I'm notoriously a last-minute person. Whether it be plans or appointments or pretty much anything, you can almost guarantee I'm coming in down to the wire. That being said, you can probably guess how gift shopping is going for me this year.
I'm rolling on an extremely tight budget this year, so I'm determined to shop everything on sale, when and where possible. To top it all off, I need everything to arrive before Christmas Eve, which is practically already here.
I've spent the last few days scouring the internet to find gift-worthy items that won't deepen my credit card debt — and sharing them here in case you're also in as tight a pinch as I am. It's worth noting that most picks should arrive in time for the holiday, but nothing is guaranteed at this point, so you might have to wait until after the big day to deliver some of these presents.
Keep scrolling to shop last-minute, on-sale gifts for him, her, kids and everyone in between.
Fashion and beauty gifts still on sale
When in doubt, a fanny pack will never go unused. Whether they're an active person or are simply always on the go, they'll thank you when they have a place to keep all of their essentials on busy days.
And when they want a bit of a polished look, this sleek crossbody won't disappoint. It comes in plenty of different colors and boasts a roomy interior. Plus, the straps are detachable, so you can use it as a clutch.
One thing my mom apparently actually wants for Christmas? Pajama sets. I found these for 51% off and they come in a few different colors that she can wear year-round.
If you know someone with an extensive makeup routine, this palette should be a welcomed gift. It includes everything they could possibly need for a full face beat: eyeshadows, liners, bronzers, blush and so much more.
Add a personalized sparkle to your jewelry collection with this gorgeous tennis necklace.
Nike fleece is always a trendy gift for this time of year. This pair looks so crisp and can be worn with just about anything, from the matching jacket to a solid T-shirt.
I truly believe the best gifts make someone's life easier. Blowouts can be a pain to pull off at home, but this hot tool delivers on a final result. While it won't replace the initial blowout, it can help restore volume and bounce in the days following, per the brand.
This limited-edition set features two full-size lotion bars that melt into dry skin to deeply nourish and leave you feeling soft, supple and glowing during the chilly season.
Home and kitchen gifts still on sale
Whether they have a sweet tooth or prefer the finer things in life, this sweet sampler makes for a great stocking stuffer for nearly everyone. It's the perfect addition to any charcuterie board or breakfast bar.
Designed with festive sayings, this vase makes a thoughtful gift or a stylish accent to elevate your holiday celebrations.
Know someone who is a foodie but hates to cook? This convenient gadget can change their outlook. It's perfect for one-pot meals that they can set and forget and then enjoy once they're hungry.
When in doubt, a blanket will always be worth gifting. This cozy pick comes in several different patterns and has a luxe feel reviewers can't get enough of. I'll take six, please.
I severely underestimated the convenience of an air fryer, and now I can't imagine not having one. If it makes my life easier, I can't imagine how much easier it will make the life of a recent college graduate or someone who just moved out on their own.
My mom has been DIY-ing her own pour-over method at home, so I wanted to make her life a little easier by gifting her something to make her morning routine easier. I couldn't pass up a coffee maker for less than $50.
Toy and game gifts still on sale
STEM-inspired toys are always a hit with parents and kids alike. This mini set is perfect for traveling and includes 24 pieces that allow for endless play. You can snag it for up to 56% off right now, too.
This stocking stuffer will keep their mind occupied and at ease as they work to create over 60 different shapes. This shape-shifting box comes in a few different patterns — and if you get more than one, you can connect them to each other to form even bigger shapes and structures.
Your future paleontologist is practically waiting to unwrap this under the tree. They can excavate several different dinosaurs and gain a deeper understanding of the dinos — and then play with them after!
Teens and kids at heart will get a kick out of this building kit. Not only will they get to exercise their creativity, but they'll be able to display their hard work when they're done.
The slime craze isn't over yet! This kit is sure to spark their curiosity and let their creativity take over. It includes everything they'll need to make two batches of fluffy slime. Good news for parents — it's washable, safe and nontoxic.
They won't have to wait for summer to take their next getaway! This ginormous vacation house features two floors that are packed with 30 "storytelling" pieces that they'll get to create plenty of plotlines with.
Tech gifts still on sale
Some of us need a personal assistant – the Echo Dot Max can help with that, per the brand. It can be used to play music, set reminders, tell you about the weather, control the lights in your home and so much more. I think it's a great pick for the forgetful on your list.
This gadget doubles as a speaker and a phone stand, which makes it convenient for anyone who might make recipes in the kitchen, take FaceTime calls around the house and beyond. Plus, it was just featured on TODAY.
Help the movie buff in your life unlock several different streaming services with this streaming essential. They'll be able to stream millions of shows and movies on demand, according to the brand.
If they frequently misplace their essentials, this duo can help them start keeping track of them. They can stick it to their purse, keys, phone and more to prevent them from slipping out of reach.
With 360-degree sound and deep, booming bass that lasts up to 14 hours, this speaker is perfect for outdoor adventures, pool days or cozy nights at home.
More stores offering holiday sales
- Anthropologie: Gear up for hosting with up to 40% off holiday home and fashion essentials.
- American Girl: Grab last-minute picks for 20% off when you spend $150 or more through Dec. 19.
- Away: Know someone with the travel bug? Get 20% off travel favorites from this popular brand.
- Best Buy: Every Friday, Best Buy drops new sets of deals. You can find picks from Apple, Samsung, PlayStation and more on sale.
- Etsy: You can always find discounts on creative, homemade gifts that will make your recipient feel special on Etsy.
- Home Depot: Select tools and accessories are on sale for up to 40% off
- J.Crew: Find the "perfect presents" for 50% off at this editor-loved brand.
- Lululemon: If working out is their thing, you're bound to find something they'll love hiding in Lululemon's We Made Too Much section, where socks, leggings and more start at $19.
- Macy's: We're all friends (and family!) here. The iconic retailer is marking down items by up to 60% off in the days leading up to Christmas.
- REI: Save up to 50% off picks from The North Face, Patagonia, On and more.
- Sephora: Save on fragrance gifts for every beauty aficionado when you use the code SAVESCENTS through Dec. 24.
- Ulta: The beauty retailer is offering up to 50% off Clinique, IT Cosmetics and more through Dec. 24.
- Uniqlo: During the brand's Best of Holiday Sale, you can score coats, tops and more at deep discounts.
How we chose
I spent hours searching for gifts for my own friends and family members, sorting through Shop TODAY's bestsellers and tried-and-true editor-favorites to curate a list of affordable gifts that will arrive in time for the holidays.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
