Perfect Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Him. Finding the perfect gift for him can feel tricky, especially when you’re short on time. Whether it’s for your boyfriend, husband, dad, brother, or friend, you want to show that you care even if you’ve waited until the last minute.
10 Best Last-Minute Christmas Gift Ideas for Him
Thankfully, plenty of creative, meaningful, and easy-to-get gifts can be purchased or put together quickly without feeling rushed or impersonal. Below are 10 thoughtful last-minute gift ideas that will make him smile.
1. Subscription Box: A Gift That Keeps on Giving
A subscription box is one of the best gifts you can give if you’re in a hurry. It’s a fun and easy way to show him you’re thinking about what he likes, and the gift keeps arriving long after the holiday. Subscription boxes come in almost every category you can think of, from monthly deliveries of gourmet coffee to fitness gear, books, or even grooming kits. The best part? You can sign up for the subscription online, and many companies offer instant digital confirmation, so there’s no waiting for physical delivery.
Some great subscription box ideas include:
- For the coffee lover: A monthly coffee subscription with unique blends.
- For the foodie: A snack box or a gourmet meal kit.
- For the outdoorsman: An adventure gear subscription.
- For the fitness buff: A monthly box of workout gear or protein snacks.
Creative Tip: To make this gift even more special, pair it with a personalized message. Tell him why you picked this specific subscription, or maybe even include a related item to start him off, like a bag of his favorite coffee beans or a cool new travel mug.
2. Gift Cards with a Personal Touch
Gift cards may seem simple, but they can be very thoughtful if chosen correctly. The key is to pick a card that reflects his interests, hobbies, or favorite spots. Whether it’s a gift card to his favorite restaurant, a gaming platform, a tech store, or a clothing brand, you can’t go wrong if you’ve taken the time to pick something that shows you know what he likes. And if you’re worried about it feeling too impersonal, you can always add a small personal touch.
Gift card ideas for different interests:
- For the foodie: A gift card to his favorite restaurant, or a food delivery service like DoorDash or Uber Eats.
- For the tech lover: A gift card to Apple, Google Play, or Amazon.
- For the fashion enthusiast: A gift card to his favorite clothing store.
- For the gamer: A PlayStation, Xbox, or Steam gift card.
Creative Tip: Pair the gift card with a small, related item. For example, if you’re giving him a restaurant gift card, you could add a small gourmet snack or drink. For a tech gift card, maybe include a phone stand or a cool charging cable. Even better, write a heartfelt note explaining why you chose that particular gift card and suggest ways you can use it together, like ordering food for a movie night or picking out clothes on a shopping date.
3. Digital Experience or Course
For the man who loves learning or has a passion for hobbies, a digital experience or online course can be a fantastic last-minute gift. With platforms like MasterClass, Skillshare, or Udemy, you can buy and gift access to courses on topics like photography, cooking, music, fitness, and so much more. This is a great gift for anyone curious or eager to develop new skills.
Some popular digital course categories:
- For the creative: Courses on photography, writing, or painting.
- For the fitness enthusiast: Online fitness training or yoga classes.
- For the tech lover: Courses on coding, web development, or design.
- For the music lover: Guitar lessons, music production, or even singing classes.
Creative Tip: You can also make the experience more personal by choosing something the two of you can do together. For example, sign up for a cooking class and make it a fun date night. Pair the course with a thoughtful note, explaining why you picked it and how it relates to his interests. A small related item, like a good set of headphones for online classes or a journal to take notes, can make it even more special.
4. DIY Gift Basket
One of the most thoughtful last-minute gifts you can give is a DIY gift basket filled with items you know he’ll love. Creating a gift basket is personal and shows that you’ve put thought into what makes him happy, even if you’re working with limited time. You can pick up everything you need from a local store or order items online with quick delivery.
What to include in the basket:
- Favorite snacks: Chips, chocolates, nuts, or cookies.
- Drinks: His favorite craft beer, wine, or coffee beans.
- Hobby items: A book, a magazine, or a small gadget related to his interests.
- Self-care items: A grooming kit, skincare products, or a scented candle.
Creative Tip: Personalize the basket with little notes explaining why you picked each item. For example, “This is your favorite snack because we always get it for movie night,” or “I know you’ve been wanting to try this new coffee.” You can even create “coupons” for experiences together, like a home-cooked dinner or a day of fun activities.
5. Streaming Service Subscription
If he loves movies, TV shows, or music, a streaming service subscription is a perfect last-minute gift that’s quick and easy. With platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, or Amazon Prime, you can give him access to endless hours of entertainment. These gifts are easy to purchase online, and you can often send them digitally, which makes them perfect for last-minute shoppers.
Streaming service ideas:
- For the movie buff: A Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ subscription.
- For the music lover: A Spotify or Apple Music subscription.
- For the gamer: A subscription to a game streaming service like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass.
Creative Tip: If you want to add a personal touch, create a list of shows, movies, or music that you think he’ll enjoy. You could even offer to binge-watch or listen together, making it a fun way to bond over shared interests.
6. Personalized Digital Gift
In today’s digital age, creating personalized gifts online is easier than ever, and many companies offer fast shipping or even instant downloads. You can design custom photo books, calendars, or framed photo collages with just a few clicks. Personalized gifts show you’ve taken the time to reflect on shared memories, which makes them meaningful, even if you’re short on time.
Personalized digital gift ideas:
- Photo book: Create a collection of your favorite memories together.
- Custom calendar: Design a calendar with meaningful photos and dates.
- Personalized artwork: Order a custom illustration or photo frame.
Creative Tip: For an added touch of thoughtfulness, include a small letter with the gift explaining the significance of the photos or memories. If you have the option, choose photos from trips or events that hold special meaning for both of you.
7. E-Book or Audiobook Subscription
If the man you’re shopping for loves to read but you don’t have time to find the perfect physical book, an e-book or audiobook subscription can be a great alternative. Platforms like Kindle and Audible allow you to gift subscriptions that give him access to thousands of titles. This gift is especially great for someone who’s always on the go, as he can listen to audiobooks during his commute, workouts, or while doing chores.
Some e-book or audiobook ideas:
- For the thriller fan: Mystery novels or suspenseful series.
- For the history buff: Historical biographies or nonfiction.
- For the fantasy lover: Epic fantasy series or science fiction books.
Creative Tip: If you know some of his favorite authors or genres, include a list of books you think he might enjoy, and offer to read along with him so you can discuss the stories together. Pair the subscription with a comfy blanket or some snacks to make it feel like a cozy reading experience.
8. Instant Delivery Tech Gadgets
For the tech-savvy guy, tech gadgets are always a hit, and luckily, many of them can be found with quick delivery options or picked up at local stores. You can choose something simple and practical, like wireless earbuds, or go for something fun, like a Bluetooth speaker or a smart home device. Tech gadgets are useful, and they make great last-minute gifts because they’re easy to find and buy quickly.
Popular last-minute tech gifts:
- Wireless earbuds: Perfect for working out or commuting.
- Bluetooth speaker: Great for music lovers who like to bring their tunes everywhere.
- Portable charger: A practical gift that keeps his devices powered up.
- Smart home devices: Items like smart plugs, lights, or speakers.
Creative Tip: If you have time, you can set up the gadget for him or create a small tech-themed gift basket with related accessories. For example, if you’re giving him wireless earbuds, you could include a carrying case or charging cable.
9. Grooming Kit or Self-Care Essentials
For the man who enjoys looking and feeling his best, a grooming kit or self-care essentials make a thoughtful last-minute gift. You can either purchase a pre-made kit or curate your own by selecting a few high-quality grooming products. Shaving creams, beard oils, moisturizers, and colognes are all great items to include, and many stores offer gift sets that you can grab on short notice.
Some grooming gift ideas:
- Beard grooming kit: Includes beard oil, balm, and a comb.
- Skincare set: Moisturizer, cleanser, and sunscreen.
- Shaving kit: High-quality razor, shaving cream, and aftershave.
- Cologne: A signature scent that he’ll love.
Creative Tip: If you’re not sure what products to include, you can buy a gift card to a grooming store so he can pick his own favorites. Pair the gift with a personal note, letting him know you appreciate the effort he puts into his appearance.
10. DIY Date Night Experience
If you’re looking for a gift for your boyfriend or husband, a DIY date night can be an amazing and meaningful last-minute option. Instead of buying something physical, you can plan a special night at home or out on the town. You can create a romantic dinner, set up a cozy movie night, or organize an activity that the two of you can enjoy together. The thoughtfulness behind planning the date will show him how much you care, even if it’s last minute.
Ideas for DIY date nights:
- Movie night: Set up a cozy space with his favorite movies, snacks, and drinks.
- Game night: Pick out a couple of fun games you can play together.
- Cook a meal together: Choose a recipe and cook a delicious meal as a team.
- Outdoor adventure: Plan a picnic, hike, or bike ride.
Creative Tip: Create a “date night kit” with everything you’ll need for the night. For example, if you’re planning a movie night, include popcorn, candy, and a cozy blanket. Write a little note that says, “I planned this special night just for us,” to make the gift feel extra thoughtful.