Looking for a last-minute gift that needs to look like it wasn’t purchased at the last minute? Here are a few ideas and sites that make a last-minute gift seem more thought out.
In addition, for those stumped on what to buy, unsure of what size or color to get, or who can’t remember the recipient’s favorite sports team, technology is now on your side thanks to something called e-gifting.
A number of the retailers listed below presently offer a unique e-gifting option that allows nearly instant online delivery of a present, which can then be customized to the recipient’s liking.
All the sender needs to do is select an item and the recipient will be notified by email of their gift. The recipient then has the option of accepting the gift as is or customizing it by selecting another size, color, or even a different gift (within the same price range) altogether. Once the recipient selects their choice, the gift will then ship. The sender only needs the recipient’s email address in order to send an e-gift.
Some last-minute gift ideas for delivery online or in person include:
Makeup
Urban Decay, considered a prestige brand, offers cruelty-free and some vegan makeup. Their Naked eyeshadow palettes [$54 with free shipping] and 24/7 eyeliners [$20 with free shipping] are popular with women of all ages. If she’s a professional or more mature in her years, she might appreciate the smaller Naked Basics palettes [$29 with free shipping] with less sparkle instead.
Teen girls and twenty-somethings enjoy the Naked palettes as well, although some gravitate toward the more colorful eyeliner collections and eyeshadow palettes such as the Habitual Travel Pencil Set, on sale for $12 with free shipping, the Ten 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set, on sale for $29 with free shipping, or the Shadow Box eyeshadow palette for $34 with free shipping.
All of these can be found by entering the names in the search bar at UrbanDecay.com.
Movies, TV Shows, Games, Apps, Music, and Books
iTunes lets users gift songs, albums, apps, games, TV shows, and movies to other iTunes users. Select the desired gift, then click the arrow next to the price marked Gift This– if on a computer. From a mobile device, use the share button at the top of the screen. Or just send an iTunes e-gift card in any whole dollar amount from $10 to $100 that can be emailed almost instantly or scheduled for a later time.
Designer Name
Diane von Furstenburg lets shoppers gift a designer scarf, sunglasses, handbag, or dress at dvf.com. Select an item, such as the New Boomerang Combo Silk Scarf ($178) or Haley Studded Sunglasses ($186), and choose the E-Gift This button.
Perfume, Jewelry, Sports Fan Gear, Clothing, and Shoes for All Ages
Macy’s also offers an e-gifting option on its site for items in all departments. Shoppers can gift watches, jewelry, sports jerseys, cookware sets, bottle of designer perfume, or even a pair of shoes. Macy’s Fan Shop has sports apparel for men, women, and children representing pro and collegiate teams in football, basketball, hockey, baseball, and international soccer. Gift examples at Macy’s include a Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Pour Homme Gift Set, on sale for $49, ¾ carat Diamond Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold, normally $1,000, on sale for $299, or a sports team cap by Lids for $26.99.
Cosmetic & Fragrance Items Plus A Makeover or Personalized Shopping Session
Sephora offers instant gift cards that can be emailed or printed and hand delivered. The retailer offers prestige and luxury brand cosmetics, beauty supplies, nail polish, and perfume. For something beyond the usual gift card, shoppers can select a $50 Beauty Studio gift card that comes with a complimentary 45-minute customized makeover with a makeup artist or a $125 Beauty Studio gift card with a 90-minute makeover and shopping session with a Personal Beauty Advisor. Sephora’s e-gift cards can be found at www.sephora.com/giftcards; scroll down to the Beauty Studio links.
Vintage-Styled Apparel and Jewelry
Johnny Was sells bohemian chic style ladies clothing and accessories with a vintage influence. Dresses, handbags, scarves, and jewelry can be e-gifted from johnnywas.com. Gift ideas include Iolite and Blue Topaz rings that can be worn individually or stacked together ($144), a gold and Periodot ring ($48), or the Kelsey ring ($32) available in gold, rose gold, silver, and an “I’m not sure, it’s a gift” option.
Relaxation and Pain Relief
Relax the Back lets shoppers gift massage chairs, mattress toppers, or a variety of other implements and items designed for pain and back relief at RelaxTheBack.com. Select an item, then choose the Gift This icon.
Babies, Toddlers, and New Moms
Munchkin offers products for newborns, babies, and toddlers. Feeding utensils, nursery and stroller accessories, teethers, jumpers, and organic apparel are some of the many items that can be e-gifted. Choose the E-Gift This button on the desired product’s page at www.munchkin.com.
Clothing for Men and Boys
Thomas Dean sells clothing for men as well as a limited selection of collegiate apparel for men and women. Use the E-Gift This icon at thomasdeanco.com on items such as a Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater for $140 or a Game Day Solid Button-Up Shirt with Embroidered Chest Logo for $79.50.
Last-Minute Gifts For Delivery In Person
For gifts to be delivered in person, last-minute options are still out there, even on Christmas Day. Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid are open Christmas Day and all sell gift cards to popular stores and restaurants as well as gift wrap, bags, and tags. These could be combined and presented with any number of small gifts offered in the stores.
Ideas include a gift card to a restaurant presented with a box of chocolates, a Starbucks gift card given inside of a coffee or travel mug, or a spa gift card given with a bottle of nail polish (such as Essie, a spa-level brand). For teens and tweens, an iTunes gift card given with a perfume set, such as Axe or Adidas for the guys, or a nail polish (such as Wet ‘n Wild) or perfume set for the girls. Small children could be presented with a gift card to Toys “R” Us along with a stuffed animal or some candy.
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