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35 Last-Minute Gifts That Arrive Faster Than You Can Say "Love You, Mom"

It's never too late to snag cool gifts

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last-minute-gift-ideas: Collage of editor-chosen gifts
PureWow/Retailers

The only thing worse than showing up to a party empty-handed? Arriving with a gift that screams, “I bought this at the gas station on the way over.” But if you forgot to pick up a a gift for your tween nieces and nephews before their birthdays or something for mom this Mother's Day (which, BTW, is May 11), don’t fret. I’ve been there and done that, so I know a thing or ten about shopping at the eleventh hour. Better yet, I know at least 35 last-minute gift ideas that will arrive in time for all the festivities.

Scroll on for the most impressive last-minute gifts that won't seem like an afterthought, from a MasterClass membership (from $10; $5), Star Registration gift card ($50) and crowd-pleasing Brooklinen gift card (from $50). My personal go-to? A pair of Nordstrom Moonlight Pajamas (was $79) and an ESW Beauty Raw Juice Cleanse Mask Set ($25). Whatever you choose, they're going to be wowed. Promise.

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

The Top Last-Minute Gift Ideas at a Glance

1

Best Last-Minute Gift Overall

Brooklinen Gift Card

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2

Best Last-Minute Gift for Anyone

MasterClass Membership

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3

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Snoozer

Bedhead PJs Cropped Set

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4

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Budding Mixologist

The Mini Bar: 100 Essential Cocktail Recipes

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5

Best Last-Minute Gift for Cookie Monsters

Levain Bakery Signature Cookie Assortment

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Where to Buy Last-Minute Gifts

While you can buy last-minute gifts at almost all your favorite retailers and brands, the best place to shop really depends on just how little time you have left. If you have a couple of days, chances are you can order online with expedited shipping and be fine. If you have one day or less, look for retailers that have in-store pickup, same-day delivery or overnight shipping, such as Nordstrom, Amazon, Macy’s, Target and Walmart, to name a few. And if you’re working with less than one hour before go time, digital gift cards and subscription services are a thoughtful and instant gift option with no immediate shipping required.

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

Best Last-Minute Gift Overall

1. Brooklinen Gift Card

Brooklinen

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

If they love quality bedding, cozy loungewear and luxurious bath essentials, a Brooklinen e-gift card will not disappoint. You can load up the card with up to $500 so they can snag some fancy-schmancy heathered cashmere sheets for the new year or an organic ribbed robe with an addictively cozy and soft texture. The possibilities will be endless, and the best part is that the digital card will be delivered right to their inbox, so there's no shipping required.

Best Last-Minute Gift for Anyone

2. MasterClass Membership

MasterClass

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

A membership that includes access to countless classes—from cooking with Gordon Ramsey to scriptwriting with Shonda Rhimes—is the gift that keeps on giving. Not to mention, since this is a fully digital gift, your giftee can access it right away simply by logging in. Better yet, MasterClass videos can be viewed on smartphones, personal computers, Apple TVs, Amazon FireTVs and Roku streaming services, so your recipient can access them from just about anywhere. You can also get class recommendations for them (you know, to give the gift a personalized touch). Oh, and did I mention that MasterClass is running a deal that scores you *two* memberships for the price of one, so you can get in on the action, too? It's a win-win.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Snoozer

3. Bedhead PJs Cropped Set

Bedhead

  • Expedited Shipping Options: 1- to 3-day shipping free, guaranteed 2-day shipping for $10

Bedhead PJs are a personal favorite, and personally, I can’t think of a better gift. PJs are one of my go-to presents because I’ve never had anyone unhappy receiving them. This beloved style comes in XS to 3X sizes, and is made of lightweight poplin, so Mom can enjoy them right away in the warmer spring-summer season. I love a pair of pajamas that makes me feel pretty (even for bed), and the little print and just-loose enough fit here fit the bill. But what I love even more than feeling gussied up is easy-to-care-for garments, and you can toss these in the washing machine. 

Best Last-Minute Gift Add-On for Single Moms

4. The Adventure Challenge Kids Edition

The Adventure Challenge

  • Expedited Shipping Options: express shipping, two-day shipping

I always like to pop a little something extra when I'm gifting anything to single moms—Mother's Day especially. That's because anything that engage the Littles is going to give mom a few minutes of "me time" to indulge something frivolous like dishes or vacuuming. (Ha!) This book is packed with *30* fun, engaging and adventurous activities that will keep kids entertained for hours on end (with minimal supervision). Plus, the interactive scratch-off design will help kids keep track of all the challenges they've completed and all the ones they have to look forward to, like building a house made of snacks and playing "Nature Bingo." So while this gift may come in a small package, it brings on big fun that any kid (and mom) will enjoy.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Budding Mixologist

5. The Mini Bar: 100 Essential Cocktail Recipes

Editors of PUNCH

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery, Saturday delivery 

This is the perfect present for moms who are looking to level-up their at-home bartending. That's because it comes with eight small books organized by base ingredient (whisky, rum, gin, vodka, tequila, Champagne, sherry and amaro), so new cocktail recipes are just a page away. But here's why one buyer is obsessed: "I love how it has interesting background information and history on every cocktail, simple recipes and even tells you what kind of glass each should be served in...The back of every booklet also has a notes section where you can write down your own recipes for reference." Say no more; your wannabe mixologist will love it.

Best Last-Minute Gift for Cookie Monsters

Levain Bakery

  • Expedited Shipping Options: one and two-day ground shipping ($12.50), two-day air shipping cost ($20), overnight air shipping ($49)

A gift from NYC's legendary bake shop, Levain Bakery, is just as sweet as the cookies themselves. No, seriously, they're some of the gooiest and chunkiest cookies around. Not only are they baked fresh *daily* and hand-packaged to ship nationwide, but you can also send an assorted box of four, eight or 12 cookies. All of which include their original flavors: chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, dark chocolate peanut butter chip, and oatmeal raisin. Sound delicious? Well, that's gift-giving at its finest.

Best Last-Minute Gift for Coffee Addicts

7. Trade Cold Brew Coffee Subscription

Trade Coffee

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

Is your mom spending way too much money on Starbucks? Surprise her with a cold brew coffee subscription! Trade Coffee will not only introduce her to a new brand every month, but as the gifter, you’ll be able to decide how many bags you wish to purchase (one big bag makes 60 cups) and send a custom gift message so they know exactly who it came from. Bonus: she gets a complimentary Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker along with her first delivery.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the One Who’s Always Cold

8. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Light Essential Throw Blanket

Barefoot Dreams

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Free 2-day shipping in the US

Don’t underestimate the gift of a cozy throw like this velvety lightweight blanket by Barefoot Dreams. It’s warm, shareable (though I bet your giftee will want to keep it all to themselves) and super soft, thanks to that blend of nylon and rayon materials. Not only does the brand mention that it won’t pill, shrink or wrinkle, but it’s machine-washable and tumble dry-friendly, too.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Clean Freak

9. Bath & Body Works Laundry Day Candle

Bath & Body Works

  • Expedited Shipping Options: standard, expedited and overnight shipping available, as well as in-store pickup

Repeat after me: Mom, I just wanted to say thank you for your bang-up job being my launderess all these years. But take the day off already enjoy instead the eucalyptus and lavender notes of this three-wick candle, which was recommended by a woman who used to work at Bath & Body Works. The burn time is around 25 to 45 hours, so let's chill out with some chardonnay and let the laundry pile up for once!

Best Last-Minute Gift for Streamers

10. Disney+ / Hulu Subscription

Disney+

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

Send your resident streaming buff a monthly membership to these streaming platforms that have hot shows for all ages. Sure, there's the Skywalker Saga for all ages and cartoons for the littles on Disney+, and she'll really appreciate Hulu's offerings, including the Handmaid's Tale series, Only Murders in the Building and The Bear.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Home Cook

11. Dusen Dusen Oven Mitt

Dusen Dusen

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime two-day shipping

“I was just scoping out ShopBop's home goods section looking for a gift! A lot of folks may not know that ShopBop has a ton of incredibly cool home stuff and that you can score free two-day shipping if you have an Amazon Prime account,” PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth shares. She’s eyeing something fun from Dusen Dusen for her best friend’s kitchen, and I couldn't help but fall in love with these wacky, cheerful oven mitts.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Fashion-Forward

12. Anthropologie Icon Pearl Bag Charm

Anthropologie

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Pickup in 24 hours, overnight (1 to 2 business days) shipping 

“I'm all about ordering/paying online and doing in-store pickup,” says PureWow Vice President of Editorial Candace Davison. “With bag charms so trendy this year, you could totally snag a design at Anthro (like this very maximalist girl aesthetic option)—and if it's available in a store near you, it will be ready for pickup within 24 hours. (Ditto for Target, except they'll have it ready to deliver to your car within 2 hours.)”

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Candle Lover

13. Anecdote Two Weeks Notice Candle

Anecdote

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery, Saturday delivery 

“I feel like I can never go wrong with a good candle and Anecdote's not only smell amazing, but have such fun names, too,” says PureWow Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera. “And since they're on Amazon, they'll easily arrive in just a day or two.” Perfect for your friend who’s looking forward to using up their vacation days, the Two Weeks Notice scent is an ode to black cedar, Palo Santo, vanilla orchid, citron and amber—a balanced fragrance that’s both deep and uplifting for that burn out and peace out bliss.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Napper

14. Bearaby Napper

Bearaby

  • Expedited Shipping Options: overnight shipping for weighted blankets 

The Bearaby weighted blanket is a PureWow editor favorite, and also earned a spot in our list of best sustainable products. But aside from the brand’s many sustainability commitments, it’s also just darn comfortable. I tested the Napper, and appreciated that while warm, it remained breathable with an even weight distribution. Overnight shipping is available for all of Bearaby’s weighted blankets for an additional fee. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Foodie

15. Goldbelly Gift Card

Goldbelly

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

Is your mom separated from her extended family? Give her a taste of home with this digital gift card. Whether she's longing for a New York City babka or a Chicago deep-dish pizza, she can find whatever she's craving on Goldbelly and have it sent directly to her door.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Scrapbooker

16. Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera

Kodak

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery

Limiting screen time is tough when our phones also function as our cameras. Instead, gift an instant digital camera to the host of your celebration and watch guests have a blast taking photos the “old-fashioned” way. Everyone will go home with a memento from a fun night because, yes, it instantly prints up to 25 2-by-3-inch images on a single charge. Better yet, the prints are durable, water-resistant, tear-resistant *and* smudge-free, per the brand, so their memories will last a lifetime. Oh, and did I mention the camera is kid-friendly, too? After extensive testing, Davison named it one of the best kids’ cameras—meaning you can totally take this to a family get-together.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Fashionista

17. Stitch Fix

Stitch Fix

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instantly access the style quiz 

When it comes to clothing subscriptions, Stitch Fix reigns supreme. In fact, PureWow Associate Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz deemed it the best clothing subscription box overall after extensive research and testing. Once subscribed, you’re matched with a stylist to whom you can send inspiration photos and Pinterest boards, though you can also continually update your preferences. “Getting married soon? They can send you white dresses and blouses for events,” she writes. “Pregnant? Switch to maternity sizing only. Each box comes with five personalized items for a $20 styling fee, which can go toward your final purchase. With the average item coming in between $25 and $55, the cost is good for what you get.”

Best Last-Minute Gift for Keto Devotees

18. Chicago Steak Company Chicago's Best Seller Assortment

Chicago Steak Company

  • Expedited Shipping Options: overnight shipping 

Is your mom a fan of ketogenic dinner recipes? Her mouth will water over this prime steak assortment, which includes two premium Angus filet mignons, two Angus boneless strips, two Angus top sirloin and two Angus ribeyes. It's all delivered overnight from the Chicago Steak Company in a reusable cooler with more than enough dry ice to ensure they arrive frozen, so you can bet this steak box won't go to waste. In fact, the hand-cut steaks are aged between 28 and 40 days, so their flavor is top-notch. But don't just take our word for it. One reviewer shares, "The steaks are always excellent. I have been a customer for a few years, and it never fails to impress." If it can impress one customer for years, it can definitely impress the meat lover in your life this holiday season.

Best Last-Minute Gift for Petite Moms

19. Anthropologie Gift Card

Anthropologie

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

Here at PureWow, we really appreciate a great petite fit, and have discovered a wide and deep selection of petite fashion at Anthropologie. We really appreciate how longer styles such as the Somerset Maxi Dress ($168) come in petite sizing, so we shorties can enjoy the style without drowning in fabric. Give mom an Anthro gift card, deliverable immediately online, and guide her toward the petite section so she can have a little shopping sesh with 'fits that are cut just right.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Francophile

20. Sézane Gift Card

Sézane

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery 

Trust me, if she dresses with a little Parisienne flair, all she wants is a gift card to Sézane. While renowned for their knitwear, the Paris-based brand produces a chic collection of clothes that fill out a French capsule wardrobe. I mean, what more could I ask for? In addition to clothing, which includes coats, tops, trousers, skirts and accessories, Sézane also has an excellent selection of homewares that make their appearance during the holidays only. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Bookworm

21. Amazon Audible Membership

Amazon

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

If they're a bookworm, you can gift them up to a year-long subscription to Audible which will give them access to thousands of books from their device. But what if they already have a membership, you ask? No worries, you can send them credits to purchase even more audiobooks to take their collection to the next level.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Tea Drinker

22. Hiware Teapot and Infuser

Hiware

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery, Saturday delivery  

Coffee might have the culture in a death grip, but I’ve been pleased to start meeting more people who prefer tea—or, at least, get excited at the prospect of drinking it. I’ve had this teapot for years and love its versatility. You can use it on both the stovetop and microwave, and then throw it in the dishwasher. It makes enough tea for two people and the sleek glass design means it’s never out of place, no matter the surrounding decor. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Cook

23. Graza Olive Oil

Graza

  • Expedited Shipping Options: order by May 5 for Mother's Day delivery

When I asked PureWow Food Editor Taryn Pire for her best last-minute gift recommendation, she immediately said Graza olive oil. According to PureWow content creator Kate Kesselman, who tested the brand in an episode of PureWow’s Take My Money, “I feel like I’m at an Italian restaurant and they gave me some special oil that had magic in it,” she says. “The flavors have such an interesting kick. Another great thing is that they’re not too expensive. The Drizzle [olive oil] made everything taste better.”

Best Last-Minute Gift for the 'Gilmore Girls' Fanatic

24. The Gilmore Girls Companion

Smith Street Books

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery, Saturday delivery 

Have you ever enjoyed watching this mom-dot duo together? Or just know your mom loves The Gilmore Girls? This book takes you behind the scenes of the show, into the writers room, the wardrobe trailer and the editor's office, with more than 40 interviews. Could there be a better gift honoring mom-daughter bonding? (Buy a backup for yourself and thank us later.)

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Sourdough Nerd

25. Lekue Silicone Bread Maker

Lekue

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery, Saturday delivery 

We may be post-pandemic, but plenty of people I know are still very much into sourdough and general bread making. Any true nerd knows that to make a solid loaf, you need a dutch oven—and those things are anvils. Luckily, one of my favorite kitchen brands, Lekue, makes a silicone model that’s much lighter but still yields crunchy, crispy, airy, golden loaves. With a 4.5-star average rating and nearly 4,000 reviews, it’s clear they’re on to something. “This clever product has made baking everyday loaves of sourdough bread for my family even easier,” one buyer writes. “Being able to mix the dough, let it ferment and rise and bake a single loaf in one easy-to-clean container makes it practically effortless to make a loaf of really tasty bread several times a week.”

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Wanderer

26. Mexico City Coffee Table Book

Assouline

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime two-day shipping

For the friend who’s always planning their next trip, the publisher Assouline has an incredible collection of coffee table books that take you around the world, from Mexico City to Capri, Tulum, Provence, Palm Beach and the Turquoise Coast. Each tome is filled to the brim with vibrant photographs showing off each location. Once you flip through the pages, you’ll be begging your friend to let you tag along on their next adventure. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for Ultimate Cozy Vibes

27. Jenni Kayne Oversized Cotton Sweater

Jenni Kayne

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime two-day shipping

Jenni Kayne has dialed in the California cool-girl aesthetic that’s relaxed but refined, and everyone’s obsessed. PureWow editors can’t get enough of the Cocoon Cardigan (earning a score of 94/100 on the PureWow100 scale), but my vote is for the summertime pullover in cotton. It's sure to be a staple in her closet for years to come, and these days, it's perfectly in sync with the fisherman aesthetic that's trending. And thanks to ShopBop, you get the benefits of Amazon Prime shipping. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Beer Afficionada

28. Gourmet Gift Baskets The Beer Expert Trio

Gourmet Gift Baskets

  • Expedited Shipping Options: 3-day shipping, 2-day shipping, overnight shipping, Saturday shipping

For the cool mom who loves a nice cold beer, make room in the mini-fridge she keeps in her she shed for this hearty gift basket, which comes with not one, but *three* craft beers, as well as savory cheese, summer sausage and water crackers. (It sure beats showing up with a six-pack from the gas station.)

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Self-Care Guru

29. ESW Beauty Raw Juice Cleanse Mask Set

ESW Beauty

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime one-day delivery, Saturday delivery 

Aside from my pajama present hat trick, the other no-fail gift in my arsenal is an ESW Beauty sheet mask. They’re incredibly hydrating and great for long haul flights or just any day when your skin feels dry. (I like combining it with either my Amiro R3 Turbo or Medicube Age-R Booster Pro to help my skin soak up all the moisture.) A single sheet mask is just $5, but you can also pick up sets, like the Raw Juice Cleanse. My favorite scent is the rose/watermelon/grapefruit combo—divine. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Plant Parent

30. The Sill Digital Gift Card

The Sill

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

Send this digital gift card to your mom with a green thumb so she can add a few more plant babies (like a tropical palm and mini cactus) to their family. And with a 30-day customer happiness guarantee, the brand is bound to have something she'll love, which is all the more reason to send this their way.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Fashion-Forward

31. Abercrombie & Fitch Gift Card

Abercrombie & Fitch

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

ICYMI, Abercrombie & Fitch is a PureWow editor *and* reader favorite, from the basics like T-shirts and jeans to party-ready outfits. The brand also makes a decent selection of plus-size clothing, too. Whether your mom is looking for a wardrobe refresh, wants to pick up some going-out tops or find an occasion piece, you can count on A&F to be a crowd pleaser. 

Best Last-Minute Gift for Outdoorsy Folks

32. Star Registration Gift Card

Star Registration

  • Expedited Shipping Options: instant online delivery

Want a gift that's truly out of this world? How about an actual star? Yes, there is such a thing as buying (naming) a star, and the process will take them only five to ten minutes to complete in a few simple steps. Prices start at $50 for a visible standard star with normal brightness, so this gift card will have them covered, though you can also spring for a higher amount so they can snag a star within a famous constellation. They'll receive a personalized star certificate as a keepsake, as well as a star map, which will help them locate their new celestial namesake. They can also use an app to find their star in the night sky, so if there's any last-minute gift she'll never forget, it's this right here.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Trendy Mom

33. JW PEI Women's Flavia Ballerina Sneakers

JW Pei

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime members next-day delivery

As a mom, you have earned your comfort, and now here's the fashion trend that balances that with cutting-edge trendiness. PureWow loves the ballet sneakers trend for style, versatility and cushiness, and your mom will appreciate you seeing her for the fashion icon that she is.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Travel Pillow

34. Birch Lane Ruffled Cotton Throw Pillow

Birch Lane

  • Expedited Shipping Options: Prime members next-day delivery

I gave my mom one of these, and not only does she display it on her bed, she totes it on every flight. At 22 by 14 inches, this little ticking stripe fabric is a perfect travel pillow as well as a country chic, farmhouse and cottage decor addition for couch or bedroom. The case buttons off for cleaning and washes up crisply.

Best Last-Minute Gift for the Charm Collector

35. Helen Ficalora "Mama" Diamond Disk Charm

Helen Ficalora

  • Expedited Shipping Options: next-day and second-day delivery available

Available in 14k yellow gold, rose gold or white gold, this sweet little charm is going to remind mom that you're always with her, and she shines bright like a diamond. The backstory of this brand is a magical mom story, too—the designer started this business to take care of her husband and children during family illness.


Freelance Writer

Caroline Thompson is a writer, editor and PR professional based in Chicago, IL. In addition to covering commerce pieces for PureWow, she is a regular contributor to VICE and HuffPost, and her work has also appeared in publications such as Chicago Magazine, Business Insider, TechCrunch and more. Caroline has a Master's degree in Journalism from Northwestern University and has been writing about retail for the last ten years. Find her on Instagram @coralinemaria yelling into the void about Britney Spears, pop culture and niche internet drama.

Destinee Scott Editor Bio Pic

Associate Sales and Deals Editor

  • Stays on top of the best sales and deals across the internet
  • Over 3 years of experience in commerce (covering tentpole sales, like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Way Day)
  • Studied Journalism at St. John's University

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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.