The best last-minute gifts to buy this Christmas (that they'll actually like)
The countdown to Christmas is on
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If you’re short on time but still want to make an impression with your gift-giving this year, here are 10 chic ideas you simply can’t go wrong with.
Need a last-minute gift for your loved one, but aren’t sure where to turn? We’ve got your back. Gone are the days of settling for a generic gift card, or blaming ‘slow shipping’ for the scarce offerings on Christmas morning.
And while opening up a pile of presents on Christmas morning is somewhat a rite of passage, I for one would rather be gifted something thoughtful a few days late, than a panic-bought gift that will only gather dust in the junk drawer of my house.
If gifting your picks on Christmas morning is a non-negotiable, but unreliable shipping timeframes and surcharges are leaving you more than a little anxious, alongside some winner products, we’ve included a few thoughtful experience-based gifts, that can be presented in person with a card, email or interpretive dance.
Here are 10 thoughtful gift ideas that won’t require weeks of planning, because let’s face it, December crept up on all of us this year.
KeepCup Gift Set Booked and Busy 12oz & 16oz, $68.95 from theiconic.com.au
This clever duo from KeepCup is an absolute essential this summer. Dishwasher-safe and designed to handle the hottest and iciest of brews, there’s nothing this chic beverage duo can’t do. Better yet, every time your loved one sips their morning cappuccino or homemade smoothie in style, they’ll think of you. With express shipping available from The Iconic, this handy gift set could be at your doorstep in no time.
Barbetta Aperitivo Classico Box, $175 from barbetta.com.au
Kick off the festive season celebrations for your loved one with a bespoke hamper from Paddington’s iconic Italian spot, Barbetta. There is an entire range of authentic Italian hampers filled with artisanal snacks, the perfect essentials for a pre-dinner drink and gorgeous accessories, bringing the charm of Italy right into your loved one’s hands.
Adore Beauty gift card, any amount from adorebeauty.com.au
Yes, I know just referenced gift vouchers as ‘generic’, but there are certainly expectations to the rule. There are some things we simply should have the freedom to browse, buy and try ourselves – and beauty and skincare products are certainly on the list. If you aren’t sure what strength retinol your bestie can handle, or what brand of hair oil she usually gravitates towards, take out the guesswork with an Adore Beauty gift card. Trust me, the reaction will be worth it.
Frank Green Lunch Container, $79.95 from frankgreen.com.au
Finally, after years of waiting, Frank Green has entered the Tupperware game with their first drop of lunch containers. Chic as ever, these bright stackable, spill-proof and spacious compartments will elevate your loved one’s office lunch game to new heights. Though their online timeframes for standard shipping are commendable, Frank Green offers express shipping too, in case you really leave things down to the wire.
Booktopia gift voucher, $100 from booktopia.com.au
Buying a book for yourself – browsing through the shelves of titles, trying not to judge any by their cover (literally) – can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. Buying a book for someone else is even more impossible. That’s why the safest bet is to let your loved one do all the choosing themselves with a generous gift voucher to their favourite book retailer. It’s also a gift you can purchase (and an email you can forward) mere minutes before it’s time to gather around the Christmas tree.
Country Road Archive Verified Australian Cotton Small Beach Towel, $79.95 from theiconic.com.au
A high-quality beach towel is one of those essential items someone rarely ever buys for themselves, making it the perfect Aussie Christmas gift. Again, with The Iconic’s competitive shipping offerings, you can rest assured your friend, sibling or partner will be soaking up those Boxing Day rays in style.
Glasshouse Fragrances Kyoto In Bloom Hand Care Duo With Tray, $75 from sephora.com.au
Packed full of glycolic acid, prebiotics, probiotics and vitamins, this handy duo is actually as good for your skin as it looks. Gift a little bit of luxury to your loved one this year, transforming an everyday activity as mundane as washing their hands into a moment of pure pampering. Sephora offers express shipping on all their products, too.
July Juliette Soft Work Tote, $325 from july.com
Whether in the market for a chic yet practical work bag or the perfect tote to accompany them on their jet-setting this summer, July’s Juliette range is sure to impress your loved one this year. Available in a range of colours and sizes, July typically dispatches their orders the very next business day, with express shipping also available for any latecomers.
Endota Spa Surrender Spa Package Gift Card, $205 from endotaspa.com
Don’t have time to wrap a gift this year? Why not forward them a paid-for luxury spa treatment that tends to their every need? This 75-minute package from Endota Spa includes a soothing body massage with warm jade stones, an organic facial and a scalp and facial massage. You can pick up a physical card, or Endota will simply email your loved one their voucher at any nominated time.
ClassPass gift voucher, starting from $50 from classpass.com
Give the gift of wellness and fitness this year, encouraging your loved ones to try their hand at a range of classes they’ve had on the fitness bucket list all year long. There are plenty of options for gifting a subscription, so you can play around with personalising a package that best suits your giftee.
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