The best last-minute Christmas gifts: ideas, DIY, and where to find them

It happens: frantically doing some last-minute Christmas gift shopping the day before, or accidentally forgetting someone on your list until they're at your front door for Christmas dinner. 

Don't worry – we talked to our experts to curate our top picks that you can gift when there are days, or even hours, left on the clock.

Many of these are last-minute Christmas gifts that you can get quickly for a variety of people, including instant-delivery gifts, things you can quickly grab or order from the shops, or DIY options.

We've also outlined the last days you can order or pick up from major retailers. If you're too late to order and you have your heart set on one of the best last-minute gifts we have here, consider giving the lucky recipient a nice card telling them what they can expect to receive. That way, they still have something to open.

Need more Christmas gift inspo? Take a look at our other gift guides:

Best Christmas gifts for gardeners | Best Christmas gifts for men | Best cheap Christmas gifts | Best Christmas gifts for women | Best Christmas gifts for kids | Best Christmas gifts for foodies | Best Christmas gifts for dogs | Best tech Christmas gifts

The best last-minute Christmas gifts with instant delivery

Under £30

Steam gift card

We like Thousands of options and lots of sales – especially around Christmas

Watch out for Some popular games sell for £60 or more

Where to find Steam

Last day to order 25 December

It isn't always easy knowing which games to gift someone – or what titles they already own.

Take the guesswork out of the equation and pick up a Steam gift card. Your recipient can choose between thousands of games, and can get a refund within two weeks if they haven't played them for more than two hours.

You can also get digital gift cards for other consoles like Xbox or PlayStation. If they're more of a PC gamer, try a Humble Choice subscription – it's like Xbox Game Pass, except your recipient will get to keep the games that come in each month's bundle.

If you're in need of a gift in a pinch, you can order these online within a few minutes.

Pick up digital vouchers from Steam.

Under £50

A Which? Membership

We like 11 editions of Which? Magazine mailed throughout the year – including a Dec/Jan bumper issue

Watch out for Nothing! Except for 50% off until 8 January 2025

Where to find Through our online tool

Last day to order 25 December

If you know someone who doesn't want to waste time with their tech, or are looking for a gift for an avid gardener, we've got you covered with expert advice and recommendations.

They'll be able to read our investigations, reviews on the best products, and much more. You can start their subscription on any date of your choosing, so you can set it up on Christmas morning.

When you gift a Which? subscription, you can currently get 50% off a magazine-only subscription until 8 January 2025. You can get 25% off until the same date when you subscribe to Which? Travel, Tech, Gardening or Money. 

Garden supplier gift vouchers

We like Can get a wide variety plants and gardening supplies

Watch out for Don't forget to include a Which? Gardening subscription

Where to find Brookside Plant Nursery, Kings Seeds, National Garden Gift Voucher, RHS

Last day to order 25 December

Buying a gift for an avid gardener? A gift voucher to a plant supply store can be a great way to give them something to look forward to in the spring.

If you're not sure where your recipient gets their gardening supplies, you can also gift a National Garden Gift Voucher – they can be redeemed at over 1,000 garden centres across the country, and are highly recommended by our gardening experts.

You can easily pick these up on Christmas morning, and you can print out a small certificate so they have something to unwrap.

Pick up gift vouchers online from Brookside Plant Nursery, Kings Seeds, or the Royal Horticultural Society.

Book a concert

We like Lots of options

Watch out for Some tickets and dates may put you over the £50 mark

Where to find Fever

Last day to order 25 December

While headphones may be a great gift, if your music-loving recipient already has a good pair, it might be better to pick up concert tickets for them instead. We especially liked the concerts from Fever, which offers events across the UK.

You can easily book tickets on Christmas morning for a concert in early 2025. Just be sure to subtly ask about any potential scheduling conflicts first.

If you're after more well-known or 'contemporary' artists, you can use apps/sites like Dice and connect your recipient's Spotify or Apple music to it to find events.

You can order tickets from Fever.

Under £100

A Tate or National Trust Membership

We like Fantastic days out, with a variety of locations

Watch out for Weekend crowds

Where to find Tate Shop, National Trust, National Trust for Scotland

Last day to order 25 December

A Tate or National Trust membership makes a great gift for families and folks who love art, history or just a good walk.

Tate Membership gets your recipient access to the member rooms and bars, and even tickets to sold-out shows and exhibitions, 10% off the Tate shop, and dedicated viewing hours in the mornings. When we checked, prices started from £78 for a year's free membership for one or £120 for one and a guest. 

If your recipient doesn't live in or near London, Liverpool or St. Ives, a National Trust membership will be the better gift. There are more than 500 locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are also loads of sites in Scotland – you'll need to sign up through the National Trust for Scotland.

With this gift, you'll also be supporting the Trust's environmental and historical conservation efforts, and your recipient will be able to vote in the annual meeting as a member.

• Tate You can find out more about membership and buy from the Tate Shop.
• For the National Trust Gift memberships range from junior (£12 a year) to young person (18-25, £45.60 a year) to adult (£91.20 a year or £151.20 for a couple aged over 18). You can find out more and buy from the National Trust. 
• A National Trust membership for Scotland is similar Ranging from 16-24 (£3.35 monthly, £40.20 annually), 24-60 (£5.80 monthly, £69.60 annually), or 60+ (£5.20 monthly, £62.40 annually). You can learn more and gift a membership on the National Trust for Scotland website.

A year of Spotify or Disney+

We like Lots of options for music, films, audiobooks, TV shows, and more

We don't like Maybe too many options

Where to find Disney+, Spotify

Last day to order 25 December

It's just under the £100 mark, but if you're buying a gift for someone who adores music, loves audiobooks, exploring new bands and genres, or is trying to craft the perfect playlists, this is a fantastic gift to give. You could always pair it with one of our best headphones, if you have the necessary time and funds.

If they prefer watching films, are a big Marvel or Star Wars fan, or just love the Disney Princesses, a subscription to Disney+ also makes a great gift. You can pick up an annual subscription and get two months for free. 

You can pick up subscriptions through Disney+, Spotify, or you can send a Spotify Premium gift card through Amazon for £99.

Read our Disney+ review+, our guide on the best music streaming services, our picks on the best Disney+ deals, or see how you can save up to £24 a year on a Spotify subscription.

Under £200

A cinema yearly membership

We like Discounted or free cinema tickets

Watch out for Movie talkers

Where to find Odeon, Picturehouse, or Cineworld

Last day to order 25 December

If you're buying a gift for a film buff, a membership to a cinema chains like Odeon, Cineworld or Picturehouse makes a great gift that gets your recipient some great perks. This includes exclusive screenings, discounts on popcorn and – most importantly – free film tickets.

The My Limitless Plus membership to Odeon will get them unlimited film tickets, discounts on snacks and free seat upgrades. It costs £179 for a year's membership. 

A Cineworld Unlimited membership will get them advanced screenings, unlimited films, discounts on snacks and chain restaurants. You'll need to log in or sign them up for a free membership first though. The price varies per location, costing up to £279 per year.

If you gift them a Picturehouse membership, you can only get up to 10 free film tickets per year. That said, you'll get discounts on food (including at partner restaurants), discounted films and priority booking. Like Cineworld, cost depends on location; London's Picturehouse Central is the most expensive, at £170 per year.

You can pick up a membership from Odeon, Picturehouse or Cineworld.

Over £200

A course to learn a new skill

We like Learning new skills or honing existing ones

Watch out for Some are wildly expensive

Where to find Sites like findcourses.co.uk, WeCanDo or check your local council's website 

Last day to order 25 December

What's a better gift than a new skill? If you're after a quick gift for someone who's been wanting to get into a new hobby or hone an existing skill, a course is a great gift to give. And you can book it instantly - just be sure to subtly ask about their availability first.

There are plenty of courses available all over the country in subjects and hobbies such as DIY, painting, pottery, gardening, fencing, baking, sailing, new languages, textiles and much, much more.

You can find courses in your area from sites like findcourses.co.uk. If you live near London or Brighton, our experts recommended taking a look at WeCanDo.

Best last-minute Christmas gifts you can pick up now

Under £30

A bottle of Best Buy wine or champagne

We like Great tasting bottles for less than £15

Watch out for Wine snobs

Where to find Supermarkets like Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrison's, Asda, Waitrose, Lidl, or Aldi

Last day to order 24 December, before the shops close

You'd be shocked at what you can get for under £15 – or even a tenner. 

Our expert taste tests have found supermarket bottles that blow luxury brands out of the water, so picking up a few for someone is sure to make a great gift.

If you're looking for a little something extra to give, it's also worth popping into your local charity shops to look for some fun glassware they can serve their gift in.

You can read our guides on the best sparkling wines, best red wines and best champagnes to help pick a bottle. For other foodie treats, consider a bottle of premium gin, dark chocolate or champagne truffles - or see the top 5 unusual drinks to gift.

If you're looking for 'nicer' wine glasses, our experts are fans of the glassware from LSA International. You can pick up a set of four glasses from John Lewis for click and collect below:

Adopting an animal and getting a matching teddy

We like Helps support wildlife conservation

Watch out for May need to buy a plush toy separately

Where to find: Wildlife Trusts, WWF, local charities

Last day to order 24 December for a digital certificate and a teddy from a toy shop or supermarket (or regift one of your own, if it's 25 December)

From seals, to cows, foxes and many other critters, you can 'adopt' an animal to help support charities with the work they do.

You can pick these up from various charities or organisations of your choosing, and it makes a great gift. We'd recommend looking into your local wildlife trusts, zoos and animal sanctuaries, too.

Some charities bundle an adoption with a matching teddy. But if you're out of time, you can always get the certificate and run to your local toy shop or supermarket to pick up a plushie.

You can browse the full selection of 'adoptable' animals at the Wildlife Trusts, WWF, Wildlife Aid Foundation, and Born Free. Be sure to check your local wildlife organisations too.

Funky tea towels

We like Loads of variety and fun designs

Watch out for Not the easiest to get in a pinch

Where to find Local shops, markets or from sites like Etsy

Last day to order 15 to 20 December, if ordering from Etsy

Next time you're out doing a shop, pick up a few tea towels to have on hand to give as gifts in case anything unexpected pops up. There are loads of sellers who make ones with fun designs, and they're a particularly nice gesture when paired with a bottle of wine.

Not to mention they make a great replacement for wrapping paper.

You can find them available from local shops. Be sure to check their Christmas opening hours before bolting out the door though.

Best last-minute DIY Christmas gifts

Make homemade spice mixes or flavoured simple syrups

We like Makes KFC's 11 herbs and spices look like child's play

Watch out for Simple syrup can be very sticky and will eventually go off

Where to find Get empty clip-top bottles and jars at the likes of Asda, Tesco and Ikea, or recycle glass jam jars.

Last day to order 24 December (or Christmas morning, at a pinch)

Got a secret mix of herbs and spices? You can easily make a spice mix or a fancy flavoured simple syrup at home in under an hour. It makes a great last-minute gift for foodies, or can be a thoughtful way to introduce new flavours into someone's cooking.

Easy spice mix

The spice mix is easy – you can grind up your own herbs and spices, or combine pre-ground ingredients into jars. We'd recommend taking a look at speciality herbs and spices, but you can grind up whole cardamom pods, cumin seeds or mustard seeds from your local supermarket.

Flavoured simple syrup

All you need is sugar, water, herbs and spices. Heat up equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and steep your spices and herbs in it while it heats up. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, you may need to cut the heat for the spices to steep a bit longer. Just don't let it boil – it'll leave your saucepan a caramelly, sticky mess. 

Keep it clean

You'll need to sterilise your bottles or jars. Remove any rubber seals (these can be put in boiling water for a few minutes). Wash the glassware in hot, soapy water. Then put them face-down (put bottles on their sides) while still wet on a baking sheet in an oven at 140°C for about 10 to 15 minutes (until they're dry). Let them cool down, then add your warm mixture to the warm bottle or jar. If you're making a spice mix, make sure your jar is completely dry before adding.

If you're after spare clip-top bottles and small jars, you can buy them up from supermarkets including Tesco and Asda, or retailers like Amazon. If you can brave the Christmas crowds, you could even shop in-store at places like Ikea until 23 December.

Make a DIY Christmas hamper

We like Can stock it full of Best Buy cheddar cheese, mince pies, and mulled wine

Watch out for Sourcing your own basket

Where to find Pick up cheeses, sweets and prosecco from your local supermarkets, hampers from Dunelm or Hobbycraft

Last day to order 24 December, picking up hampers in-store

Have you forgotten to order a pre-made hamper, or are the ones left eye-wateringly expensive? Ditch those and make your own. It'll be a hit, and you can fill it to the brim with your recipient's favourite goodies.

You could also do a theme, too. If your recipient loves American candy, go all out on exotic snacks from across the pond. It doesn't need to be all food either; you could put together a hamper with some DVDs and fancy popcorn, or a gardening-themed basket with gloves, seeds and hand tools.

If you're wanting to make it look especially nice, add things like a hamper liner, paper shreds, or colourful tissue paper. You can also use a sheet of cellophane to secure everything inside, but we'd recommend using a large tea towel instead and making it part of the gift.

You can pick up hamper supplies like baskets, shredded tissue paper, and cellophane at shops like Dunelm and Hobbycraft.

Be sure to read our guide on the best value Christmas food and drink to help you load up your homemade hampers.

Best last-minute Christmas gifts

Under £30

Darn tough socks

We like Lifetime warranty

Watch out for £25+ for a pair of socks

Where to find Darn Tough, or get mid-weight socks SQUIRREL_TEXT_50001317

Last day to order 22 December

If you've had enough of stuffing stockings with pairs of socks, these come with a lifetime warranty.

The manufacturer claims they're 'darn tough' and shouldn't wear easily – but if your socks do get a hole in them, Darn Tough will send a replacement pair free of charge if you provide proof of purchase. You can read the full terms on its website.

You can get a few pairs in a stitch if you're an Amazon Prime member. Not all pairs are available with two-day shipping though, so be sure to check before you order. You can take a look at all of the Darn Tough socks currently available from Amazon. 

Buy a variety of socks direct from Darn Tough, or compare prices on a pair of its midweight socks below:

Apple AirTag

We like Simple setup process, small

Watch out for Doesn't come bundled with a carry case

Where to find SQUIRREL_TEXT_12862210 or £35 directly from Apple with free engraving

Last day to order 22 December

An Apple AirTag is an ideal gift if your recipient is prone to misplacing their keys, purse or wallet. They'll be able to locate whatever item it's attached to using Apple's Find My network – every iPhone, iPad or Mac connected to the network becomes a beacon the AirTag can connect with. This tiny device weighs just 11g and has a built-in speaker to alert its owner when they're nearby.

If you need it ASAP,  you can pick it up from a nearby Currys or Apple Store. If you get it directly from Apple, you can get the device engraved for free – you can use plain text, numbers or emojis, which adds a nice touch.

It won't be as great a gift for Android users, though. While you can use AirTags with Apple's Tracker Detect app for Android, there aren't as many features. We'd recommend picking up a Tile Mate or a Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 instead.

Compare prices on an Apple AirTag, Tile Mate and Galaxy SmartTag 2 below:

Lakeland Mini Digital Ice Cream Maker

We like Won't take up too much space on the kitchen counter

Watch out for Make sure the person you're gifting will get plenty of use out of it

Where to find SQUIRREL_TEXT_50014150

Last day to order 22 December

Our experts have been hands-on with this ice cream maker to see how it compares to pricier alternatives. This Lakeland model has a 500ml bowl – small enough to store in your freezer without taking up too much space, so it's always ready to use.

It comes bundled with a selection of recipes to try. It's not a freeze-first model, so your recipient will need to plan a bit before making homemade ice cream.

You'll be able to click and collect this ice cream maker from your local Lakeland store, or get it with express shipping for £6.95 extra.

If you'd prefer to pick from several models, see our round-up of the best ice cream makers. You can compare prices for the Lakeland device below:

Under £50

A Which? Tech or Travel subscription

We like Unlimited tech support and/or legal advice for travel-related disputes

Watch out for Our shameless self-promotions

Where to find Right here!

Last day to order 25 December (or later, if you're seeing people after the big day)

If they're interested in tech, or are wanting to plan better holidays, a subscription to our Tech or Travel magazines make a fantastic gift. They'll get the magazines by post every other month, plus there are other perks with a subscription.

With a Which? Tech subscription, they get our impartial and expert advice, and they'll also be able to get our one-to-one tech support, where our experts will help with any problems they might have. 

If they're looking to travel more, a subscription to Which? Travel will help them plan great holidays. They'll also get access to our travel legal helpline for advice on resolving any disputes they encounter on their travels.

Xiaomi Smart Band 8

We like Easy to set up, lightweight

Watch out for No built-in GPS

Where to find SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017007

Last day to order 23 December

This fitness tracker is one of the most affordable models we've tested in our lab. If you're shopping for someone who wants to stick to a fitness regime in the new year, this could be a great gift.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 has an oval-shaped colour OLED touchscreen that measures 41mm (across the diagonal). The face is available in black or gold, and it has a range of strap options.

You can pick it up for next-day shipping from Amazon.

To see how this fitness tracker fared in our lab, see our full Xiaomi Smart Band 8 review. You can compare prices below:

Lego Botanicals Orchid 10311

We like A creative challenge with wellness benefits

Watch out for Tiny pieces can get misplaced

Where to find SQUIRREL_TEXT_50010068

Last day to order 22 December

In a 2022 study conducted by Lego, 87% of adults said play helped them to feel calm, with many citing hands-on activities as the best way to achieve this.

Give them the Orchid or Bonsai Tree from the Botanical Collection or peruse the Lego website for its sets for adults collection of 100-plus sets. From architecture to video game-themed sets, there's something to build for every interest.

You can order this set (or others) from retailers like Amazon with two-day shipping, or you can collect it from retailers like Waterstones in a pinch.

If you're looking for different sets, you can get them at a bargain from our pick of the best Lego deals 2024. You can compare prices on the Orchid below.

Under £75

Felco Model 2 secateurs

We like Options for both right and left-handed gardeners

Watch out for Not the cheapest model we tested

Where to find World of Felco (£63.74), otherwise it's SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017197 

Last day to order 22 December

These are a great gift for those wanting to get into gardening in the new year, and they should last them a long time. They're very popular with amateur and professional gardeners alike.

Since they're such popular secateurs, you may even be able to nip into your local garden centre to nab a pair. Otherwise, you can order them online from retailers like Amazon and get next-day delivery.

You can read our full review in our guide to the best secateurs. Compare prices below:

Best last-minute Christmas gifts for kids and families

Best last-minute family gifts under £30

Tippi My First Remote Control Car

We like Simple for kids to play with

We don't like Catchy jingle can get stuck in your head

Recommended age Two to three years old

Where to find SQUIRREL_TEXT_50010958

Last day to order 23 December

This remote control car is a great gift for young children. It's got easy-to-use controls on the steering wheel, and has lots of interactive features. With a top speed of 2.5mph, it's not fast enough to do any damage to furniture, either.

It's available through Amazon Prime with next-day shipping available, so the last day you can get it is 23 December.

How does it compare to similar toys? Read our review of the best remote control cars to find out.

Steam gift card

We like Thousands of options and lots of sales – especially around Christmas

Watch out for Some popular games sell for £60 or more

Recommended age 13 and up

Where to find Steam

Last day to order 25 December

We realise that we've suggested this several times in our gift guides, but the truth is that it's an easy and effective gift to give gamers.

If you're buying for a teen who loves gaming, it gives them the choice to pick out a handful of games that are on sale on Christmas day. You can also get gift cards for consoles like an Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo Switch if your recipient doesn't play on PC.

Pick up digital vouchers from Steam.

Adopting an animal and getting a matching teddy

We like Helps support wildlife conservation

Watch out for May need to buy a plush toy separately

Recommended age Two and up

Where to find Wildlife Trusts, WWF, local charities

Last day to order 24 December for a digital certificate and a teddy from a toy shop or supermarket (or regift one of your own, if it's 25 December)

This makes a fantastic gift for kids, especially if they're really into animals.

You can pick these up from various charities or organisations of your choosing, and it helps support the work they do. We'd recommend looking into your local wildlife trusts, zoos, and animal sanctuaries too.

Some charities bundle an adoption with a matching teddy, but if you're out of time, you can always get the certificate and run to your local toy shop or supermarket to pick up a plushie.

You can browse the full selection of 'adoptable' animals at the Wildlife Trusts, WWF, Wildlife Aid Foundation, and Born Free. Be sure to check your local wildlife organisations, too.

Pigs on Trampolines

We like Great for families with little ones

We don't like Trampolines aren't the easiest to bounce pigs off

Recommended age Six and up

Where to find SQUIRREL_TEXT_50010027

Last day to order 23 December

In this game, on the count of three everyone begins bouncing pigs into a central mud pit. If a pig gets in the pit, the player gets a mud token – and whoever gets the most tokens is the winner.

We found the game very easy to pick up when we tested a range of different board games. Even though the trampolines were a bit too bouncy, our testers often said that with each failure they 'just wanted one more go'. 

It's one of our best family board games, so it makes a fantastic gift. You can order it from Amazon for next-day shipping if you're a Prime member, or click and collect from John Lewis.

Read our full verdict in our guide on the best board games, or compare prices below:

Best last-minute family gifts under £50

A Which? membership

We like 50% off until 8 January 2025

Watch out for Better for parents

Where to find Through our online tool

Last day to order 25 December – instant delivery available

While it's maybe not the best gift for a kid, a Which? membership makes a fantastic gift for families. They can read up on our child safety and health advice, plan holidays, plus stay up to date on our reviews of pushchairs, car seats, and more.

Our Full Access package also gives your recipient's family 11 magazines throughout the year, plus access to all of our online member-exclusive reviews, too.

Our Tech, Travel, Money and Gardening subscriptions are on offer too.

Ravensburger GraviTrax marble run

We like Seemingly endless track combinations

Watch out for Only six marbles included, expansion packs may be needed for further play

Recommended age 8 to 12 years old

Where to find SQUIRREL_TEXT_50017094

Last day to order 24 December when you click and collect from John Lewis

This reimagined marble run is made up using stacks of hexagons, guide rails and lots of accessories. This starter set comes with more than 100 pieces, including a 'Gauss cannon' that accelerates marbles.

Fancier elements, such as trampolines, catapults and ziplines, are sold as expansions to the sets. While they aren't necessary to build runs, they can be fun additions to consider gifting at a future date.

You can order it through click and collect from John Lewis, meaning the last day you can order is 24 December – just be sure to get it before your local store closes.

Pick up the Starter Set below:

When is the last day I can order Christmas gifts online?

While it ultimately depends on the retailer's chosen shipping or courier service, the main two dates to order by if you want your Christmas gifts delivered on time are 15 and 18 December.

Below, we've broken down the dates to get your order in from popular retailers:

• Amazon If you're a Prime subscriber, there are thousands of products you can order with two-day or one-day shipping – making the last day to order 22 or 23 December. Be sure to check whether or not one-day shipping is available on certain items. If you're not a Prime member, we recommended you order by 18 December. Click if you want to subscribe to Amazon Prime.
• Argos The cut-off for standard delivery is 19 December, but you can order express delivery for £6 as late as 22 December, or click and collect as late as 24 December (depending on the product and location). Keep in mind most locations will close at 19:00 in the days before Christmas.
• Boots The free delivery deadline is 19 December. You can order as late as 21 December, but it costs a fiver. You can also click and collect from most locations – you'll need to do this before 18:00 on 23 December.
• Currys As long as you place your order before 17 December, you can get free shipping. Otherwise, you can get express shipping for £5 until 22 December. You can also click and collect, depending on the product, until 24 December.
• John Lewis You have until 19 December to get your standard orders in, otherwise it's £7 to get express shipping – you can get that until 22 December. You can click and collect right up until the shops close on 24 December, depending on the product and shop.
• Sainsbury's Most locations are closed on Christmas day, but you can get items in-store until stores close on 24 December. You can check your local branch's hours with the Sainsbury's store locator.
• Very 18 December is your last day to get free delivery. You can pay £6 for next-day delivery until 22 December.

Looking for more gift inspiration? See our guides:

• Best Christmas gifts for dogs
• Best Christmas gifts for men
• Best cheap Christmas gifts
• Best Christmas gifts for gardeners
• Best Christmas gifts for kids
• Best Christmas gifts for women
• Best Christmas gifts for foodies
• Best tech Christmas gifts