8 of the Best Last-Minute Christmas Gifts Under $30

For some people, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas until you’re curled up by the fire, eating Christmas cookies, or hanging your favorite ornaments on the tree. For me, the holiday season doesn’t feel real until an overwhelming state of panic sets in and I’m feverishly typing “last-minute gift ideas” in the hours leading up to a Secret Santa exchange.

If you’re like me, you’ve noticed that the window for pre-Christmas delivery is slipping away. I’ve rounded up your top prospects for physically getting some wrapping paper around a gift in time for the holidays—even if your only option is going to the drug store. Here are gift ideas that are all under $30 (so long as you’re willing to get a little creative with it). Even when it’s the thought that counts, something is better than nothing.

Maybe you can’t turn water into wine, but you can at least preserve the wine you have on hand. Wine stoppers are another practical White Elephant staple, so it’s on you to bring some pizzazz to the table. If “birthday boy” Jesus doesn’t do it for you, check out pooping Santa and humping reindeer. Order right this minute on Tipsy Elves for guaranteed delivery by Thursday, Dec 22, for $15 plus $5 shipping.

Adult party games are a classic White Elephant fallback gift. However, “We’re Not Really Strangers” brings a special level of authenticity (as opposed to the simple shock value you get with something like “Cards Against Humanity”). The goal of this card game is to foster connection through harrowing personal revelations. The prompts on these cards will spark conversation and foster connections between friends old and new—just remember that to play fair, you have to be willing to dig deep. Get in time for Christmas for $20 at Target if you opt for same-day delivery or in-store pickup.

Novelty kitchen equipment is a quirky holiday gift staple. Take this mini waffle maker, which comes in various festive shapes like a gingerbread man or snowflake for $13 at Dash. Or you could go for something that serves more people at once, like a double dip bowl (with designated areas for chips versus dips) for $20 at Cotton On. As a rule of thumb, searching for “quirky kitchen equipment” will turn up fun and surprisingly useful results.

In terms of last-minute shopping: An at-home popcorn popper (like the one pictured) is sure to be available in some form. The one pictured above can pop 9+ cups of popcorn, is collapsible for easy storage, and the lid doubles as a measuring cup for your kernels. Get in time for Christmas for $22.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond if you opt for same-day delivery or in-store pickup.

With a little more planning, you could have splurged on a candle that smells like Adam Driver. But you didn’t plan, you’re here reading this article in a state of panic and desperation. What are you doing? Go run to Walgreens and buy a candle or four! If not Walgreens, head to a TJ Maxx, dollar store, or grocery store. What I’m saying is that you can buy candles anywhere. Godspeed.

Christmas is the perfect time to offer up one of those practical items—something that could actually improve someone’s quality of life—that we never seem to buy for ourselves. For me, it’s something like touchscreen gloves. I know how much use I’d get out of them, yet I’m resigned to waiting until they fall into my lap with a bow. Other ideas for low-cost practical gifts: A high-quality water bottle, a tumbler for hot drinks, or a reusable tote bag.

A pair of touchscreen gloves will put you out about $12 on Amazon, and as of the minute that I’m typing this, it looks like many options will still be available to arrive before Christmas.

If you live somewhere that gets cold, it’s always a safe bet to lean into the holiday theme and gift something fuzzy, cozy, and warm. Gifts like this also fall into the realm of “things that would improve my quality of life but I never buy them for myself.” You can’t go wrong with a cozy reversible throw blanket for $30 on Pottery Barn, or maybe some high-quality wool socks for $25 from Darn Tough. Again, if you can head to a store to select these items in-person, you’ll be in better shape compared to praying for overnight shipping options.

True, mugs are a dangerously popular gift option. But you left shopping to the last possible minute, so it’s no time to be picky. And how about something to fill those mugs with? Even if the gift recipient isn’t a big tea or hot cocoa drinker, it’s a smart thing to have in the home for hosting guests during the holidays.

Go for an assortment of tea flavors for around $3 at Trader Joe’s (my favorites are the ginger turmeric and the harvest blend). Throw in a mug that looks like a gnome home (as pictured above) for $17 on Natural Life. Gifting something that people can sip on is the perfect mix of charm and utility.

Well, well, well. The hour is nigh, and you’re in need of a last-minute gift. It’s too late for even the fastest online delivery, and most viable in-person store options are already closed. All that’s left to do is invent an excuse to get out of the house and proceed to sprint to your local 24-hour drug store.

Like a chef turning baskets of mystery ingredients into a three-course meal on Chopped, this category of gifts is all about your innovation. Here are some of our ideas for themed collections, but you can customize at your convenience.

In these DIY arrangements, the sum is greater than its parts—which should all be available at most chain drug stores.