The ultimate last-minute christmas gift guide

The Ultimate Last-Minute Christmas Gift Guide

21 December | Written by Aurelija A.

It’s that time of the year again when last-minute Christmas shopping comes in full force during the final week before the big day. Whether you’re a last-minute shopper, a forgetful significant other, a busy workaholic, or someone who has convinced themselves they thrive under pressure, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. This concise, very last-minute gift guide is here to make your life easier and your loved ones happier. Packed (and wrapped) with small but thoughtful items, it’s a reminder that it really is the thought that counts.

1. Headphone Covers

Instead of splurging on a new pair of AirPods Max, why not gift someone a set of stylish headphone covers? With so many designs and materials to choose from, they’re a practical way to refresh the looks of their existing headphones, making them feel brand-new without breaking the bank.

For fashion enthusiasts, headphone covers can also double as a unique accessory. These metallic spider and chrome whimsical wave covers are a perfect match for silver jewellery lovers, adding sleek, futuristic, and gothic touches to their look. They make a bold statement while maintaining a minimalistic flair and complementing silver accents beautifully.

2. Headphone Protectors

For gym and makeup lovers, headphone protectors are an essential gift they probably haven’t thought to buy themselves. A useful addition to any pair of headphones, whether brand-new or pre-loved, they can help improve longevity and keep them looking fresh. Many are even machine washable, making them easy to maintain all year round. Actual clean girl vibes in 2025, please!

3. YEARLY planners & diaries

Set someone up for success in the new year with a yearly planner. Whether they prefer detailed daily schedules or flexible weekly overviews, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Papier planners are known for their premium designs with customisable options, making them a great choice for a thoughtful and personalised gift. Many also include additional productivity tools, like water and sleep tracking, helping to build healthy habits while staying on track to achieve bigger goals.

Plus, it might even help them stay organised for next year’s Christmas shopping - no more last-minute shopping and having to rely on gift guides like this one.

4. Wellness and gratitude journals

What better way to show someone you care about their wellbeing than by gifting them a wellness journal? As cliché as it sounds, journaling and gratitude practices truly work. Whether it’s a journal with daily reflections or morning and evening gratitude exercises, the options are endless.

Our favourite is this gratitude journal from Amazon, costing less than £10! Simple, yet effective, it encourages the habit of practicing gratitude twice a day. With varied evening prompts and monthly check-ins, it helps you track your progress, making you more appreciative of the simple things in life.

5. A hair brush

Now hear us out - a lot of us could really do with a hair brush upgrade (or replacement). Whether you’re deep into your hair care routine or not, you can’t go wrong with a Tangle Teezer or a compact brush that fits perfectly into our evening bags, which seem to be getting smaller every year (no shade, Jacquemus). In 2025, we’re not just bringing our favourite lip liner and gloss combo to the table - we’re bringing our hairbrush too.

6. Coffee Table Books

Whether they’re into fashion, sports, travel, music, or film, there’s no doubt a coffee table book exists to illustrate those interests. And you don’t even need an actual coffee table to appreciate a stylish book - they make a vibrant addition to any living space - bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom - you name it!

7. Incense

We’re all here for bringing zen vibes into the new year by swapping candles for incense. Unique options from our beloved fashion brands make for standout stocking fillers. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classic Satya incense sticks (especially white sage), perfect for filling any space with fragrant and soothing aromas.

8. Incense Holders

In addition to gifting incense, why not elevate their space with a quirky incense holder? A distinctive gift that complements their character, it’s a piece they’ll treasure and use for a long time.

9. Camera covers

It’s safe to say that the days of using Blue-Tack to cover our laptop cameras are officially behind us. Show your loved ones that you value their privacy by slipping some Aries Arise camera covers into their stockings this Christmas.

10. Ashtrays

We’re not here to encourage any unhealthy habits, but if someone has them, why not spark up the experience with a statement piece? This porcelain Palace ashtray is the perfect gift for any gardener. Alternatively, it can also be used a trinket dish.

11. Real Orchid Necklaces

These stunning orchid jewellery pieces will definitely brighten someone’s day while adding a vibrant splash of colour to their outfits. Crafted from real orchids, they’re a bold and unique addition to any jewellery collection. They also offer a more lasting sentiment than a simple bouquet of flowers. We would like to see these become the go-to accessory for spring/summer 2025!

12. Iced Coffee Glasses

Forget the Christmas mugs this year - gift the coffee lovers in your life some quirky iced coffee glasses to enjoy all year round. Whether it’s for iced lattes, cold brews, or espresso martinis, we’re not here to judge.

13. Spotify Gift Cards

Are you tired of Spotify taking your last £11.99 every month? Well, so are the people in your life. Do them a favour by gifting them a Spotify gift card this year, so they can keep stacking up their Wrapped listening minutes without any interruptions.

14. 35mm Film

For those of us who’ve chosen the expensive hobby of film photography, we’d be thrilled to find some Kodak 35mm film in our stockings this year! Think of it as an investment - your photographer friends will have more film to take stunning pictures of you, so it’s a win-win!

15. Sunrise alarms and sad lamps

If you know someone who struggles with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or simply the lack of sunlight during the gloomier months of the year, gifting them a SAD lamp or a sunrise alarm clock is a thoughtful way to show you care about their health and wellbeing.

Research has shown that exposure to sunlight within the first hour of waking up offers many benefits. It helps regulate your circadian rhythm, meaning your body feels more refreshed during the day and sleeps better at night. For those who spend long hours at work, or simply just live in the UK, sunrise alarm clocks and SAD lamps can be a real life saver to combat those winter blues.

16. Jellycats

To be loved is to be seen, and nothing says ‘I see you’ more than gifting someone a Jellycat. Choose one that reminds you of them, or that you know they would love - whether it’s their favourite food, an animal they adore, or something related to an inside joke only the two of you share.

17. Food Fridge Magnets

Can we please leave the bland beige interiors in 2025 and normalise putting magnets on our fridges again? For the foodies and chefs in your life, who spend most of their time in the kitchen, these food-themed fridge magnets make for an adorable and eye-catching gift.

18. Guided Art Therapy Card Deck

Since many of us can’t afford actual therapy these days, this guided art therapy deck serves as a budget-friendly alternative. With 75 activities using a variety of art mediums, it’s an excellent way to tap into your creativity and learn to be more in tune with your emotions. For the creatives out there, it can also be a helpful tool to conquer the art block that many of us often face.

19. Watercolour Workbooks

If 2024 was the year of colouring books, 2025 should be the year of watercolour workbooks. You don’t need to be an experienced artist to enjoy painting - these workbooks are perfect for anyone looking to take on a new, relaxing hobby or to challenge themselves creatively.

20. Hot Water Bottles

If you want to keep the people in your life warm and safe this winter, gift them a hot water bottle - because apparently, they expire after just two years! Who would’ve thought? We’re willing to bet that those hot water bottles in your cupboards are so ancient, that they’ve definitely outlived their expiration dates.