If you put off doing your holiday gift shopping until the last minute, there’s no reason to feel bad; after all, this is a busy season for most people. But what does look bad is giving your close friend a random novel that’s been sitting on your bookshelf for ages or regifting a skin care set that may or may not have expired. Simply put, people can tell when you don’t put enough effort into getting them something special, so don’t become known as the bad gift-giver of your social circle.
I write gift guides for a living, and more importantly, I’m a chronic procrastinator who still manages to wow the people in my life with thoughtful presents, if I may say so myself. So, I’ve put together an unfailing list of fast-shipping items or digital experiences the CNN Underscored editors recommend, whether the person you have in mind could benefit from a new e-reader or would be down to try an online magic class. Just don’t wait too much longer before making your selections!
For their daily cup of tea
No matter who you’re shopping for, this quaint honey sampler makes a thoughtful gift. Our home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel has gifted it multiple times and always stocks up her kitchen with it too. The whipped honeys are unique and versatile, as the recipient can drizzle them over pastries, spread them on toast or add them to their hot beverage of choice.
For their next get-together
A card game with bond-building questions like this one will make their next gathering with friends that much more memorable. It’s great for both established friend groups and new ones, helping them to either develop new connections or deepen existing ones.
So they can buy exactly what they need
You can’t miss with a digital gift card to one of their favorite retailers. I recommend choosing a card from a department store like Macy’s because they’ll be able to get whatever it is they might need, whether that’s warm bedding or a new coffee maker.
To learn a new trick or two
Uncommon Goods has a wide selection of online experiences you can send to the person who loves to learn new things. This one-hour magic show and class caught my eye. The expert instructor will teach your loved one illusion-based sleight of hand tricks that they’ll be eager to show off at the next party they attend.
For the daily commuter
If they’d like to read more books but don’t have as much time for it, an Audible subscription is the perfect gift. You can buy them listening credits for up to 12 months so they can enjoy audiobooks, podcasts and more entertainment no matter where they are or what they’re doing. The best part is there’s no shipping required — their gift will be delivered via email on your chosen date.
So their showers feel even more relaxing
Shower steamers are one of those novel bath accessories they might not think to get themselves but will appreciate once they own. Our editorial intern Chelsea Collier likes the ones from this brand. “These are my favorites; they are so calming,” she said of the essential-oil-based steamers. “I use them any time I want to pretend my shower is a spa.”
To make their week a little sweeter
Food gifts, especially sweets, are always a welcome surprise. A couple of the editors on our team have tried and like Sugarwish, and the best part is, the recipient gets to choose the exact treats they want to receive, whether that’s candy, cookies or popcorn. All you have to do is choose the category and size of the gift box before emailing (or texting!) them the link to the gift.
So they’re fully equipped for grilling season
Summer might be a ways away, but when it comes time for them to break out their grill again, they’ll be grateful you got them this tool. Our testing team deemed it the best grill brush on the market because it safely and quickly cleans hot grills without leaving behind any bristles.
Read our review
If they love a cozy beverage
Recently named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2025, these adorable snowman-themed cocoa bombs will help your friend get into the holiday spirit right in time for the festivities. One pack comes with four of the Belgian drinking chocolate bombs, which they can drop into warm milk for a comforting winter treat.
For the whimsical decorator
Etsy is one of the best places to find quick-shipping, one-of-a-kind home decor; our senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus has been scoping out the site to upgrade her own apartment with cute knickknacks. If you’re shopping for someone who likes nature-themed decor, I recommend this vibrant hummingbird-themed sun catcher to brighten up their window.
If they like to cook
Sure, they can search for specific recipes online, but where’s the fun in that? With this subscription, the home cook on your list will receive one recipe in the mail every month. The letters are replicas of real handwritten recipes by historical figures like Emily Dickinson and Rosa Parks.
So they never have to search for a Starbucks
One of our favorite Oxo tools, this brewer makes coffee in a flash and takes up very little space on the counter. Our associate testing writer Carolina Gazal always comes back to it, even if she’s testing fancy espresso machines. “I love that I can make Starbucks-level coffee concentrate in just minutes, without any charging, plugs or disposable filters,” she wrote in her review. The brewer arrives rapidly too.
Read our review
A bouquet that’ll never wilt
No matter their age, they’ll have a blast putting together this floral Lego building set. The brand has so many cool sets to choose from, but if you’re after something simple yet beautiful, this bouquet is the way to go. And once they’re done putting it together, they can display it in a vase, which is exactly what our home and gifts editor did.
So they don’t have to wait for butter to soften
Recently, I asked my fellow editors about their favorite Le Creuset items — not just in general, but specifically for gifting. Our copy editor Danielle Poiesz owns and loves this butter crock, which uses water and an inverted design to keep butter fresher longer and soft for immediate use. Plus, its vintage-inspired design is so cute.
If they’d rather not run the heat all day
Bedsure makes some of our favorite cozy blankets, and depending on which style and color you get, one could arrive from Amazon in as little as two days. This style makes a wonderful gift not only because of its soft ribbed texture, but also because it has six different heat settings to keep them toasty while lounging at home.
Read our review
So they always have a comfy place to sit
If they love spending time outdoors, they could probably use a convenient seat for their next beach day or park hang. Our editorial director Chelsea Stone has raved about this portable chair and its lightweight nylon design that folds flat when not in use. What’s more, its straps can be adjusted to create either a more upright or reclined seat position.
Read our review
If picking up a new hobby seems intimidating
Learning a new skill, like crocheting, can seem like a good idea until they realize that reading patterns is more challenging than it appears. But these crochet kits keep it fun thanks to their adorable animal-themed designs. Patel used one of the kits last year and enjoyed learning how to crochet on her own time.
So all their holiday candles last longer
Not long ago, I asked my colleagues here at CNN Underscored to share their favorite candle warmer lamps. This one is a favorite of Patel’s for its chic design, built-in timer and adjustable light settings. Best of all, it’s available on Amazon and ships in no time.
To make clothes look presentable in a pinch
You can also find a lot of shop-worthy gifts on Walmart’s site that ship in just a couple days. I recommend this portable garment steamer, which is our testing team’s favorite model for traveling. It weighs just 1 pound and has a slim steamer head, allowing the user to remove wrinkles from tricky parts of clothing like collars and short sleeves. You can also get it in time from Best Buy and Wayfair.
Read our review
So they can smell like a snack
Transferring shower essentials into miniature containers for travel is a pain, so set them up with a full mini body care kit from Sol de Janeiro’s viral line before they embark on their next vacay. This set comes in a few of the brand’s most popular scents and includes the product that everyone was initially obsessed with, the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. It’s also eligible for same-day shipping from Sephora and Ulta.
To try new and different wine varieties
Our team has tested a few different wine subscription services, but what makes this one so good for gifting is the fact that it comes with a total of 13 wines. The holiday bundle includes 12 bottles of reds, whites or both if you can’t decide, as well as a sparkling wine. It’s a great choice for any wine drinker, no matter their preferences.
Read our review
Perfect for anyone who loves tech, this Ring starter set — which includes a Battery Doorbell that captures head-to-toe video and offers two-way audio, as well as an indoor cam for added security — lets recipients see and respond to delivery drivers, neighbors and anyone else who’s at their door. Get this for 50% off, plus free last-minute gift pickup between now and Dec. 24.
So they never lose track of their luggage
Not only are AirTags a great last-minute gift because they ship quickly from Amazon, but the recipient will also be able to use them right away if they still have some traveling left to do this holiday season or early next year. This pack comes with four, so they can throw one in their checked bag, personal item and a couple of their most-used purses.
Read our review
If they complain about the dry the winter air
This is the season to get a humidifier, and our testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy never travels without this one. She noted that it has an impressive 11-hour battery life, which makes it useful for long flights. The built-in oil diffuser makes the humidifier versatile and even more perfect for gifting.
The gold standard of cutting boards
A cutting board can be a solid gift for people who cook, but you have to make sure you buy them a high-quality one. When I spoke to cooking experts about the kitchen essentials they can’t live without, one of them mentioned the famous Boos board, which boasts a thick wooden design that’s durable, nonslip and antimicrobial.
For the makeup lover
I received a few makeup products from Tarte this year and have enjoyed using them almost every day. That includes this giftable makeup set, which I plan on giving to a friend when I go home for the holidays. The best part is, it’s eligible for same-day shipping if you buy it from Ulta.
A powerful speaker that isn’t bulky
They can enjoy their favorite music and podcasts anywhere with this compact yet powerful speaker. Our team deemed it the best budget speaker in our tests of different portable models, thanks in part to its 16-hour battery life and cloth strap, which lets the user attach it to their bag and enjoy tunes while walking or biking.
Read our review
If you’ve been procrastinating on your holiday shopping list, no one has to know. When you give a Skillshare membership, you offer a thoughtful gift of creative classes in topics ranging from illustration to photography, led by renowned creatives that’ll help the recipient develop and hone their skills, leading to a more fulfilling life.
So their pinot grigio always stays cold
A few of the editors on our team prefer BrüMate over other tumbler brands because of its leakproof designs. Our copy chief Daniel Toy also loves this wine chiller, which makes for a wonderful host gift. He especially loves the Glitter White color, which feels extra celebratory.
If they enjoy trying new products
FabFitFun is a team favorite when it comes to subscription gifts. The service helps the recipient discover new products across a variety of categories, including beauty, home and wellness. If they could use a new travel mug or want to become better acquainted with popular skin care brands, this is the gift for them.
So they always have something to munch on
Earlier this year, our team taste-tested a bunch of gift baskets from different brands, including this one from Olive & Cocoa. It comes in a presentable wooden crate and features nonperishable sweet and savory snacks for your loved one to enjoy, including dried fruit, nuts and crackers. You can choose from four sizes and have it shipped the same day if you place your order by 4 p.m. Alternatively, you can upgrade your order to get next-day delivery.
So they never get stranded
It might not be the flashiest gift, but they’ll have peace of mind while driving once they have this tire inflator in their trunk. Our associate testing writer Joe Bloss loves that it fits in a glove box and easily lets the user adjust the tire pressure to the desired level with the preset feature.
Read our review
For perfect curls without all the effort
If they love trying out different hair styles and tools, you can be the one to put them onto this easy-to-use curler. Our beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw said the viral tool is, indeed, worth the hype because it essentially does all the work for you with the press of a button. This also makes it a solid pick for people with limited mobility.
Read our review
For the hot coffee drinker
If they can’t stand it when their hot coffee cools down to room temperature, they’re bound to get tons of use out of this best-tested mug warmer set. Of all the mug warmers we tried, this model was deemed the best value because of its impressive heating performance and auto shut-off features. It has super-precise temperature control too.
Read our review
To add a personalized logo to anything
The scrapbooker or DIY-er in your life will be able to take on lots of cool new projects with this smart personalized cutting machine. Our updates writer Ellen McAlpine owns a version of the Explore model and uses it all the time to create and print off custom logos. “I’ve made custom T-shirts for my family, custom drink koozies for a bachelorette trip, designed stickers for my sister-in-law’s baby shower favors and more,” she said. “It’s one of those gadgets you’ll start making excuses to use.”
To brighten up their home
Flowers are always a suitable gift, regardless of whether you’re shopping for someone you’re close to or don’t know that well. My go-to delivery service is UrbanStems, which has a gift subscription with different floral styles to choose from, including seasonal blooms and designer arrangements.
So they can charge all their devices at once
As you can imagine, our electronics team tests a lot of chargers. Out of all of them, this multi-device charging station is the one our electronics writer Henry T. Casey keeps on his desk. He likes the charger’s built-in fan, which prevents smartphones from overheating while charging, as well as its sleek, cord-reducing design.
Read our review
They probably already have a winter coat, but do they own a packable cold weather jacket they can bring with them on the go? This one from REI is one of our favorites; our associate editor Jillian Tracy likes that she can stuff it into a backpack when camping or hiking.
Both the women’s and men’s jackets feature wind- and water-repellent shells and are packed with 650-fill-power down to keep the wearer warm in chilly conditions.
For the lifelong learner
Whether they’re looking to learn more about mindfulness, business or eco-friendly living, MasterClass probably has a course on it, taught by a famous expert in the field, no less. Tracy tried the service and called it a gateway into a new hobby, which might be just what the retired folks in your life need.
Read our review
One of our favorite heating and massage pads
Multiple editors on our team rely on Hyperice products for recovery. Our managing editor Rachel Quigley likes this back wrap in particular. Although she’s dealt with lower back problems for a long time, the heated compression belt helps alleviate discomfort between chiropractor visits, so if your loved one complains about back pain, they could give it a try too.
To create any ice cream flavor they want
If you know someone who, like me, is picky about desserts, get them a Cuisinart FastFreeze. I tested it this past summer and had loads of fun creating my dream ice cream flavors. The best part is it works in just a couple minutes and has a super-compact footprint, so it doesn’t take up a ton of counter space.
Read our review
Oprah’s favorite way to floss
Another Oprah pick, this electric flosser simplifies what can sometimes be a tedious task. More than one editor on our team has said it effectively removes hard-to-reach gunk from teeth, so much so that they actually enjoy using it. The person on your list who’s meticulous about their dental hygiene is sure to love the device too.
Read our review
For the bird watcher
Whether bird-watching is their favorite pastime or they frequently attend sporting events, I recommend getting them this set of binoculars. Bloss deemed it the best one for beginner and expert users alike, noting that the views they provide are terrific. “Colors are bright. Subjects are crisp,” his review reads. “Their 8x magnification is what you want in most use cases.”
Read our review
If their current earbuds are in need of an upgrade
Most noise-canceling earbuds have an in-ear design, but if the person you’re shopping for doesn’t like that feeling, get them this over-ear pair from Bose. Our senior electronics editor Mike Andronico said they have better noise cancellation than the AirPods Pro 3 as well as a good transparency mode, so the wearer can opt to still hear some things in their vicinity, like cars.
Read our review
To book a fun getaway
Your giftee made it through a long, busy year of work, so reward them with a relaxing getaway or experience of their choice. With a gift box from Tinggly, you essentially choose the box within your price range, and from there, the service delivers an e-voucher to the recipient’s inbox. They get to choose and book one activity, like a spa trip or distillery tour, all costs covered.
To play Xbox games on their phone
Even if they already own their dream gaming console, they can still enjoy its best games from anywhere with this mobile controller, which basically turns a smartphone into an Xbox, PS5 or Nintendo Switch. It would make an especially good last-minute gift for a teen.
Read our review
A cheese board they don’t have to assemble
Maybe they love to snack on a charcuterie board, but they don’t want the hassle of putting one together (and making it look good). Boarderie has you covered with tons of arrangements to choose from, like this holiday-themed board. What’s more, you can send it as an e-gift or opt for overnight delivery. Just hurry before your desired date sells out!
If their resolution is to read more books
They can get a lot more reading done no matter where they are if they own an e-reader, so be the one to streamline their day-to-day by giving them this new Amazon Kindle device. Unlike the Paperwhite version, this one has color, and Stone has noticed faster overall performance compared to her old e-reader.
Read our review
A solution to sore muscles
You don’t need to have an intense exercise regimen to benefit from this massage gun. In fact, our testing writer Alex Rennie recommends it for everyone more than any other model he’s tested for its ergonomic design and powerful, pain-relieving vibrations.
Read our review
To keep them updated with your most recent photos
This digital frame is also a product that multiple people on the CNN Underscored team recommend gifting, especially for parents. Our associate manager of affiliate partnerships Julia Leinhauser got it for her parents last year and said it was a huge hit. “We love that we’re all able to upload photos directly from our individual phones,” she said. “Our mom and dad love staying up to date on all of our adventures now that everyone lives in different cities.”
Read our review
Although time isn’t on your side if you’re shopping for last-minute gifts, you still have options. The most obvious route is to go with a fast-shipping product from Amazon, and luckily, there are many. I listed a bunch our editors personally swear by, though I also recommend checking out what our readers have been loving from the site. Simply consider your giftees’ unique hobbies and interests, make sure the items in question are due to arrive in time and shop accordingly. Really, this goes for any retailer, though Amazon is most likely your safest bet.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to risk sending them a tangible item that arrives too late, you could opt for a subscription or digital gift, like an online class or experience, or even a food mailer or gift card that gets sent directly to their email. In some cases, gifts like these let them choose the exact type of item or experience they ultimately receive, which is fun in itself. For example, if you buy them a MasterClass subscription, they can take classes on subjects that specifically interest them, whether that’s public speaking or cooking techniques. With a gift from Sugarwish, they get to choose the exact sweets that get delivered to their home. This takes some of the pressure off of you while still ultimately showing them that you care about them.
We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why CNN Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you’re shopping for (though, if you’re seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we’ve given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands and other trending items taking over our social feeds.
For this article, associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska compiled editor-loved subscriptions and Amazon products that ship quickly, as well as gift sets from trusted brands that similarly offer fast shipping.
