Gift cards get a bad rap—but undeservedly so. After all, not everyone wants another item that will clutter up their home, and the right gift card allows the person you’re buying for get exactly what they want rather than just what you think they'd like. And from a purely practical standpoint, there's no easier gift—you can order online or pick them up at virtually any store right down to the wire and your giftee will never be the wiser.
We’ve got something for everyone on your list from globe-trotters to coffee lovers to athletes—no fancy gift wrapping required! And for more great eleventh hour shopping, check out these 13 Last-Minute Gifts You Can Buy at Your Neighborhood Drug Store in 2019.
Best Life's editors have scoured the internet to bring you the best products out there, and we're hoping you'll love them as much as we do. Full disclosure: we may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page, but that doesn't mean you'll pay more for them (we'd never do that to you!). Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece's initial publication date, but it's the internet and we can't guarantee that these sweet, sweet deals will last forever, so scoop them up before someone else does!
1 | Amazon
AmazonThere’s a reason Amazon is used by practically everyone: because it allows shoppers to get almost anything they want delivered to their doorstep ridiculously fast. Whether they're looking for some new kitchen supplies or want a new outfit, an Amazon gift card is the way to go—it even comes with a festive pop-up box to add a dash of holiday cheer! And if you're wondering what to buy with your gift card, check out these 20 Amazing Amazon Gifts for Everyone on Your List in 2019.
2 | Sur La Table
Sur La TableSur La Table has the finest in cookware, cutlery, dinnerware, and more. The perfect choice for the gourmand or entertainer who seems to have everything, a Sur La Table gift card provides your giftee the option to shop in stores or online—they can even use their card to take an award-winning cooking class!
3 | Starbucks
StarbucksHave a java fiend on your list? Then a Starbucks gift card is sure to please. Whether they love lattes or favor Frappuccinos, there's no better feeling than walking up to the counter and knowing they won't have to spend a cent of their own money on that delicious drink. And you can give this gift in a multitude of ways—via email, iMessage, or a physical card. And for more gift ideas for your coffee loving friends, check out The 25 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers.
4 | The Grommet
The GrommetDo you know someone who loves innovative products? From creative new games to ingenious storage solutions, The Grommet has exactly what they’re looking for. Better yet, they feature products from local makers and small businesses, so you can feel good about your purchase knowing that it's helping the little guy get a leg up.
5 | Nordstrom
NordstromIt’s tricky picking the right clothing as a gift—do you know the recipient’s size? Do you know their tastes really well? Do you know what’s already in their wardrobe? With fashionable designs at reasonable prices, in addition to everything from furniture to small appliances, a gift card from Nordstrom is a perfect choice for everyone from close friends those cousins you only see once a year. And for more gift ideas from Nordstrom, check out the 20 Best Gifts from Nordstrom for 2019.
6 | Airbnb
AmazonWhy give someone another trinket that they'll enjoy for six months when you can give them an experience they'll cherish for a lifetime? An Airbnb gift card is a great pick for the jet setter on your list, making those jaunts to Shanghai and Bucharest—or just those trips home for family holidays—a whole lot more affordable.
7 | Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dick's Sporting GoodsKnow someone who goes wears out their running shoes every six months or has kids who always seem to need a new mitt or mallet? Anyone who leads an active lifestyle will appreciate a gift card from Dick’s, where they can pick up everything from rugged outdoor clothing to baseball gear to athletic shoes in one convenient place.
8 | Spotify
TargetGot a friend or family member who’s still popping CDs into the car player? It’s about to be 2020, folks—there’s a better way! Spotify gives users access to over 50 million songs whenever they want and wherever they want to hear them, as well as tons of great podcasts they're sure to want to binge.
9 | Nintendo Switch
WalmartThe gamer in your life will flip for this Nintendo Switch gift card. This console is all the rage right now, thanks to games like Pokémon Sword and Shield, Luigi’s Mansion 3, and Super Smash Bros., all of which your giftee can download in minutes and get to playing.
10 | Kohl’s
Kohl'sWhether they need a new set of luggage or a great date night outfit, Kohl's carries the perfect presents for everyone on your list. They've even got top-of-the-line small appliances, high-end makeup, and fine jewelry for anyone who could stand to treat themselves a little bit in the coming year. And the cherry on top? You can even customize their card with one of a wide array of holiday designs, making it an even more festive-feeling holiday gift.
11 | Etsy
EtsyThe person who gravitates toward anything handmade, vintage, and chic will be delighted to get an Etsy gift card this holiday season. From stunning jewelry pieces to kitschy décor to stylish furniture, Etsy's makers sell practically everything under the sun—and, better yet, they're made by independent artists and vendors, so the money you spend is helping small businesses thrive.
12 | Netflix
AmazonThere are about a million streaming services out there these days, but the OG—Netflix—is still the streaming world's exemplar. After all, what’s better than curling up on the couch on a frigid winter day with an episode of Gilmore Girls or Schitt's Creek? Luckily, this gift card will allow its recipient season after season of joyous binge-watching both at home and on the go.
13 | Disney
TargetEveryone has a Disney fanatic in their life. Whether they’re young or just young at heart, this card will give them a sprinkle of Disney magic when they pick out that perfect Ariel ornament for the tree or treat themselves to a pair of sequin Minnie ears for that family trip to Disney World.
14 | Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & BeyondIf you have someone on your list who’s in the market for a new blender, vacuum cleaner, coffee maker, or anything else for the home, a gift card from Bed Bath & Beyond is a smart choice. With great deals (those coupons!) and an amazing selection of products, they’re bound to find something they need—or just something they never realized they couldn't live without until right now—while browsing BB&B's hallowed halls.
15 | Target
TargetTough question time: Is it actually possible to walk into a Target and spend less than $75? You go in thinking you’re going to pick one thing up, then leave with ten. And while that's quite the conundrum for your average shopper, that means your gift recipient will be very happy to get a Target gift card that lets them grab those impulse purchases without breaking the bank. And if you're looking to pick up a physical present from the Bullseye, check out the 20 Best Gifts from Target for 2019.
16 | Urban Outfitters
Urban OutfittersNot sure if they already have a vintage-inspired record player, faux shearling-lined jean jacket, or ceramic sloth succulent planter? Then grab them an Urban Outfitters gift card and let them stock up themselves! And with the mega sales UO is always running, they'll be able to get a whole lot of bang for their gift card buck.
17 | Whole Foods
AmazonHave someone on your list who can't get enough wild-caught salmon, locally-sourced granola, or—no judgments—asparagus water? A Whole Foods gift card is the perfect fit for any foodie and will give them a little wiggle room in their usual grocery budget to splurge on that pricey dark chocolate bar or a bottle of Merlot if they feel so inclined.
18 | Macy’s
Macy'sClothing, beauty products, shoes, furniture, kitchenware—there's practically nothing Macy's doesn't carry. This gift card is perfect for anyone who likes to have the flexibility of shopping in-person or online, as they’re bound to have a Macy’s close by (there are 680 of them in the US, after all!). And considering the huge sales Macy's puts on for practically every holiday, your favorite bargain hunter can treat themselves to some seriously sweet deals.
19 | Olive Garden
AmazonGot someone who needs a day off from cooking but rarely wants to spend the money on going out? Then gift them a meal at Olive Garden, where they can get everything from lasagna to gnocchi to chocolate cake, as well as the restaurant's famous unlimited breadsticks—all on your dime. Even if they find that they don't want that many plates of pasta, that's no problem: This gift card can be redeemed at the restaurant's sister locations, like LongHorn Steakhouse and Bahama Breeze, as well.
20 | Zappos
ZapposZappos carries all the top brands in footwear, accessories, and clothing at seriously low prices. Whether you know someone who needs a new North Face jacket or a pair of Ugg slippers, Zappos will have exactly what they’re looking for. They even have an entire department dedicated to luxury goods, perfect for anyone who'd go wild for a Tissot watch or pair of Alexander McQueen sunnies.
