Life

14 Easy Last-Minute Gifts For Any Occasion

by Taylor Fuller

As you get older, there are so many more occasions that you probably feel pressured to buy gifts for. Lucky for you, there are a lot of thoughtful, affordable last-minute gifts for shoppers out there that seem personal but really are gifts you can get in a hurry when pressed for time. When you have several things to celebrate each week, it can get expensive, but you can even get something personalized really quickly (and online!) these days.

There are get well soon gifts and inspirational gifts that you give to brighten up someone's day. You may need gift ideas for a housewarming party, going away party, or maybe your friend just got their first job. You might even be going to someone's pet's birthday party. Don't worry, there is a gift out there. Plus, they can be quirky gifts, even for people hard to shop for.

Online shopping makes the gifting process even easier, and any items you order can be shipped in just a few days. (Pro Procrastinator Tip: If you're even more of a last-minute shopper and you rely on the internet to buy most things, sign up for Amazon Prime for free two-day shipping on certain items.) You can find so many awesome and easy gifts that will make someone smile when they open them. It's the thought that counts, right?

1. Going Away Party

Do you have a friend that is always jetting off to a new and exotic place? I know I'm guilty of it. When I'm headed off on a long trip (sometimes I leave for seven to ten months), my friends like to throw me a "Bon Voyage" party. Some of them give me kitschy little items that are actually pretty useful.

Knock Knock Pack This! Pad , $7, Amazon; The Carry On Cocktail Kit Old Fashioned, $17, Amazon

A packing list notebook is a great option because travelers often forget some really important things when they are getting ready to leave. And who doesn't want cocktails on a plane? This is a great gift because it provides you with the ingredients and tools you need to make an Old Fashioned. Alcohol is included on most international flights, so all you have to do is ask for the liquor.

2. Your Friend Just Got Their First Job

This is it, your friend is finally joining the "real world." It's time for them to become contributing members of society. (#ADULTING)

Go Away Funny Glass Coffee Mug , $19, Amazon; Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown, $9, Amazon

Give the gift of wit. A funny mug that they can use at work is a great way to break the ice with coworkers. Their cubicle will be the place to hang out during breaks. Then, this hilarious book on how to become a grown-up offers advice on things like renting your first apartment or how to avoid hooking up with coworkers... "Imagine your coworkers having plastic, featureless doll crotches. It helps."

3. Housewarming Party

KOVOT Wine Bottle Tools (5-Piece), $14, Amazon

Someone you know just moved into a new apartment or just bought their first home. Get them a housewarming gift that they'll actually use, like a Wine Bottle Tool Set. It won't break the bank and your host and/or hostess will be grateful the next time they're searching for a wine-opener or cork.

4. Get Well Soon Gifts

If someone you know and care for is sick, give them something other than the usual flowers. They'll be grateful to have a fun gift that will cheer them up.

The Get Well Soon Coloring Book , $7, Amazon; Get Well Soon Sudoku (200 Puzzles), $8, Amazon

When you're sick, laying around can get old really fast. So, give a gift that provides an easy activity like this coloring book. If coloring isn't something you think your friend would be into, give them a gift that will keep their mind stimulated like a book of Sudoku puzzles.

5. New Pet Owner

Grey Shark Bed For Small Cats and Dogs , $8, Amazon

Getting a new furry member of the family is exciting on a number of levels, not the least of which is the silly and whimsical accessories that come with it. The next time your friend, roomie, partner, or even you bring home a new dog or cat, get a gift that is functional, like this shark bed. It's perfect for smaller dogs and cats, and the bottom is waterproof, in case of any accidents.

6. Inspire An Artistic Friend

Whether you have a friend who is having their art displayed in a gallery for the first time or you have one that is a writer and is in the middle of crafting their first novel, you can find a cute gift that will give them some inspiration. And if it doesn't do that, at least it will make them smile.

Artist Palette Bracelet , $20, Amazon; Writer's Block Journal , $13, Amazon

Your friend is having their work displayed for the very first time in a gallery! Show them how proud you are with this gorgeous, art-inspired bracelet. But if they do more with words, show them you know writer's block is the worst. With more than 300 blank pages, this funny notebook is perfect to help someone who's feeling stuck.

7. Moving Away Party

Whether a new job or partner is taking a close friend across the state, country, or world from you, show them you'll miss them with a cute gift that will make them think of you anytime they see or use it.

Long Distance, Customizable Mugs , $21, Amazon; Mud Pie Not That Far Linen Towel, $15, Amazon

Remember those best friend necklaces? You kept a piece, and your friend took the other? Well, now you can do that with two mugs, which are far more functional. You can customize the mugs by putting your state on one and the state your friend is moving to on the other. Plus, a linen towel with a cute saying on it is a great gift. Every time your friend reaches for it to dry off their hands or dishes, they'll think of you.

8. The Break-Up

Asshole Repellent Scented Soy Candle , $19, Amazon; Bright Side Break Up Card , $5, Amazon

Whether you're gifting for yourself or a friend who needs a little T.L.C. after hearts have been wounded, a calming sweet butter creme handmade candle will lift spirits. Not only will it repel a**holes, but after its 50-hour lifespan is up, you can repurpose the mason jar. And if you're not the make-it-yourself card drawing type, let California-based design brand Ratbone Skinny craft the clever illustration for you. Pairs well with a**hole candles.

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Images: Pexels (1); Amazon (14)