Raise your hand if you’re looking for last minute birthday gift ideas because you forgot or simply procrastinated with your shopping… Oh come on, admit it!
Now let me share with you my roundup of awesome last minute birthday gift ideas to help save you the embarrassment of giving something desperate or lame (or rather something that LOOKS like you picked it up on the way to the party). (Psst! If you’re really rushed, I have a page of email gifts here. You can get the gift to your giftee in seconds!) You can also check out my birthday gift cards idea page for links to stores and gift card merchants. Just another way to get your gift there pronto!
The question is, what do you do when you realize it’s someone’s birthday and you have nothing? No need to worry, I’m here to help!
I’ll help you brainstorm your last-minute birthday gift ideas … because you really need a great idea (ahem, right now ) that you can give to your coworker, your mother, your boyfriend when the need arises.
So! Here are some ideas for anyone!
Last Minute Birthday Gift Ideas for Anyone!
Travel Size Blue Tooth Speaker
If they don’t already have one of these babies, they rock as a last-minute birthday gift! There’s nothing so satisfying as listening to your music with a tiny speaker that can really boom.
I’ve seen them in action. Hint to anyone shopping for me – I neeeeed.
Italian Soda Syrups
There’s nothing quite so refreshing as a simple yummy Torani flavor poured over club soda and ice – so good! To make it look like a finished gift, I recommend getting a set of 3 to 6 different flavors to wrap up together.
Magazine and Chocolates
I like any excuse for a little frivolous reading. Snag a nice box (or bag) of chocolates to throw in with a magazine about DIY, decor, hunting, technology, fashion, or whatever they’re interested in.
Magazines look really cool wrapped in a wine bottle bag or box. Just roll it up and in it goes!
Snuggly Blanket
Everyone can use another blanket! Just decide if you’re going to make it yourself, order a personalized one from Shutterfly, or just buy their favorite fuzzy kind from Kohls.
One of the best blankets I ever got was a simple one my college roommate made me. It was fleece with a cool tiger printed on it (my favorite animal), and she just cut and tied the edges. That’s got to be one of the easiest DIYs ever.
Cooking Set (Or Baking Set, Or Grilling Set, Or…)
However, they like to cook, get them a little something they can use (aprons or utensils) along with something to delight their taste buds (mixes and spices).
- An apron and a cake mix.
- A leather mitt and a Dutch oven recipe book.
- Grilling utensils and a marinade mix.
Super easy for a last-minute birthday gift!
Chic Water Bottle
A quality water bottle makes a great last-minute birthday gift for people from all walks of life. The average Joe (or Jane like me) likes to have a little water on hand when driving around town. The avid athlete can always use another one to take jogging, biking, or to the gym.
I prefer my metal one, but others may like the gallon size or a thermos instead. Just find a quality one you think they would like.
Kit of “Personals”
Every store has pre-made sets of personal care items – but it is better to make your own set if you can. It looks less contrived and more thoughtful (which is important when you’re shopping for last-minute).
Lotion, soap, and hand sanitizer is the classic trio I use when I’m making my own gift set.
Bath and Body Works is a great place to get them because the person you’re buying for can exchange them if they can’t stand the smell – even if they used them a couple of times! Talk about awesome customer service.
Mug And Creamers
Whatever their warm drinkable comfort is – for me it is hot cocoa – find a tasty threesome of flavored creamers. Then find a mug with a funny phrase, a fitting picture, or a monogram and package them together.
Beware of DIY “Sharpie” Mugs!
Fun as they are, many of the tutorials leave you with a design that comes off in the dishwasher. Yikes! If you DO decide to use one of those designs, at least include some typed up instructions on how to care for their mug (“hand wash with love, never in the dishwasher”).
Movie And Popcorn
Cinema tickets, DVDs or Blu-rays wrapped with a box of Pop Secret popcorn is one of my favorite birthday gifts to get and to give. Now that’s entertainment for all your senses!
Books Make Great Gifts Too!
Not just any book. Get one from their favorite series, genre, or author. Better yet, buy them the next book in the series they can’t put down right now. If they have a sense of humor, Calvin and Hobbes are hilarious.
In other words, if you have any idea what kind of books they like, you can’t go wrong with this!
Roundup of Quick and Easy
Last Minute Birthday Gift Ideas
Now let me share with you my roundup of awesome gift ideas to help save you the embarrassment of giving something desperate or lame (or rather something that LOOKS like you picked it up on the way to the party).
About that – looking thoughtful I mean – check out the tips below to get some ideas on how to make your last-minute birthday gifts look more thoughtful – like you probably got it a week or 2 ago.
Here’s Your Roundup
Here is your ever-growing list of quick and easy gift ideas to help you in your last-minute shopping. Just a couple of quick notes…
- The gifts are listed in categories to make it easier for you to find the ideas that you need right now. There’s nothing worse than having to sort through a giant list when you need something NOW!
- Oh yeah, and I’ll be adding more idea lists as I get them. So come back again to see what’s new!
Last Minute Birthday Gift Ideas
Advice from Our Pro Gift Enthusiasts
Make It Thoughtful – Make It A Set
For example…
Some gifts make a statement all by themselves, but when you make it a set, you make it look like you really put thought into it – which is important especially when you’re shopping last minute!
- Get a nice pen to go with that journal.
- Pair a nice lip gloss with a clutch.
- Package their favorite seasonings with that apron you bought (or made) for him.
Keep The Best Ideas Close
When you find a list of last-minute gift ideas that you like, print them off and keep them next to your birthday organizer. If you don’t have a birthday organizer, get one…
…or better yet, pin the idea list to your Pinterest board so you can easily come back to it.
But if you need to, print off the list and go to a brick-and-mortar store instead because the party is in an hour, I completely understand.
If you’re ever in a bind and need last minute birthday gift ideas, don’t sweat it! There are plenty of great options here that won’t break the bank. That said, try to stay away from anything cheesy, overdone, or impractical. Your friends will be sure to appreciate your thoughtfulness (and timing).
And if you need more last minute birthday gift ideas, check out these last minute gifts for men. If you’re short in cash, my budget-friendly gift ideas will help you.
Related Reading:
Secrets Of A Givaholic: Your Guide To Finding the Best Gifts Ever
Top Birthday Gift Ideas For Kids
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