The Best Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas for Under $30
For some people, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas until you’re curled up by the fire, eating Christmas cookies or hanging your favorite ornaments on the tree. For me, the holiday season doesn’t feel real until an all-consuming state of panic sets in and I’m frantically typing “last minute gift ideas” in the hours leading up to the Secret Santa exchange .
If you’re like me, you put off at least one gift until the pre-Christmas delivery window slips through your fingers. Calm your panic—I’ve rounded up your top options for physically getting gift wrapping paper for the holidays, even if your only option is to go to the drugstore . Here are gift ideas under $30 (as long as you’re willing to get a little creative with it). Even if the thought is important , something is better than nothing.
Last Minute Options with Pickup Available Now
Use this list of ideas that, at the time of writing, should have items available for in-store pickup before Christmas. Even if these specific items are not available at a location near you, let the gift idea inspire some affordable alternatives. Or order them now and gift them to your loved ones sometime in 2025.
New kitchen equipment
A novelty for the kitchen is an unusual holiday gift. Grab this mini waffle maker, currently on sale at Target for $9.99 . Or you can opt for something that will serve more people at once, like the Double Dip Bowl (with spoons!) for $26.94 at Target . Typically, searching for “fancy kitchen equipment” will yield interesting and surprisingly useful results.
As for last-minute shopping, there will likely be a popcorn machine available in some form or another that you can make at home. Get ready for Christmas for $28.94 at Walmart when you choose same-day delivery or in-store pickup.
Inspired candle range
With a little more effort, you could splurge on an Adam Driver scented candle . But you didn’t plan, you are reading this article in a state of panic and despair. What are you doing? Go to Walgreens and buy a candle or four! If there is no Walgreens, go to TJ Maxx, dollar store or grocery store. What I’m saying is that you can buy candles anywhere. With God.
Card game “We are not completely strangers”
However, We Are Not Totally Strangers brings a special level of authenticity (as opposed to the simple shock you might get from something like Card Against Humanity). The purpose of this card game is to promote connection through heartbreaking personal revelations. The clues on these cards will spark conversation and strengthen bonds between old and new friends—just remember that to play fairly, you need to be willing to dig deep. Get it by Christmas for $25 at Target when you choose same-day delivery or in-store pickup.
Something fluffy, cozy and warm
If you live somewhere that gets cold, it’s always best to go into the holiday theme and gift something fluffy, cozy, and warm. Gifts like these also fall into the category of “things that will improve my quality of life, but I never buy them for myself.” You can’t go wrong with a cozy $28.99 reversible blanket from Pottery Barn , or maybe $27 high-quality wool socks from Darn Tough . Again, if you can go into the store and select these items in person, you’ll be in better shape than if you prayed for overnight delivery.
Smart mugs
Indeed, mugs are an extremely popular gift option. But you left shopping until the last minute, so now is not the time to nitpick. How about filling those mugs with something? Even if the gift recipient isn’t a big tea or hot cocoa drinker, it’s smart to have one at home to entertain guests during the holidays.
Buy tea in a variety of flavors for about $3 at Trader Joe’s (ginger turmeric and harvest blend are my favorites). Add a mug that looks like a gnome’s house for $13.99 at Macy’s . Giving something that people can drink is the perfect combination of charm and utility.
Go crazy at your local pharmacy
As I’ve written before , sometimes the only option is a Hail Mary. Head to Walgreens and check out their selection:
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Gift cards
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Candles
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Cosmetic bags
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Therapeutic massager
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Jewelry
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Isolated mugs
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Calendars or planners
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Laptops
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Coffee/tea packages
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Wine and corkscrew (depending on your state’s liquor laws)
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Photo frames
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Electronics such as headphones or portable chargers.
These items aren’t necessarily bad gifts, but many of them can easily be spotted as last-minute purchases. The success of gifts from the pharmacy will depend on the charm of the giver and the coldness of the recipient.