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Best last-minute Christmas gifts that will arrive in time and are actually really thoughtful

Everything we’ve picked out will arrive in time for December 25

Last minute Christmas gifts
Katherine Robinson
Senior Lifestyle Editor
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Scrambling for a last-minute gift? Don’t worry - you’re not alone! There’s so much to do and remember in the run-up to Christmas, it’s inevitable that you’ll miss someone off the present shopping list!

I know it happens - so with that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of present ideas with speedy delivery that’ll arrive in time for Santa’s visit. And they not just affordable, they’re really thoughtful too. There’s no way the recipient will know they were last-minute purchases!

Several of the gift ideas can be found on Amazon, which has amazing speedy delivery (in some cases you can even get it the same day if you order early enough) Marks & Spencer is another great option for last-minute gifts - the cut-off point to order is before 8pm on Saturday 22 December to receive your items by Christmas Eve.

We’ve got you covered, whether you’re after something practical for dad, something sentimental for your other half or something cool for a tricky teen. Thank me later!

Top 5 last-minute Christmas gifts at a glance

How we chose the best last-minute gifts

  • Price: Most of the gifts definitely fall into the affordable category - we’re so close to Christmas now, chances are your pretty close to broke - we know how it is!
  • Variety: You’ll find something for every membr of the family in this guide, whether you want something mum would appreciate or a practical gift dad would love
  • Reviews: In all our features, we include products known and loved by the HELLO! Shopping team. In the unlikely event that we couldn’t test the product ourselves, we’ve only included gifts that had a high volume of positive reviews

Last-minute Christmas gifts available to ship now

  • What I Love About Us book

    What I Love About Us book

    Top sentimental gift for your other half

    Editor’s note: “This is such a sweet present - it’s filled with easy prompts for you to write about your other half “If you were an animal you’d be…” and it really doesn’t take ages to fill out. Make it as mushy as you like or play it for laughs. It’s so nice to go through together and one they’ll keep forever.”

  • Remember I love you Mum dish

    Remember I love you mum dish

    A gift to show how much you love mum

    Editor's Note: "She’ll know she’s loved every time she sees this cute dish, it’s both useful and sentimental, (as well as being a total bargain) so you’re onto a winner. And don’t worry, the US version says 'mom'."

  • Fortnum & Mason The Christmas Party at Piccadilly Hamper

    Fortnum & Mason The Christmas Hamper

    The uber luxe gift that'll please everyone

    Editor's note: "If you're feeling uber generous this year, you won't go wrong with Fortnum & Mason's incredible hamper. Dubbed The Christmas Party at Piccadilly Hamper, this is the one to see them through Christmas festivities, NY parties and twixmas too. It includes two magnums (yes, two!), sweet treats, savoury bites, drinks, a cocktail shaker, and plenty more Fortnum goodies. Who wouldn't want this?!"

  • Retrolife Vinyl record player

    Retrolife Vinyl record player

    So dad can play his old vinyls

    Editor's note: "My other half has hundreds of records which are just gathering dust on the shelf - with this, he can actually play them! It’s Amazon’s top-reviewed record player, and it’s their number one best seller. It has in built speakers, but you can also hook it up to external speakers or use headphones with it. It supports three sizes of records and three sizes, so whatever he’s got, he’ll be able to play it on this!"

  • So Chill! Mini Fridge by Canal Toys

    So Chill! Mini Fridge

    The all purpose mini fridge for students, influencers, road trips and hang outs

    Editor’s note: “My son begged me for one of these mini fridges so he can keep his Prime drink stashed away from his sister. They’re good for kids and teens or university students for storing drinks and snacks or beauty products, depending on what floats your boat.”

  • Pop the Prosecco Gift Box

    Pop the Prosecco Gift Box Marks & Spencer

    For Prosecco enthusiasts

    This Marks and spencer gift box is perfect as a little treat for anyone who’s a fan of the bubbly stuff and has a sweet tooth on the side. You get a bottle of dry prosecco, indulgent Blondie Smore's Fudge and M&S’s iconic Marc De Champagne Truffles, all presented in a stylish wooden box that's ready to gift. All the Christmas gifts at M&S UK will arrive in time for the big day if you order by Thursday 21 December with Standard Delivery or if you’re selecting Nominated Day Delivery you need to order by Friday 22 December.

  • Squishmallows Take 4: family card game

    Squishmallows Take 4: family card game

    Great family game to play with the kids

    Editor’s note: “I don’t know what it is about Squishmallows - but my kids (six and 11) both can’t get enough. They just have the edge over all other soft toys - they’re just that little bit softer and cuter. With that in mind, I’ve bought this game for them, and although we’ve not played it yet, I know they’ll love it. The idea is you have to race to collect four of a squad. Anything that gets them away from screens is most welcome!”

  • ASOS Gift Vouchers

    ASOS gift vouchers

    A gift voucher, delieved by email

    Editor’s note: “If you really don’t know what to give them then a gift voucher is a good idea - And ASOS is a good choice. They have hundreds of brands catering for men and women in fashion, beauty and accessories - so there’s something for everyone. Just choose the amount you want to gift, the voucher style and have it delivered by email on the date of your choice.”

  • Salter Hot Chocolate Maker - The Chocolatier

    Salter The Chocolatier

    The ultimate gift for hot choc fans

    Editor’s note: “I bought this for my dad as a cheap alternative to the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser and it’s honestly brilliant. He uses it every day and says he wouldn’t know what to do without it now. It’s super easy to use (if dad can, everyone can!) and it has a cold function for those iced latees if that’s your thing.”

  • Philip Jones Silver Plated Initial Necklace

    Philip Jones Silver Plated Initial Necklace

    The ‘she’ll never know it’s from Amazon’ gift

    Editor’s note: "I honestly think you can’t go wrong with an initial necklace. It’s just instantly thoughtful - and this silver number from Amazon just looks way more expensive than it actually is, arriving in a nice branded pouch. She’ll never know what a bargain it was! It’s silver plated and hypoallergenic so it’s a good choice for anyone who has a metal allergy and tends to react to ‘cheaper’ jewellery. No danger of that happening with this one.”

  • Life Skills 101: Essential life skills for teens

    Life Skills For Teens Book

    The joke gift for teens that’s actually really useful

    Editor's note: "File this under joke gifts that are actually really darn useful. I’ve flicked through this book, and although I’m not the proud owner of any teens just yet, I’ll definitely be buying it for my two when the time is right. It’s an easy read - with illustrations thast’ll teach them everything  from time management to finding a calling - and how to navigate parent-child relationships."

  • Ted Baker Leather Glara Small Glitter Bobble Purse Wallet in Silver

    Ted Baker Leather Glara Small Glitter Bobble Purse Wallet in Silver

    A sparkly designer purse she's sure to love

    Editor’s Note: “If you’re not sure what designer she’s into, Ted Baker is a good choice - and their wallets are not only chic - they’re super well made and sturdy too. This sparkly glittery wallet is a great size, and has room for plenty of cards and compartments for coins and bills. The clip fastening is super cute too.”

  • Neon Pebble Painting Kit

    Neon pebble painting set

    A creative gift that will get kids away from screens

    Editor's note: "My kids both love pebble painting - but I wish I’d known about this set because buying the materials to paint and decorate them works out so much more expensive. In this kit, you get a paintbrush, a sticker sheet, two glitter glues, six pebbles, six acrylic paints and 24 gems. T

    "he paints are water-resistant though, so make sure they’re wearing a smock or old clothes when you paint the pebbles - as it leaves permanent stains on clothes. The set also includes a handy colour chart on the back to encourage them to mix their own shades and a range of design ideas to help them get creative."

We want to be completely transparent – the HELLO! Loves badge indicates a paid product placement in this article, but we only recommend products that we believe in and think you would love to discover and shop.

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