It’s beginning to look a lot like . . . Christmas? Already? It seems like I was just handing out Halloween candy, and now I’m hearing jingle bells! Where does the time go? Listen, we all know Christmas comes around every December 25. But if the holiday snuck up on you this year, you’re not alone.
Don’t worry, though—it’s not too late to give the people you love a gift they’ll enjoy. And you can do it on a budget! That’s right. I’m sharing 40 last-minute Christmas present ideas for when you’re short on time and tight on a budget. So, whether you’re looking for last-minute Christmas gifts for Mom or Dad, your significant other, or even kids and teens, you’re in luck.
Last-Minute Christmas Gifts for Adults
If you’re figuring out what to do for last-minute Christmas shopping, go ahead and fire up your favorite internet browser. I’ve found plenty of gift options online that could be perfect when you’re in a pinch. Here are a few of my favorite last-minute Christmas present ideas.
1. Vintage-Inspired Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Keep the music going with this super cool portable speaker. You can use it in your house, in your backyard or anywhere you need a little entertainment.
2. Retro Air Fryer
Deck your friend’s kitchen counter with a retro air fryer. Not only can it cook their favorite foods to a delicious crisp—it looks amazing too!
3. My Family Cookbook
Giving a gift to someone who loves to cook? This fill-in-the-blank cookbook will help them capture those classic family recipes. Yum!
4. Roku Streaming Stick
If you have a family member who cut their cable, give them the gift of entertainment with a Roku streaming stick.
5. Terrarium Candle
For the person who can’t keep plants alive, try a terrarium candle. This wax garden will smell just as beautiful as the real thing—even if you don’t have a green thumb.
6. Wireless 3-in-1 Charger
Yep, this wireless charger is super practical and perfect for the tech junkie in your life. It charges three devices at once and takes up barely any room on the desk or counter.
7. Essential Oil Diffuser
Do you have a friend who could use a little rest and relaxation? Help them reduce holiday stress with a pretty essential oil diffuser. You could even include a scent you think they’ll like.
8. DIY Hot Sauce Making Kit
It might be cold outside, but your loved one can warm up with a DIY hot sauce kit! Complete with recipes and bottles, it’s a great option for the spicy-food lover in your life.
9. Cocktail Shaker Set
Give the gift of a holiday happy hour with this classy cocktail shaker set.
10. Pedicure Foot Spa
Got a girlfriend or sister who loves to pamper herself? This home pedicure foot spa is sure to bring on the relaxation.
11. Classic Coffee Syrup Trio
If inflation is cutting into your friend’s fancy coffee budget, help her out with this classic syrup trio. Coffee at home can taste just as sweet!
12. Coffee Cup Warmer
Maybe you know someone who loves their morning tea or coffee. Help them keep their cup warm with this super cute coffee mug heater.
13. Sunrise Alarm Clock
If you know someone who gets thrown off by the shorter winter days, you can help brighten things up with this sunrise alarm clock.
14. City Bonfire Portable Fire Pit
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For the city dweller with an adventurous side, this mini portable fire pit is the perfect solution to enjoy a fire on the patio without the hassle. You can even use it to roast s’mores! Now that’s a Christmas list idea I can support.
15. Modern Minimalista Uno Deck
Uno got a makeover. This minimalist deck took the classic card game and gave it a grown-up vibe with a sleek new design.
16. Glass Teapot and Flowering Tea Infuser
If your loved one enjoys quality time, why not give them the gift of a cup of tea together using this beautiful flowering tea infuser? It’s tasty and pretty to look at.
17. One Month Subscription to Audible
This is a great gift option for someone who loves books! For $15, they’ll get one audiobook of their choice plus access to thousands of titles.
18. 2024 Ramsey Goal Planner
Don’t let New Year’s goal setting overwhelm the people on your Christmas list. The 2024 Ramsey Goal Planner is the perfect guide for setting attainable goals and improving your money and relationships in the new year!
19. Instagram Photo Book
Who says pictures of your favorite people have to stay stuck in your phone? Give your best friends and family this adorable Instagram photo book filled with photos you love.
Last-Minute Christmas Gifts for Kids
Looking for Christmas gift ideas for kids but don’t have time to shop? I love these creative kits and practical presents for the young ones in your life.
20. Dino Egg Bath Bomb Set
Bath time doesn’t have to be boring, especially with these dinosaur egg bath bombs! This set is great for the little dinosaur lovers in your life.
21. Crystal Growing Science Experiment
If you know a kid who loves science and watching things grow, this crystal growing set is sure to catch their attention.
22. Kids Can Cook Anything! Cookbook
Help your little chefs and bakers learn new skills and come up with meal ideas with this super cute cookbook. The recipes are easy and delicious. It’s a win-win!
23. I’m Glad for What I Have Kids Book
You guys, I’m so excited about my new kids book, I’m Glad for What I Have. It just came out in November, and though I may be a bit biased (wink wink), I think it’s a great gift option for kids. It teaches important lessons about thankfulness, and the illustrations are adorable.
Last-Minute Christmas Gifts for Teens
If your kids are teenagers (or tweens), here are some great ideas for gifts.
24. Electric Hot Pot
Do you know a college student or teen who loves to cook? This electric hot pot is a perfect addition to a dorm room kitchen.
25. Questions for Humans: Parents and Teens Edition
One of the greatest gifts you can give another person is connection. And the teens in your life want that too! These conversation starters from my friend Dr. John Delony are a great first step to more connection.
26. Snack Box Care Package
I don’t know a kid who wouldn’t love getting a big box of snacks for Christmas. This is great for someone away at college or busy with after-school activities. It is a Prime Exclusive Deal though, so you’ll only be able to buy it if you have a subscription.
27. Earbud Cord Organizer
If you’ve ever used wired earbuds, you know the struggle of keeping them untangled. This cord organizer is the perfect solution for teens who like tech.
28. Smartphone Lens Kit
Trying to find a gift for a creative teen? This smartphone camera lens kit will take their cell phone photography to the next level.
Free and Low-Cost Christmas Gifts
If you’re sticking to a budget this Christmas, don’t worry. There are plenty of creative ways to give Christmas presents without spending a lot. Here are a few ideas!
29. Create a homemade sugar scrub.
DIY Christmas gifts can be thrifty and thoughtful! Search for a homemade sugar scrub recipe online for a low-cost addition to anyone’s beauty cabinet. It’s a perfect all-natural option with ingredients you might already have at home.
30. Offer to house-sit, pet sit or babysit.
You don’t have to spend money to show you care. What about spending your time? Offer to care for someone’s home, kids or pets as your Christmas gift.
31. Bake treats together.
Create those Christmas memories by baking your favorite cookies, breads or meals together! Let’s be honest—sometimes memories last longer than presents, and baking together is something everyone will remember.
32. Make a slideshow of your favorite moments together.
If you want to kick-start a new holiday tradition, why not make a slideshow showcasing your favorite family memories? Pull together pictures, write down funny stories, and gather everyone around to relive the moments with you. It’s a creative last-minute Christmas gift that everyone can enjoy.
33. Go to a free event.
Can you tell I’m a big fan of quality time? Around the holidays, there are usually tons of Christmas light displays, tree-lighting events and community activities that are fun for the whole family. Why not lead the charge on a free group outing to celebrate the season?
34. Make a date jar.
If you’re looking for a sweet and fun gift idea for your spouse, how about a date jar? Write ideas for dates and fun things to do together on slips of paper, then add them to the jar. To make it easy, here are 45 cheap date ideas you’ll actually want to go on.
35. Give them a book, blanket, mug or anything else of yours they enjoy.
If you have a friend or family member who always admires a certain book, coffee cup, blanket or anything else when they visit your house, what if you gave it to them? It’s a small gesture that could mean the world—and it costs nothing but the goodness of your heart. So sweet.
36. Make a holiday mix in a jar.
For just a few dollars, you can add hot cocoa or dry soup ingredients to a mason jar and give these on-the-go treats to your friends and family. If you want to get creative, you could even make an exotic salad dressing with dry spices—just add oil and vinegar!
37. Print and frame a special quote or Bible verse from Canva.
Attention artists! You can use Canva to design beautiful quotes or Bible verses for free and have the images printed at Walgreens for just a few bucks. Voilà, custom art!
38. Take a walk or drive to look at Christmas lights.
Christmas only comes around once a year, but making the most of the holiday doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Embrace the beautiful lights and decorations in your neighborhood with a cozy walk or drive, complete with Christmas carols playing from the radio.
39. Regift with care.
If you received a Christmas present in the past that simply wasn’t your style or has been sitting in a closet since last year, why not regift it and give it to someone who would appreciate it?
40. Find more Christmas gift ideas from Ramsey Solutions.
If you’re still looking for thoughtful Christmas gifts, check out the Ramsey Solutions online store. We’ve got plenty of Christmas present options that will help you give anyone in your life the gift of hope. Check out the store here to see our books, accessories, games, guides and more!
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About the author
Rachel Cruze