The Best Last-Minute Christmas Gift Ideas Under $30
For some people, Christmas only truly feels like home when they’re cozying up by the fireplace, eating Christmas cookies, or hanging their favorite ornaments on the tree. For me, the holiday season only feels unreal when I’m panicking and frantically typing out “last-minute gift ideas” hours before the Secret Santa gift exchange .
If you’re like me, you’re putting off at least one gift until the Christmas delivery window is over. Calm your panic—I’ve rounded up the best ideas for physically wrapping a gift for the holidays, even if the only option is a trip to the drugstore . Here are gift ideas that cost under $30 (if you’re willing to get creative). Even when the thought is important , something is better than nothing.
Original kitchen equipment
Unique kitchen utensils are a popular and unusual holiday gift. Take, for example, these wooden spoons with smiley faces, which you can buy for $19.80 and receive before Christmas. Or you can choose a sauce (or chip and dip!) bowl for $20.92 . A search for “unique kitchen utensils” typically yields fun and surprisingly useful results.
If you’re planning last-minute shopping, you’re sure to find some kind of homemade popcorn maker on sale. Get one for Christmas for $24.99 on Amazon right now .
Inspirational candle set
With a little more effort, you could afford an Adam Driver-scented candle . But you didn’t plan it, and that’s okay.
You can still get this high-quality Lulu candle for $19.95 . Candles are also a reliable option in stores, but avoid anything that smells cheap and weird. Look for trusted brands like Yankee, Boy Smells, Nest, or Diptyque (though the latter is generally more expensive).
Card game “We’re not really strangers”
“We’re Not Total Strangers” runs the risk of being incredibly clichéd, yet it’s still a favorite among many (unlike the simple shock value of, say, “Cards Against Humanity”). The goal of this card game is to strengthen bonds through heartbreaking personal revelations. The clues on the cards will spark conversation and help mend relationships between old and new friends—just remember, to play fairly, you need to be prepared for some deep reflection. Get it this Christmas for $25 on Amazon .
Everything is fluffy, cozy and warm.
If you live in a cold climate, you can always embrace the holiday theme and give something fluffy, cozy, and warm. These gifts also fall into the category of “things that would improve my quality of life, but I never buy for myself.” I wholeheartedly recommend this $24.99 blanket sweatshirt or maybe these cloud-print socks for $11.45 . Again, if you can pick these items out in person at the store, it’s much easier than relying on express delivery.
Original mugs
Of course, mugs are an incredibly popular gift option. But you’ve left the shopping until the last minute, so there’s no time to quibble. How about something to fill these mugs with? Even if the recipient isn’t a big tea or hot cocoa drinker, this is a smart item to have around the house for entertaining during the holidays.
Trader Joe’s sells a selection of teas for around $3 (my favorites are ginger-turmeric and “fall blend”). Add a mug with a cute squirrel inside for $19.99 . Giving something you can drink is the perfect combination of charm and practicality.
Have a blast at your local pharmacy!
As I wrote earlier , sometimes the only option is the pharmacy. Head to Walgreens and pick up their full selection:
-
Gift cards
-
Candles
-
Cosmetic bags
-
Therapeutic massager
-
Jewelry
-
Thermal mugs
-
Calendars or diaries
-
Notebooks
-
Coffee/tea sets
-
Wine and a corkscrew (depending on your state’s alcohol laws).
-
Picture frames
-
Electronic devices such as headphones or portable chargers.
These items aren’t necessarily bad gifts, but many of them can easily be perceived as last-minute purchases. The success of these gifts from the pharmacy will depend on the charm of the giver and the ease of the recipient.