We’ve all been there — holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries are just around the corner, your schedule starts getting more chaotic, and you still haven’t picked out a gift. You think you have plenty of time to get the perfect present — and then suddenly the occasion is just days away and you still need a gift. Whether it just slipped your mind or you decided to give a gift impromptu, we’ve got you covered. Last minute gifts don’t have to be totally impersonal, and if you’re in need of last-minute gift ideas for the holidays, a birthday, or any other occasion, then you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of easy-to-get and easy-to-make presents that are thoughtful and unique — from easy personalized gifts to clever subscriptions and everything in between. We’re sharing 46 last minute gift ideas that will give you both inspiration and DIY tips.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to get gifts for friends, family members, or coworkers — there’s something on this list that will fit everyone’s needs. As you decide on your gifts, think about items that’ll be truly appreciated and enjoyed. Don’t forget: if you’re looking for last minute gifts around the holidays, be sure to pair it with a unique Christmas card! Holidays may be stressful, but finding last minute gifts doesn’t have to be!
1. Custom Jigsaw Puzzle
Perfect for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and for your home and family, high-quality jigsaw puzzles are both interactive and collaborative. While friends and family members sit together enjoying each other’s company, you can relish knowing you’ve created a gift that’s memorable, enjoyable, and irreplaceable. Create small picture puzzles for kids or design more challenging adult puzzles. Choose from 500-piece puzzles, 1000-piece puzzles, and more to make sure they’re as difficult or and as fun as you want.
2. Photo Prints
Smartphone cameras take great photos, but those images then languish in the camera roll, gathering virtual dust until they are forgotten. Creating a tangible image instantly is much more fun. You can hang prints as custom wall art, put them in a beautiful frame, or give them away in a keepsake photo album. With our online photo printing service, you can upload those favorite photos and turn them into beautiful photo prints that suit your style and celebrate everyday memories. When you need 4×6 prints right away, you can order online and pick them up at a local store in as little as one hour. Look for the 1-hour pick-up link on the review order page. For detailed step-by-step instructions, read In-Store Pickup: How to Order.
3. Subscription Boxes
One thing we love about subscription boxes? They are incredibly thoughtful gifts, even if you don’t remember to buy them until the last minute. Get your friends and family the best subscription boxes that offer instant subscription gift cards or subscriptions that can be sent directly to the loved ones on your list, whether they’re looking to join a new wine club, indulge in some self-care, jazz up their home decor or enjoy some goodies.
4. Colorful Wall Art
Brush a blank canvas with joyful colors like yellow, pink and blue. Choose an uplifting quote or phrase for a personalized touch.
5. Decorative Photo Frame
Another easy-but-sentimental idea? Print out one of your favorite photos with them, then pop it in a stylish frame. Framed prints for holidays like Christmas and Mother’s Day or special occasions like graduations are great gift ideas. Metallic and rustic framed prints are a thoughtful way to turn your favorite photographs of your family and little ones into something Grandma will cherish every time she looks at it. Or, a beautiful framed photo print of a baby with a modern style picture frame is the perfect gift for new parents.
6. Specialty Cupcakes
If your gift recipient has a sweet tooth, a great last minute gift idea would be to whip up a batch of chocolate or vanilla cupcakes, then top them with special treats like fresh berries and crushed candy bars. Package them in a gift box for a professional presentation.
7. Fresh Baked Bread
Everyone can appreciate some gourmet bread fresh from the oven. Stop by their favorite bakery and grab a loaf of something special. Wrap it in a personalized tea towel for a special touch.
8. Clay Jewelry Dishes
Form beautiful jewelry dishes out of clay. Line the edges with acrylic paint for a decorative touch. The lucky receiver will have a place to store their earrings, rings and other jewelry.
9. Custom Necklace
These custom necklaces look beautiful and are easy to personalize. Just use the recipient’s initials, name, or a cute phrase. We offer a lovely selection of custom bar necklace design options so you’ll be able to find the design that bests suits you or the person to whom you’re giving the necklace. Once you’ve selected the metal type, you can customize it to fit the style and personality of the person who will be wearing it.
10. Crocheted Jute Coasters
Make a set of coasters by crocheting jute twine into small disks. These coasters fit well with other rustic and farmhouse decor.
11. Mason Jar Flower Bouquets
Paint the outside of mason jars to create colorful vases. Fill them with fresh blooms or fabric flowers depending on the season.
12. Family Cookbook
Share family recipes and experiment with new cuisines when you make a cookbook with Shutterfly. A personalized cookbook also makes a perfect last minute gift for special occasions. Create a grilling cookbook for dad this Father’s Day or give your adult child a cookbook for graduation as they prepare to move out on their own. Create special moments and celebrate your favorite memories in unique ways with custom cookbooks.
13. Personalized Candles
Custom candles make a great last-minute gift. We’ve all been in that situation where we’ve forgotten a gift for someone important and don’t want to go generic. That’s why we’ve created unique solutions that allow you to get customized, special gifts quickly. We offer several shipping options, including rush and super rush shipping that is guaranteed to arrive by a certain date. Don’t panic when you’ve waited too long to order that special gift.
14. Personalized Notepad
Customize a notepad for jotting down memories or writing to-do lists. Shutterfly makes it easier than ever to turn your favorite memories, artwork, and photographs into beautiful personalized stationery pads. Browse through Shutterfly’s vast collection of custom notepad designs and choose your favorite. From watercolor and floral designs to monogram styles, there’s something for everyone.
15. Cheeseboard
Charcuterie board connoisseurs will flip for this custom cutting board that doubles as stand-alone accents on countertops and even on mantles and shelves. The cook in your life will love showing their skills on their very own personalized wood cutting board. Budding chef in your kitchen? A custom cutting board engraved with their initials is a wonderful way to encourage their new hobby, and they will beam with pride each time they use it.
16. Citrus Extracts
Place citrus peels and alcohol in mason jars to make your own extract. Try lemon and orange—both of which are great for baking and cooking.
17. Wrapped Bottle of Wine
Grab a bottle of red or white wine and your gift is almost complete. Wrap it in a custom wine bag, tote, or tea towel then head to the party!
18. Flower Subscription
Send beautiful bouquets on a regular basis at the rate of your choosing — weekly, every two weeks, or monthly. Choose from a variety of floral themes, from roses to plants to pet-safe options. This new twist on a classic gift is one that’ll keep on giving.
19. Gift Card To Their Favorite Music Streaming Service
Sometimes the simple, practical route is the way to go when it comes to last-minute gifting. If they’re one for spontaneous at-home dance parties or screaming their favorite songs in the car, a free month of their go-to music streaming service can prove to be just as thoughtful as a gift that’s purchased weeks in advance.
20. Personalized Gifts For Pet Lovers
If you’re looking for a pet lover’s gift, you’ll find what you need in this well thought out collection to honor all furry friends. Personalized pet gifts for humans abound in this luxurious collection including stationery, drinkware, home décor, jewelry and books. Whether your beloved friend barks, purrs, chirps, or neighs, you’ll find the perfect gift for all pet lovers, and even the pets, too! Shutterfly features personalized gifts for pet lovers that can be tailored to your favorite styles, themes, occasions and holidays. And, of course, adding timeless photos of the beloved pet will make this a cherished gift!
21. Mason Jar Herbs
For the friend that loves being in the kitchen, grab some popular fresh herbs like rosemary and mint and plant them in a simple mason jar. They’ll be able to keep it on their windowsill for easy maintenance.
22. Wooden Utensils
Enhance a set of wooden utensils by engraving a loving phrase or saying. Spoil your giftee with a set of personalized wood utensils and hope they invite you over for a dinner party at some point.
23. Photo Tiles
Everyone appreciates having beautiful wall art for their photos, posters, or artwork — but no one actually likes paying for it themselves. They’ll enjoy the chance to change up their walls with custom photo tiles. Bonus points if you also print and send cute family photos.
24. DIY Flower Magnets
Liven up someone’s refrigerator or office with these floral accents. Adhere fabric flowers to small magnets for an easy, yet beautiful last minute gift idea.
25. Hanging Cork Board
Make a cork board covered with photo prints for your next homemade gift idea. They are super easy to make, inexpensive, and practical!
26. Fruit Basket
Fill a basket with all sorts of fruits: apples, bananas, kiwis and mangos. Some of the most appreciated last minute gift ideas are simple and practical.
27. Personalized Journal
Have a friend or coworker who loves to write? Make them a personalized journal with a cover that will inspire them.
28. Potted Succulent
Succulents are both beautiful and easy to maintain. Plant one in a mason jar then add a ribbon for a special touch.
29. Skincare Gift Set
Looking for last minute gift ideas for your skincare aficionados? Hydrate your loved ones’ skin against the driest weather and toastiest heaters with a skincare gift set.
30. Beaded Jewelry
Think about the style of the person you’re gifting. If they wear neutral colors, fashion jewelry out of those tones. If they’re more eclectic in their style, bead a bracelet with bright colors.
31. DIY Soap Stones
32. Mini Donuts
Make or buy donuts for one of the most delicious last minute gift ideas. Create a cute tag to secure to your gift bag or box.
33. Tech Gifts
Create personalized tech gifts for all the techies in your life. It can be hard to shop for the tech-loving person in your life who already has it all. Thankfully, with Shutterfly, you can easily find the perfect gift for your techie friends and family. Infuse a little style and charm into their high-tech lives with a variety of custom items that combine technology and personalization for a big impact. Whether you’re looking for unique phone cases, stylish chargers or protective cases for other devices, you’ve come to the right place. With innovative tech gift ideas like these, you’re sure to find the perfect present for any occasion.
34. Glassware
One of the greatest and most appreciated gifts for wine, beer, and liquor lovers is personalized drinkware. Rather than giving a wine bottle as a housewarming gift or a six-pack for a birthday, give a gift that’ll last a lifetime. A personalized wine glass will bring elegance and sophistication to any home.
35. Photo Pillows
Create custom pillows for a friend’s living room or bedroom. Choose neutral fabrics or ones you know will match their decor perfectly. Browse our collection of custom throw pillows to make a pillow for any occasion — Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, holidays, weddings, and more. Once you’ve chosen a design for your custom pillow, upload your photos and customize the text to make the perfect pillow your loved ones will adore. Choose between cotton weave, plush, and sherpa pillows to make a cozy and unique keepsake. Shutterfly’s design template online makes it easy to make your own pillow – you can choose different background colors and layouts that work with your photos.
36. Hot Chocolate Kit
Hot chocolate is the ultimate pick-me-up after a long day at work, and there’s just nothing more comforting than an overfilled mug bursting with mini marshmallows and dusted with chocolate powder. Any family member or friend will love receiving this tasty kit!
37. DIY Dog Toy
38. Tote Bags
Personalized tote bags are perfect for carrying around your laptop, notepad, pens, planner, and other office supplies. These tote bags can also be easily personalized to make great custom gifts for coworkers and friends. If you’re designing one or more cotton tote bags to give as gifts and want to add another personalized gift to go along with it, Shutterfly offers a huge variety of other customizable gifts.
39. Cookies in a Jar
Layer the ingredients for chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookies into a mason jar. Write the baking instructions on a note card and attach it to the lid.
40. Simple Earrings
Beautiful, dangling earrings aren’t hard to make. With only a few supplies, you can create several sets in a matter of minutes.
41. Custom Magnets
Don’t worry about where to buy magnets anymore. With Shutterfly, you can create magnets for every occasion as special gifts. The custom magnets can stick to so many different surfaces that you know your friends and family will be able to find a place for your gift.
42. Organic Chapstick
Stir together the ingredients for an all-natural chapstick: beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil. Add a flavor like mint for a yummy accent.
43. Fun Coupons
Need last minute gift ideas for him or her? Create a set of coupons for date nights, massages and taking on extra chores around the house.
44. Virtual Classes
For the insatiable scholar, yearlong access to virtual classes will prove to be an invaluable gift. Your giftee will be able to take a variety of virtual classes with famous instructors: cooking, skateboarding, writing photography, and so on.
45. Global Snack Subscription
For the dedicated nosher with an international palate, consider giving snacks from around the globe with a snack subscription box. Each box contains an assortment of sweet and savory treats from a different country.
46. Tile Coasters
Personalize coasters using tiles as your foundation. Adhere scrapbook paper—whether it’s floral or rustic themed—for unique decor that can be used in the kitchen or dining room.
Wrapping Up
We hope this list of last minute gift ideas will help to inspire your purchases before the special occasion is officially here! Whether it’s something they need, or something a bit more sentimental, that special person in your life will appreciate the thought, effort, and love that you put into getting their gift. Don’t forget that the best gifts are both practical and personalized. If you’re still unsure of a last minute gift, try a custom cutting board or a canvas tote bag. Whatever gift you pick, don’t forget a personalized note card, and you’ll have the peace of mind that they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness.
