7 Awesome, Unique and Easy
Last-Minute Gift Ideas
December is bonkers when it comes to holiday parties, Christmas, Hanukkah, birthdays (like mine) and a million and one reasons why you’re running around like a chicken with your head cut off, made worse by the fact that you forgot to get a much needed gift for somebody.
I know as I often experience it. We all do. Let’s just own it, ok?
Now, I’m not a fan of just getting a gift because I have to give something. Although it’s easier said than done, I like it to feel even a little bit thoughtful. A gift card to a big box store or restaurant falls flat. Straight up cash is even worse.
If you are down to the wire and are realizing that even if you find the perfect gift there won’t be enough time to have it shipped to you – I’ve put together a few of my favourite last minute gift ideas that are:
- Unique
- Thoughtful
- Unexpected
- Wont go to waste
- And BEST of all – can literally be bought from your phone, in the bathroom, at the party, because that friend just showed up that you weren’t expecting and you didn’t bring them a present. No need to go to a store. No need to factor in shipping times.
Below are 7 gifts that I think remove a lot of stress while still making someone feel warm and fuzzy on the inside because you found something special for them.
Ready? Here we go:
Skype
I’ve been using Skype for a few years now and remain a big fan. Many people use it for having text conversations or having computer to computer voice or video calls. I use it mostly to call friends and family from abroad. With either Skype credit or a plan, you can call landlines and cell phones and even send texts. If you have someone on your list who will be travelling or who is far away, this is an excellent gift to help them stay in touch and bridge the gap of distance.
Click here to buy a Skype credit gift card
Etsy
While I shy away from gift certificates to stores, Etsy is an exception to the rule. Essentially, it is an online marketplace where people from all over the world can sell the unique items that they make. You can find almost anything and often get things personalized as well. Even I have an Etsy store where I sell my photography (see it here). So, if you’re really stumped, grab an Etsy gift card and the person can pick out a one of a kind gift that will always remind them of you. Not to mention, you are supporting small businesses!
Click here to buy an Etsy.com gift card
Spotify
Shout out to all the music lovers. The music library on Spotify will blow your mind, making it a great gift to that person who is always listening to some tunes. You can use it on your laptop, phone or tablet while walking, working, eating and so on. It’s music – anywhere, any time. They also have wicked playlists for all sorts of moods or activities and of course, you can make your own.
Click here to check out Spotify
Gap Year Advising
A little shameless self promotion but heck…can you blame me? HA! Is someone you need a gift for going travelling soon? Whether it’s for a couple weeks, months or years, here at Backpack with Brock, I offer a service where I help people plan and prep for their big adventure. I don’t plan the trip for them but instead help them through the process ensuring they depart confident, prepared and ready for the trip of the lifetime. We’ll cover anything and everything from accommodation, budgeting, safety, insurance, vaccinations, visas, transportation – you name it! We have our calls via Skype and everyone has been beyond happy! I’m also always happy to answer any questions!
Click here to connect with me and select a gift amount here
Lynda
If there is someone who loves to learn, grow their skills or is simply creative, Lynda might be up their alley. In a nutshell, it is a website of video tutorials focused on media, creative and business. You can go at your own pace and speaking from experience, the lessons are really easy to understand and absorb. I sometimes found myself watching and learning for hours. Perhaps start your recipient with a month membership and they can always extend if they wish!
Click here to check out Lynda.com gift options
Viator
This website offers tours for you to book all around the world. I’ve had the pleasure of taking nearly 200 tours with Viator and have so many awesome memories to look back on, from swimming with Manta Rays to flying a fighter jet, wine tours, museums, cooking classes, the list goes on. You can get a gift certificate for that special someone on your list that is heading off on an adventure or needs an escape right in their own back yard.
Click here to check out Viator gift certificates
KIVA
You can file this one under the ‘do good’ category. KIVA is one of my favourite organizations and does amazing work around the globe. In a nutshell, they are all about micro-financing, allowing you to make a loan to an entrepreneur who is, most often, in a developing country. The loans posted on the site are usually quite small – anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars – and include everything from fixing a car engine, buying an incubator to raise chickens, purchasing products to increase the size of a shop, or even paying for school fees. Your loan can be as little as $25 and almost aways 100% of loans are paid back to you, meaning, you get to RE-loan the funds in your account. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Awesome right? I’ve helped 5 different people just with the initial $25 I started with a few years ago.
If you hop over to their site, you can give your special someone a gift card by post, email or by printing off the certificate – the last minute solution!
I truly LOVE this gift idea and think it’s an excellent mindful, positive and empowering gift that makes a difference, again and again.
Click here to check out KIVA Gift cards
So, there you have it, 7 unique and awesome gifts that you can get at the last minute without having to go into a store or wait to have shipped and most importantly, they are all sure to put a smile on someones face!
Got any other last minute gifts that I should add to my list? Tell me about them in the comments below. Tip: Share this with someone who might be trying to find that perfect gift for you.
Happy Holidays Friends!
While some links in this post contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own. The price of the product remains the same for you however the company gives me a small portion which helps run this site. Thank you in advance for using these links to make your purchase!
