21 Actually Thoughtful Last-Minute Gifts You Still Have Time to Buy
Ah, the last-minute gift hustle. It’s okay, we’ve all been there. And there’s no shame! Life is busy, work feels even busier, and the holiday season books up your calendar faster than you realize. Take a deep breath—we’ve got you covered. Each of these thoughtful gifts can be ordered online with speedy shipping or are available for in-store pick-up, ensuring you’ll be able to spread Christmas cheer even if it’s mixed with a little procrastination.
Still, our advice: Don’t keep dragging your feet. Though these last-minute gifts should all arrive in time for the holidays, we recommend ordering ASAP to be extra safe. That way, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday season with time to spare. Below, we've noted a few key dates to keep in mind as you shop and wrap gifts:
- The last date for USPS Priority Mail Express packages to arrive by Christmas (within the US) is December 20
- For Amazon shoppers taking advantage of Prime two-day shipping, you'll need to order gifts before December 22
- Shopping at Nordstrom? Look for ‘Pick Up Today’ and ‘Pick Up Tomorrow’ options when you're selecting the item's size so you can pick up in-store and still avoid some of the holiday crowds
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Lara Kramer.
Need some more inspo? Check out Traveler's Amazon Storefront for even more of our favorite travel gifts.
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Wolf Caroline Travel Jewelry Case
Marshall Willen wireless speaker
A portable speaker has so many use cases for travelers—bring it on a leisurely bike ride, to the beach, on a boat, or to an Airbnb.
Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Perfect for any traveler with a long-haul flight coming up, this neck pillow has an adjustable hook-and-loop closure to keep it secure and comfortable while you try and get some shut-eye. The removable cover is machine washable, too, making it easy to clean post-vacation.
Béis The Weekender Bag
An editor favorite, this Béis bag has everything we could want in a weekender: A separate bottom compartment for shoes or dirty clothes, a trolley sleeve that converts into a pocket, a removable shoulder strap, and several interior pockets for organization.
Perilogics Universal in-flight airplane phone mount
A travel gadget they're sure to love, this handy phone holder clamps on to tray tables, luggage handles, and other surfaces, so you don't have to hold your phone while watching a TV show or movie in transit.
Tempur-Pedic sleep mask
You can't go wrong with a plush eye mask. This one comes from Temper-Pedic, and yes, it's made with the mattress brand's signature plush, adaptable material.
Telena Travel toiletry bag
If they're still tossing their toiletries in a gallon-size Ziploc bag, it's time to convert them to the Dopp kit life. We like this style for its top and side handles and copious amount of inner pockets.
Aura Carver photo frame
Meet the perfect way for your favorite traveler to display all of those trip photos sitting on their phone. This 10.1” HD digital display can show off stunning mountaintops, bustling city streets, and perfectly poised selfies in just minutes through an easy-to-use app. With free, unlimited cloud storage and an option to preload with curated photos and videos, it’s the perfect thoughtful last-minute gift.
Vibes High-Fidelity earplugs
The gift that provides peace and quiet in-flight or in one’s own home, these reusable earplugs are a packing essential. Featuring three adjustable silicone earbud options for the optimal fit and a hardshell travel case for easy portability, your favorite traveler can stuff them into any carry-on or backpack, even if they’re a chronic overpacker.
Dr. Loretta gentle hydrating cleanser
You can’t go wrong with any product from Dr. Loretta. A dermotologist-founded, female-run brand, Dr. Loretta products have a particular focus on combatting exposure to real-world environmental aggressors that leave skin feeling healthy, glowing, and revived. The gentle hydrating cleanser offers a boost of hydration and seeks to reduce irritated, inflamed skin, whether from long travels or general life stressors.
Kodak Smile instant bluetooth printer
If you've been meaning to finally organize trip photos, what better accessory to have at hand than this small photo printer? Compatible with both iOS and Android, it’s wireless and prints high-quality photos in black and white or color in seconds. Be safe and throw in extra film for whoever you’re giving it to.
Homesick scented candle
Sometimes, even your most well-traveled friend will find themselves grounded with no upcoming trips on the horizon. When these periods hit, bring the experience to them. To wit: Homesick Candles tap into our most emotional sense, smell, from our favorite places—cities like Chicago and San Francisco, and countries like Mexico for the homesick expats out there. As far as last-minute Christmas gifts go, this is a rather thoughtful one.
Sachajuan Thickening shampoo
For the friend who is always complaining about their flat, lifeless hair, you can be their fairy lockmother with this thickening shampoo that truly works miracles. Aimed at supporting each individual hair fiber, Sachajuan's Ocean Silk and Thickening Technology detangles and volumizes while also containing UV and heat protection. If you’re feeling particularly generous this holiday season, you can pair the shampoo with Sachajuan’s Thickening conditioner to win extra brownie points.
Reigning Champ terry robe
What makes this robe truly stand out from competitors are the ribbed cuffs (trust me, gamechanger) and oversized hood. This boxing-inspired design offers a sleek silhouette while still being the epitome of comfy cozy. Featuring a thick waistband and deep front pockets, don’t be surprised if you find yourself putting an extra one of these in the cart for yourself (and, frankly, you should).
Parlovable cross band slippers
Any homebody in your life would love a pair of cozy slippers like these. Available in white, black, pink, turquoise, caramel, and more, these criss-cross slippers are perfect to lounge in while working from home. With an open toe, they're breathable but will still keep feet warm and comfy all winter long.
Vitruvi stone diffuser
If someone you know recently moved or wants to make their bedroom more spa-like, this diffuser is perfect as it doubles as a piece of home decor. Diffusers make every room more relaxing and help you unwind after a stressful work day. This one is quiet and has an automatic safety shut off and optional LED light.
Birald grill set
If you need a practical yet fun gift for your family member who always takes charge at the cookout, this grill set has you covered. The 34-piece stainless steel accessory set comes packed with a thermometer, grill mats, BBQ brush, and kitchen shears for cutting bones and raw meat. It all fits inside a portable aluminum case to neatly store everything when not in use.
GoFiltr portable water bottle filter
Finding a sustainable option for clean water on the road can be a challenge, so your loved ones will certainly thank you for setting them up with these filters, which fit inside their portable water bottle and turn the contents into alkaline mineral water in minutes. Not only do they work with all water bottle models, but one pack includes three months’ worth of refills.
