top gift cards — physical cards or digital options when you need it right away — the recipient can choose to donate to any of the 1.8 million charities registered in the US.
“Charity On Top gift cards are the most inclusive way to provide meaning to your gift giving. These gift cards empower your recipient to donate money to the charity they care about most, rather than the charity you think they care about.
“The great thing about gift cards is you can purchase several at a time and have them on hand for last minute gift giving – or purchase one online and have it delivered instantly by email.
“Charity On Top provides a variety of designs for all occasions, or you can build your own custom design using your own images. They’re perfect for birthdays, wedding gifts or favors, mitzvahs, memorials, holidays, clients, employees, and for those occasions where they say ‘no gifts please.’”
Marilyn Robertson
Marilyn Robertson is the Owner of Jack and Mary Designs. All of their products are one-of-a-kind and handmade in Maine, USA. They are a proud woman-run company and have been evolving and building their business for the past 14 years. Her brand has been built around giving life to old sweaters – they are firm believers in recycling, repurposing, and reusing materials. All products are made from once-loved wool and cashmere sweaters.
“My product is The Original Memory Mittens. It will make a great last-minute gift and it covers many gift categories. You are basically delivering a future gift.
“The idea for this product was born out of the desire to preserve a sweater from a loved one in order to keep their memory alive. It all started when a friend asked if we could repurpose an old wool sweater that her late mother had worn to all of her sister’s Olympic ski races. To honor her late mother, we carefully refashioned the cherished sweater by cutting it into parts and thoughtfully piecing it together to create handmade mittens that would ensure her mother would always be by her side.
“HOW IT WORKS: A customer orders a memory mitten box to their home. Inside each box you’ll find instructions, a personalization form, and a shipping bag to mail us your sweaters. Once received, we review your personalization form, follow-up with any questions, and then get to work! Your Original Memory Mittens are shipped back to you in 2-4 weeks and cost $50 per adult pair or $40 per children’s pair.”
Alex Cook
Alex Cook is the founder of NanaGram, a service that lets you mail monthly, printed 4×6 prints to a loved one with just a text message. He and his brother built it as a gift for their late grandfather on his 94th birthday.
“Printed photos are an awesome last-minute gift idea. So many of us snap photos of our loved ones and adventures, only to forget to send them to print. People in the older generations like my parents (I’m 32) and grandmother absolutely love printed photos. A 4×6 printed photo is 33% larger than an iPhone screen, and unlike a digital photo frame you have to keep plugged in, printed photos can be displayed anywhere around the house. You’d be surprised how people of all ages light up when you give them printed photos. They’re kind of like vinyl records. In the past decade, prices have plummeted. You can get photos printed at so many places including Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, and Amazon.”
Elena Ledoux
Elena Ledoux is the Founder and Chief Mommy at Mommy GO.
“A great last-minute gift idea is an inspirational book with a hand-written note about how that book is meaningful and made a difference in your life. Or, a donation to a non-profit on behalf of your gift recipient.”
Tyler Weinrich
Tyler Weinrich runs W Properties, a real estate investment company in Oklahoma City. He buys a lot of gifts for people at closings (buying or selling a home).
“Some last-minute gift ideas I would use are anything that frees up the time of the recipient. A good example is purchasing a lawn-mowing service for someone for a summer. On one hand, you bought them free lawn care, but you also gave them time back. Maybe that is 30 minutes or two hours a week they can do something else with. Another good last-minute gift idea is a subscription to a monthly box service like one that delivers food or make-up or clothes. This turns out to be two gifts in one…they get the gift you give them, and when the box comes they get another. Subscription boxes are easy to buy as you can do it online in a few minutes.”
Rachel Stephens
Rachel Stephens is a customer behavior analyst for Totally Promotional.
“Think local. When in need of a last-minute gift, Amazon Prime can come to the rescue, but your thoughtfulness might not shine through. Or, perhaps you don’t even have that 2-day-shipping window. Think local! If you are giving a gift to someone from out of town, a goodie box full of hot items from your city or town would be quite memorable. If the gift is not from someone out of town, local gifts can still feel thoughtful and special. Choose a box of macaroons from the place across town that they never get a chance to treat themselves to or another local specialty. Check your local Chamber of Commerce page for ideas!”
Anastasia Sharova
Anastasia Sharova is an entrepreneur and creator of Happy Bellyfish, an online Healthy Cooking School.
“In today’s world of technology, you can get amazing gifts without leaving your house and even without waiting for delivery. I’m talking about gift vouchers that you can order online and receive per email – this type of gift can be in your hands literally in a matter of minutes! The best gift vouchers are not for material things, but for experiences. According to the interest of your loved ones you can gift a tour, a spa treatment, a cooking class, or even an online course in any subject they like.”
David Soberman
David Soberman is the head of Global Marketing at Motif, which is a new consumer brand and software extension for Photos on macOS that allows users to create custom photo books, cards, and calendars. He is an experienced MBA Manager with 10 years+ of marketing, e-commerce, pricing, and data analytics experience in technology, finance, retail, and CPG industries.
“For the procrastinators out there, there is nothing more special than a personalized photo present from your family or close friend. Even if you’re not crafty or tech-savvy, photo gifts are extremely simple to create. Plus, today’s photo books come in all sizes, qualities, and prices for every budget and occasion.”
Elizabeth Blau
With an impressive career spanning nearly three decades, James Beard nominee Elizabeth Blau is credited with transforming Las Vegas into the world-class culinary destination it is today.Together with her husband, Chef Kim Canteenwalla, Elizabeth owns and operates Vegas-based Honey Salt, Andiron Steak & Sea, and a portion of Buddy V’s Ristorante. Recently, the renowned restaurateur has also ventured beyond the US border, spearheading the food and beverage concepts behind the $600 million Parq Vancouver. She has been featured on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” the Martha Stewart Show, CNBC’s “Restaurant Startup,” and more.
“How do you find the perfect last-minute gift without making it look like a last-minute gift? As a mom, wife, restaurateur, business owner, traveler, and now cookbook writer, I find myself constantly strapped for time and therefore asking this question more than I’d like! The secret is giving a gift that is both practical and heartfelt – but also extremely versatile, easy to find, and quick to ship. My new cookbook, for example, has so much depth, creativity, and versatility that there truly is something for everybody! In addition to insider tips and tricks, there are sections tailored to kids, throwing the perfect dinner party, and knowing which tools to keep in your pantry. Find something that most people will like – a cookbook, for example – and trust Amazon to do the work! My cookbook, Honey Salt Food and Drink: A Culinary Scrapbook, is now available on Amazon Prime, meaning you can get it within two days! Now that’s holiday magic.”
Kris Calef
Kris Calef is the President and Founder of MonthlyClubs.com® since 1994. After an early marketing career at IBM, he now operates six monthly subscription boxes including cheese, chocolate, flowers, and more.
“A subscription box membership sent straight to your door makes a great last-minute gift idea for anyone and any occasion. Options like cheese, chocolate, or flower of the month club memberships can be purchased online in minutes along with a customized gift announcement that’s immediately sent to your loved ones. Subscription boxes are the gift that keeps on giving and give members the opportunity to explore and learn about gourmet products from artisanal craftsmen around the world.”
Edible Arrangements® offers dozens of delicious ways to solve your last-minute gift-giving needs, no matter the occasion. Browse our wide selection of birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, thank you gift baskets, congratulations gifts, anniversary gifts, “just because” gifts, and more to find the perfect gift for any occasion. No matter what you choose, your gift recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness!
