I’m a Very Good Gift-Giver, and I’m Buying These 26 Last Minute-Holiday Presents
Aria Murphy
Published Mar 31, 2026
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Did you procrastinate Christmas gift shopping and now you’re finding yourself panicked by the impending holiday? Well, I’m here to offer some relief with my guide to last-minute gifts that will supposedly arrive by Christmas (at least, according to the respective brands).
Even though you waited a little too long to do your shopping, the gifts I’ve curated don’t scream or even whisper “I totally forgot to do this until a few days ago.” These gifts are quite exceptional and unique, and I say that with the authority of someone who's known for being an excellent gift giver.
The following 26 items fall into one of three categories: things I have and love, things I’m gifting, and things I want to be gifted.
Order by December 17:
L’Occitane Indulgences Holiday Hand Trio
Nordstrom
It doesn’t matter how much hand cream someone has, they could always use more, and this is the cream of the crop, IMO at least. My first experience with L’Occitane’s hand creams was when my mom would rub her excess onto my hands as a child. And, regardless of how many different creams I try, I always come back to this. The three tubes in this trio are festive, beautiful, and small enough to throw into your purse or pocket. Gift them as a set or use individual ones as stocking stuffers.
Order by December 18:
Urban Outfitters Pearl Bow Necklace
Urban Outfitters
Everyone wants bows on everything. This necklace is delicate and dainty without being reminiscent of your grandmother’s thanks to the different-sized pearls and adjustable length. It can be worn as a choker or as a longer necklace, and whoever you gift it to is sure to put it on right then and there.
Order by December 19:
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Trio of Trinkets
Charlotte Tilbury
Gifts for three people done in one purchase? Yes, please. I’m giving these to two friends and an aunt who are all very curious about these perpetually popular Charlotte Tilbury products but haven’t gotten around to buying them for themselves just yet. The three items in this trio are a mini Magic Cream, Pillow Talk Mascara, and Pillow Talk Lipstick.
Order by December 21:
Printworks the Art of Chess Mirrors
Shopbop
People who are serious about chess are very serious about chess. They won’t play on any run-of-the-mill board. Many of the chess lovers in my life collect decor and limited-edition chess boards like baseball cards. And, for that person in your life, just head straight for Printworks’ mirrored chess board. It’s chic,hefty, and certain to be a gift they’ll actually use time and again.
Order by December 22:
Laneige Heavenly Hydration Set
Sephora
Beauty lovers either love Laneige or have it on their to-try list. This gift works for either. The kit includes the popular Cream Skin Toner and Moisturizer, Water Bank Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer, and, of course, the iconic Lip Sleeping Mask.
The Cream Skin Toner and Moisturizer is packed with ceramides and peptides. It hydrates your skin while preparing it to absorb the rest of your routine. The Water Bank Moisturizer is a hyaluronic acid-rich water cream. It provides lightweight hydration that plumps skin without leaving behind any residue or stickiness. And the Lip Sleeping Mask, well, that has a life and fame of its own thanks to its long-lasting, pout-enhancing powers.
J.Crew Cashmere-Blend Trouser Socks
J.Crew
Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera
Amazon
Innbeauty Project Glaze For Days Lip Oil Set
Sephora
Emily Taylor for George & Viv Bar Soap
Anthropologie
Marc Jacobs the Teddy Mini Tote
Saks Fifth Avenue