BHG Editors' Favorite Finds: Last-Minute Gift Ideas

Christmas seems to sneak up every year, so finishing all your holiday shopping in time can be stressful. If you're scrambling to fill the stockings in time for your Christmas celebration, you're not alone—we've all been there! To help make your holiday season as stress-free as possible, our editors are sharing their favorite last-minute gift ideas.

Whether you're in need of a hostess gift for a last-minute holiday party or can't think of what to get your mother-in-law, take inspiration from our editors' favorite ideas.

Give to an Animal Rescue or Adopt an Animal

"If you have fur babies or love animals, giving a gift in someone's name to a nonprofit rescue or wildlife refuge is a gift that keeps giving. I particularly like to adopt baby elephants for friends' children—they get pictures and they love seeing their new pet."

— Jessica Thomas, Style & Design Director

Dress Up a Gift Card

"Gift cards are an easy last-minute gift idea if you’re in a pinch, but they feel so impersonal. At the start of the holiday season, I stock up on a few gourmet chocolate bars (Compartés is my go-to for gorgeous packaging and creative flavors) so that when I inevitably need a quick gift for someone, I can tie the gift card to a chocolate bar with a pretty ribbon for a gift that’s a little more thoughtful."

— Emily VanSchmus, Home Editor

DIY Coupon for a Future Event or Activity

"If there is a sports match, concert, or upcoming event that your loved one would appreciate but isn't yet on sale, craft a coupon or card to tease the activity. Let them pick the dates if the event is recurring."

— Caitlin Sole, Senior Home Editor

Houseplants

"Whether it's an adorable little Norfolk Island pine tree, an elegant orchid, or an interesting succulent, you can usually find the perfect plant for the recipient at any grocery store. Bonus points if it's in a pretty pot."

— Viveka Neveln, Senior Garden Editor

A Bottle of Wine (or Champagne!)

"Especially for last-minute occasions, I'm convinced that you can't go wrong with a bottle of wine (or sparkling juice or craft apple cider, for those who don't drink alcohol). Whether you're grabbing a bottle at the store on your way to that surprise holiday party or re-gifting a bottle you never opened (for last-minute gifts, I say there's nothing wrong with re-gifting!), a simple bottle makes a great, classic gift with minimal frills or fuss. Bonus points if it's bubbly: Somehow a bottle of champagne always makes a bigger splash than a red!"

— Lauren Phillips, Associate Director, Special Projects

Storyworth Subscription

"I gifted my parents a Storyworth subscription a few years ago and it's one of my favorite sentimental gift ideas. It makes a great last-minute gift because you can buy it at any time, and then Storyworth will send your recipient a question to answer each week for the next year. The next Christmas, you'll get a bound book with all of their answers in it! Reading my parents' stories and memories at the end of the year was so special, and Storyworth made the process super easy."

— Emily VanSchmus, Home Editor

Coffee Table Books

"Everyone could always use a good coffee table book for their living room decor. It's something one can never have enough of and often something they didn't know they needed until they receive it. Make sure to buy one based on their personal interests—there's a book out there for about everything."

— Halee Miller, Editorial Assistant