Last Minute Gifts for Friends: Show You Care, Even in a Rush

When you’re down to the wire, a $100 DoorDash e‑gift card is a quick crowd-pleaser your friend can redeem right from the app. In our testing, adding the code in the DoorDash app was straightforward, and it’s accepted widely across restaurants and delivery categories. Still, we’ve seen occasional delays or missing emails, and rare cases of PINs not working or being compromised. Because retailers often have limited refund options if activation fails, purchase a bit ahead of mealtime and save the receipt for support.

For Android gamers, movie-night regulars, or audiobook devotees, a Google Play Gift Card is a safe bet—and the instant email delivery makes it a clutch last-minute save. In our testing, it worked seamlessly for apps, games, movies, music, and books, but some buyers hit snags with codes needing activation or not redeeming. We suggest sending the e-gift with the original receipt and a personal note, which helps with any redemption troubleshooting and adds a warmer touch than a bare code.

For Apple fans, a digital Apple Gift Card is a versatile pick—they can use it on apps, music, iCloud, or hardware and accessories. We found delivery is usually fast, often within a few hours, which makes it ideal for last‑minute gifting. However, some buyers report missing emails or already‑redeemed codes, and resolving issues may require contacting Target or Apple support. To stay safe, send a little ahead of time, keep receipts, and confirm redemption instructions so your recipient can add the balance easily.

As a universal crowd-pleaser, Amazon gift cards are hard to beat—instant delivery by text or email makes them perfect for last-minute gifting. In our testing, the digital codes redeemed without fuss, and the flexibility covers everything from household basics to fun splurges. That said, some recipients find gift cards impersonal, and physical retail cards can arrive scratched or already redeemed if sourced poorly. Buying through third-party listings (like delivery apps) may include a markup versus Amazon direct, so compare pricing and stick to reputable sellers.

If your friend is on a hydration kick, the Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState makes it easy with a 40 oz capacity, long-lasting chill, and a comfy handle for toting. In our testing, ice lasted all day and the lid/straw disassembled for a genuinely thorough, dishwasher-safe clean. Just note the lid is splash-resistant, not leakproof, the powder coat can scuff with drops, and when full it’s heavy—better carried than tossed into a bag.

For friends who crave calmer days, the Headspace Mind GiftCard grants six months of Premium without auto-renew, making it a low-commitment wellness gift. We found email delivery easy for last-minute gifting, and redemption works across devices via the app or website. Heads-up: recipients will need to create or log into a Headspace account, and app‑store billing setups can complicate redemption. If you buy from a third‑party retailer, our experience shows support and delivery timing can vary, so save receipts and share clear redemption instructions.

Looking for an experience gift with a creative twist? Art Masterclass digital cards, with preset values up to $500, cover workshops, DIY mosaic lamp kits, and gift shop items. During our review, the flexibility stood out—great for both hands-on classes and stay-at-home crafting. Be aware some customers report slow or unresponsive support, so keep order confirmations and plan a bit ahead. If they choose a DIY kit, our experience shows it may arrive in a single box rather than separate kit packaging, which affects presentation.

Know a concert lover? A Ticketmaster Gift Card lets them grab seats to shows, sports, and theater, and the e-gift option arrives almost instantly—perfect for last-minute gifting. We found redemption simple, but some cards require retailer validation at purchase; keep the activation receipt handy because unvalidated or expired cards have tripped up buyers. Our experience shows scammers sometimes target people with Ticketmaster gift card requests, so only buy from reputable sellers and share the code privately with your recipient.

For the friend dreaming of a getaway, an Airbnb Gift Card hits the mark, and the instant email delivery means it truly works as a last-minute surprise. In our testing, applying the balance to both stays and experiences was straightforward, but we recommend saving the receipt because a few buyers report delayed codes, link glitches, or already-redeemed cards. If anything goes sideways, customer support can be slow, so purchase from a trusted retailer and verify delivery right away.

Need a festive touch fast? Walgreens’ personalized New Year’s photo cards start at a very low $1.49 per card, with same‑day pickup at many stores. In our testing, upgrading to premium cardstock improved feel, but print and color quality can vary by store equipment and settings. Plan ahead during peak holiday hours—printer jams or in‑store delays can slow pickup, even with rapid production. Envelopes and finishing aren’t as luxe as boutique printers, yet for last‑minute greetings the convenience and price are hard to beat.

If you need a personal gift fast, the CVS 8"x8" Custom Cover Photo Book from Snapfish is a budget-friendly win at about $12. We found the custom cover option is great for spotlighting a favorite memory, and in-store pickup at CVS makes last-minute gifting painless. Our experience shows print quality can be inconsistent across orders, and some covers risk QR markings or aggressive cropping, so leave generous margins. During peak holidays, customer service and shipping may lag, so opting for local pickup and reviewing the prints on-site helps avoid surprises.

For a dependable, under-$15 self-care gift, the Burt’s Bees Essential Kit packs several travel-size fan favorites in a tidy, gift-ready box. During our review, the formulas felt gentle and mostly natural, making it easy to stash in a carry-on or desk drawer. Our experience shows the minis drive up the cost per ounce, and the lip balm may need frequent reapplication compared with thicker balms. If your recipient expects full sizes, set expectations—it’s a sampler set, but a thoughtful one for everyday use.

We like Dr Teal’s Relax & Relief Eucalyptus Bath Gift Set as a $6 spa moment—calming eucalyptus and spearmint plus travel-size goodies in gift-ready packaging. In our testing, the bath products helped ease post-work muscle tension and turned a quick soak into real me-time. If your friend is scent-sensitive, be aware the fragrance can run strong, and a few pieces were trickier to open during our review. Also, oils and foaming ingredients can leave the tub slippery; our experience shows a quick rinse afterward avoids any slick surprises.

Hands-free and fuss-free, the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag nails daily carry with a water-repellent exterior and surprisingly organized mesh pockets inside. During our review, it felt light and comfy all day and kept essentials dry in a light drizzle, though the 1L capacity won’t fit a standard water bottle. Our experience shows the strap length can be limiting across bulky coats or larger busts, and the spot-clean-only fabric makes light colors trickier—choose darker shades if you’re tough on gear.

YETI’s Rambler Tumbler is the dependable pick for friends who nurse coffee all morning or sip iced tea all afternoon. During our testing, the 18/8 stainless body shrugged off dings, kept drinks at temp for hours, and fit cleanly in most car cup holders; it even stacks to save cabinet space. Tradeoffs: the MagSlider lid is splash-resistant, not leakproof, the plastic can hold odors if neglected, and the Rambler weighs more than some travel mugs.

This is the budget-friendly skincare gift we reach for, because The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% delivers real oil control for under five bucks. During our review, the lightweight serum absorbed fast and layered cleanly under moisturizer and makeup; to prevent pilling, apply it to dry skin and give it a minute to set. A few users experience initial irritation or purging, and shipping can occasionally dent or leak bottles, so consider in-store pickup if you’re truly down to the wire.

UNO Platinum Edition elevates a classic with heavier, linen‑finish cards and a holographic foil logo that feels special for game night gifting. In our hands‑on, the sturdier stock shuffled smoothly and the color‑blind‑friendly symbols made play more inclusive for mixed groups. Just note the minimalist line art can be harder to read for some players, and the cards aren’t as metallic as the box suggests. Box and card dimensions can differ from other UNO editions as well, so storage or sleeve fit may require a quick check.

Cold commute? The Carhartt Men’s Knit Rubber Patch Beanie is a no-brainer, with a stretchy 100% acrylic rib-knit that kept our heads warm and comfy during blustery walks. It’s machine washable, so it’s easy to refresh after workouts or snow days, and it holds its shape well. Fit note: the one-size design can feel tight on larger heads, and some colors go in and out of stock—so order early if your friend has their heart set on a specific shade.