We get it: The craziness of the holiday season has left you with little time—or money—to shop for everyone on your list. And so, you're still searching high and low for those final gifts you need to buy, hoping the presents you actually manage to score don't scream "I completely forgot about you until the last second." We’ve come up with some of the best last-minute gifts you can find under $30, each sure to create a little holiday magic for anyone who opens them. And if you’re looking for more presents that won’t break the bank, check out the 25 Best Gifts for 2019 $25 and Under.
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 | This best-selling cookbook
AmazonSome people are just naturally talented at hosting. Others...could use a little help. For anyone who's eager to have their celebrations become the talk of the town, consider Nothing Fancy by popular food columnist Alison Roman your ultimate cheat sheet, with recipes, tips, tricks, and overall encouragement on how to tackle everything from cocktails to main courses and dessert. And while you’re filling your online shopping cart, check out the 20 Best Holiday Gifts From Amazon at Any Price Point for 2019.
2 | These high-end tumbler glasses
AmazonPicking a gift for that single malt Scotch fan on your shopping list might seem like a no-brainer, but opting for a pricey bottle can easily blow your entire budget. Instead, give them a gift that will theoretically last forever and up their glassware game with these Riedel tumblers. After all, those fancy spirits should look as good as they taste!
3 | This essential oil diffuser
Urban OutfittersAromatherapy shouldn’t just be for the living room or bedroom. This compact diffuser is small enough to fit in any bag or suitcase; it’s also USB powered, making it a great desktop option for their office! And if you’re shopping for presents for the Festival of Lights, check out these 25 Amazing Hanukkah Gifts for Everyone on Your List.
4 | This smart scale
AmazonKnow someone who's trying to adopt some healthier habits in the coming year? This smart scale takes 12 measurements, including BMI, body fat, bone mass, and muscle mass, and allows users to track changes through third-party apps like Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit. It’s an easy way to help support a member of your inner circle on their journey to better health, and better yet, one that won't break the bank. And if you’re looking for more gadget gifts, check out the 20 Best Holiday Gifts From Best Buy at Any Price Point for 2019.
5 | These moccasin slippers
Nordstrom RackGetting cold feet days before a wedding is bad. But getting literal cold feet every day from October through April is almost always worse! Luckily, these super cozy faux fur-lined Minnetonka slippers are perfect for keeping those toes warm when running about the house during the colder months.
6 | This customizable chef’s apron
Williams SonomaWhether they're manning the grill or commanding the kitchen, an apron is the perfect gift for anyone who considers themselves a master of their culinary domain. The only thing that could possibly make it better? Customizing it with the giftee's name, of course!
7 | This chic beanie
Urban OutfittersStaying warm shouldn’t have to be a compromise of function over fashion. These Patagonia fisherman’s beanies are a simple, yet fashionable way to keep toasty and look great. And if you’re looking for more great presents for practically anyone on your list, check out the 100 Best Gifts Under $100.
8 | This pet parent mug set
Nordstrom RackHave some feline fans on your list? These adorable ceramic mugs are the perfect way to show them just how much you admire their commitment to those four-legged family members. And if you’re still in search of a gift for the parents in your life, check out these 17 Amazing Gifts For Mom in 2019 That Will Make Her Year.
9 | This scented soy candle
Urban OutfittersOne of the hardest parts of shopping for presents is being on a budget and having someone on your list who already seems to have everything. In cases like this, candles make for a great gift option—especially this handcrafted piece from P.F. Candle Co. Made from domestically-grown soy wax with a cotton core, fine fragrance oils, and apothecary-inspired packaging, this is one candle that looks every bit as good as it smells.
10 | This insulated wine tumbler
Best BuyThe only thing that can make enjoying a moment on the patio, by the pool, or on the beach even better is having a nice glass of wine at hand...But being in the sun with a lukewarm rosé or chardonnay can be more of a downer than anything else. Luckily, this insulated wine tumbler will keep their favorite vino chilled for hours and comes complete with a press-in lid to help avoid any spills.
11 | This pocket astrology guide
AnthropologieShopping for someone who’s totally a Scorpio rising? This pocket guide to astrology is custom fit to each zodiac sign, complete with advice on career, finances, compatibility, friendships, and insights on each sign's unique traits.
12 | This clever wooden spoon
Uncommon GoodsCleaning while you cook may be the most efficient way to spend time in the kitchen, but what if you could help the chef in your life stop those messes before they start? This cherry wood spoon fits neatly over the lip of pots, pans, and skillets, removing the need to clean a sauce-covered spoon rest or—gasp!—countertop every time they stop stirring.
13 | This travel pillow & eye mask
The GrommetAnyone who has traveled overnight knows that simple inflatable neck pillows are not always the best way to get sleep on the go. Luckily, this versatile travel sleep companion offers support both as a pillow and eye mask, complete with a stretchy band that keeps it firmly in place wherever they need it most. It also straps conveniently around roller luggage handles for easy portability.
14 | This charging hub
Urban OutfittersWith the number of wireless devices we rely on these days, it’s easy for nightstands, dressers, and desks to become overrun with a jungle of tangled charger cables. This compact charging hub can help cut through the mess by keeping a phone, smartwatch, and wireless headphones juiced up in one neat and orderly place without all the cord clutter.
15 | These touchscreen compatible gloves
AmazonLiving with cold winter temperatures is already enough of a bummer. Having to take your gloves off every time you need to answer a phone call or respond to a text? Now, that’s just adding insult to injury. Thankfully, these Smartwool gloves lock in heat and fit snugly while also being touchscreen compatible, meaning whoever you give them to will never have to risk frozen fingers to take a photo or answer a text again.
16 | These fruit-infusing ice balls
Uncommon GoodsGive the gift of more flavorful beverages this year by putting these genius little gadgets under the tree. These ice ball molds make it easy to add a hint of lemon to bourbon, mint to water, or basil to lemonade. Simply fill with water, add ingredients, freeze, and drop into any beverage for a subtle twist.
17 | This educational wine book
AmazonEven for people who already know a little about the subject, diving into wine culture can be daunting, expensive, and downright confusing. For years, The Wine Bible has served as the educational starting point for everyone from casual wine enthusiasts to professional sommeliers, covering all the fundamentals from winemaking techniques to burgeoning wine regions to pairing tips, all written in an entertaining tone. It’s a thoughtful gift that will get plenty of use—especially when picking up a bottle for “homework” is involved.
18 | This travel coffee mug
Urban OutfittersCoffee-to-go is only convenient if it’s still warm enough to actually drink by the time you get to the office. Luckily, this Hydro Flask is double-wall insulated to keep cold beverages chilly for 24 hours and hot beverages steamy for up to 12. You’ll also be giving them the gift of a more eco-friendly life, thanks to how much waste they'll avoid by skipping all those paper cups!
19 | These nearly indestructible socks
AmazonEven if they’re a regular runner, hiker, or just someone who spends a lot of time on their feet, it's still easy to forget that putting on the right socks is nearly as important as grabbing the right pair of shoes. This pair of Darn Tough socks is made of merino wool, which keeps feet a comfortable temperature on both hot and cold days, and features a seamless performance fit that will never slip, slide or bunch. The best part? They’re guaranteed to last for life!
20 | This multitool pocket knife
AmazonA good pocket knife is a great everyday item that few people ever think to buy for themselves. This Leatherman Skeletool is lightweight with a safety locking blade and easily clips onto a belt or fits into a pocket. It also features a handy bottle opener!
21 | This desktop humidifier
AmazonStaying hydrated means more than just drinking a lot of water. This humidifier is small enough to be easily portable and fit on any desktop or bedside table, and can even connect to a laptop for power via USB. It also comes in multiple adorable styles, from a minimalist millennial pink version to one with bunny ears, meaning there's one to suit virtually any interior aesthetic.
22 | This 3-in-1 hand-held spiralizer
Joseph JosephKnow someone looking to eat more veggies in 2020? This compact spiralizer will make it so much easier to work zoodles, carrots, or squash into meals, and will fit easily into even the tiniest cabinet. Fewer pieces also means less clean up than traditional countertop spiralizers, so they’ll be even more likely to use it often!
23 | This tarot starter set
AmazonLooking for a gift for the spiritually enlightened person on your list? This bestselling tarot deck features hand-drawn images and includes a fully illustrated guidebook that leads readers through shuffling and cutting the deck, creating spreads, and interpreting each of the set's 78 individual cards.
24 | This collapsible water bottle
Uncommon GoodsHaving a water bottle on hand is always a good idea...but what if you don’t have enough free hands to carry one around all day? Luckily, this silicone bottle expands to fit 18 oz. and then easily collapses down small enough to fit into a pocket. It’s great for hikers, runners, or frequent travelers who don’t have space to pack a full-sized canteen.
25 | This easy-to-use journal
AmazonJournaling can be a great way to keep track of what happens in your daily life, but it’s not so effective when the act of writing everything down takes up a ton of time. This easy-to-use journal simplifies the process, requiring just one-line entries to help its owner track the ups and downs day by day for five years. Who says nostalgia has to be long-winded?
26 | This ergonomic bowl
Uncommon GoodsShopping for someone who’s as big into Netflix binges as they are chips and guac? This ergonomically designed bowl is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to stop clicking “still watching” just so they can eat, with two perfectly balanced bowls that make snacking on the couch easier than ever.
27 | This vintage film camera
Urban OutfittersWhy waste time on apps that make your photos look vintage when you could actually take them that way? This Ansco point-and-shoot has a fixed focus, 28mm lens, and fixed aperture for taking great-looking pictures the way everyone did before smartphones. All they have to do is load it, shoot, and send it away to get developed the old-fashioned way!
28 | This portable raclette set
AmazonIt should go without saying that melted cheese makes pretty much anything better. This Boska Partyclette set takes that capability on the road, fueled by simple tea lights that will turn those raclette, cheddar, or gouda slices into delicious molten form that can be poured onto virtually any food. It’s a great gift for any cheese fanatics who love to host!
29 | This microwave-ready popcorn popper
AmazonWatching movies on the couch instead of in the theater doesn’t have to mean forgoing delicious popcorn. This microwave-friendly container makes oil-free popping a breeze, complete with a measuring tool for kernels and a space to melt butter. It even comes in a larger size if they're prepping for family movie night.
30 | This rechargeable hand warmer
AmazonGreat gloves may help be the first line of defense against the elements, but they sometimes fall short on those extra cold days. This pocket-sized warmer not only keeps hands nice and toasty, but it can also be used to charge smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other USB devices.
