Need a Birthday Gift, Fast? Amazing Last-Minute Birthday Gift Ideas

We’ve all been there, suddenly realizing a birthday is just around the corner and the perfect gift hasn’t been found. Whether it’s for a close friend, family member, or colleague, finding a thoughtful and intentional last-minute birthday gift is absolutely achievable. If time is truly of the essence, digital subscription gifts stand out as the ultimate solution – delivered instantly to their inbox, ready for the birthday recipient to enjoy right away.

Below, we’ve curated a selection of fantastic last-minute birthday gift ideas, including delicious food gifts and versatile gift cards, ensuring you can find something special even when time is short.

For those tight deadlines, numerous retailers provide expedited 1- or 2-day shipping. However, for maximum speed and convenience, consider in-store pickup or digital delivery for online gifts. Many stores like Nordstrom, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, Ulta, Sephora, and Dick’s Sporting Goods offer rapid curbside pickup and even same-day delivery options, alongside real-time updates on pickup availability at nearby locations. Always utilize filter options to check for fast delivery availability in your area to avoid disappointment when choosing a gift within your timeframe.

Birthday Treats to Delight

Subscription Cheese Box: For the birthday person with a refined palate, a monthly cheese subscription is a sophisticated and delicious gift. Imagine them indulging in gourmet gouda or creamy brie, delivered regularly to their door.
Coffee Subscription Tailored to Taste: Fuel their mornings with a coffee subscription designed to match their unique coffee preferences. Many services offer e-gift card options for instant delivery, making it a perfect last-minute birthday surprise.
Milk Bar Sweet Treats: Indulge their sweet tooth with a selection from Milk Bar. Known for their innovative and irresistible desserts, Milk Bar is always a birthday hit.
Luxury Chocolates with Fast Delivery: Elevate their birthday with decadent truffles and ganaches from a French chocolatier. Look for options offering overnight or expedited delivery to ensure a timely arrival.
Sugarwish Customizable Candy Box: Give the gift of choice with Sugarwish. You select the number of treats, and Sugarwish handles the rest, allowing the birthday recipient to customize their own box of candies and sweets.
Wine Delivery for the Vino Enthusiast: For the wine lover celebrating their birthday, consider a curated selection from NakedWines.com. It’s a thoughtful last-minute gift that can be enjoyed immediately or saved for a special occasion.
Gourmet Olive Oil for the Foodie: Any home cook or food enthusiast will appreciate the gift of premium olive oil. Beyond its culinary uses, a beautifully bottled olive oil also adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen countertop, making it a practical and stylish birthday present.
Spice Subscription Box for Culinary Adventures: Spice up their birthday with a subscription box featuring unique spice blends. These boxes often include chef-created recipes to inspire delicious meals and expand their culinary horizons.
Mocktail Mixology Subscription: For a non-alcoholic yet celebratory option, consider a mocktail subscription. These flavorful, zero-alcohol elixirs infused with herbs and organic ingredients offer a sophisticated and health-conscious birthday treat.

No-Fail Birthday Gifts with Speedy Delivery or Pickup

Capri Blue Volcano Candle: A universally loved scent, the Volcano candle from Capri Blue is a delightful birthday gift. Its tropical fragrance of sugared oranges, lemons, and limes creates an uplifting and inviting atmosphere.
UGG Fluff Yeah Slides: Comfort and style combine in these classic UGG slides. With a warm, fuzzy lining and a durable sole, they are perfect for cozy days at home and a fashionable birthday gift.
Curated Lip Product Set: For the makeup enthusiast, a sample set featuring high-quality lip products is a luxurious birthday surprise. Include a mix of full-size and travel-size options from popular brands for a varied and exciting gift.
Compact Solo Stove for Outdoor Fun: Perfect for those who enjoy outdoor gatherings, a compact Solo Stove provides warmth and ambiance. It’s easy to transport, lights quickly, and generates impressive heat for its size, ideal for birthday bonfires or patio evenings.
Renpho Heating Pad for Relaxation: Give the gift of relaxation and relief with a Renpho heating pad. It’s perfect for soothing achy necks, backs, and shoulders, offering comfort and well-being on their birthday and beyond.
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker: Upgrade their morning routine with a compact Keurig K-Mini coffee maker. It brews various cup sizes without taking up much counter space, making it a practical and appreciated birthday gift for coffee lovers.
Fine Fragrance with a Luxurious Scent Profile: A sophisticated fragrance is a classic birthday gift. Look for scents with rich notes like plum, musk, and jasmine for a memorable and long-lasting impression.
Ticket to Ride Board Game for Game Nights: Enhance their game nights with Ticket to Ride, a strategic and engaging board game. It’s easy to learn, fun for all ages, and perfect for birthday gatherings with family and friends.
Birthstone Necklace or Crystal: A gemstone or crystal, especially their birthstone, offers a personalized and meaningful birthday gift. Many online retailers offer quick shipping options for these items.
Classic Leather Bifold Wallet: A timeless and practical gift, a classic leather bifold wallet is always a stylish choice. It’s a sophisticated way for them to carry cards and cash, and a gift that will last for years to come.
Stanley Adventure Quencher Water Bottle: The trendy Stanley water bottle, known for its insulation, built-in straw, and leakproof design, is a popular and practical birthday gift, especially among younger generations.
Stylish Baseball Cap: A versatile and fashionable accessory, a classic baseball cap is a great last-minute birthday gift. Choose from a wide array of colors to match their personal style.

Tech and Hobby Birthday Gifts Delivered Quickly

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Camera: For the photo enthusiast, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 camera is a fun and nostalgic birthday gift. Eligible for quick shipping on major online retailers, it produces instant mini prints for capturing birthday memories.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: Upgrade their entertainment setup with an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Select models are eligible for same-day delivery for Prime members, offering instant access to streaming services and entertainment on their birthday.
Kindle Paperwhite E-reader: For the avid reader, the latest Kindle Paperwhite is a thoughtful and practical birthday gift. Its glare-free, backlit screen allows for comfortable reading anywhere, and it’s faster than previous models for a seamless experience.
Echo Dot Smart Speaker: Introduce them to the world of smart home technology with an Echo Dot. It’s perfect for beginners and offers the convenience of Alexa for answering questions, playing music, and controlling smart devices, making it a useful and modern birthday gift.
Apple AirPods (or Similar Wireless Earbuds): Wireless earbuds are a must-have tech accessory. Secure a pair online for quick shipping or same-day in-store pickup, offering them a convenient and high-quality audio experience for their birthday.
Twelve South AirFly Bluetooth Transmitter: A unique and useful tech gadget, the AirFly Bluetooth transmitter allows them to use wireless headphones with wired devices like airplane entertainment systems or gym equipment. It’s a practical birthday gift for travelers or tech enthusiasts.
Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: A small, waterproof Bluetooth speaker is perfect for on-the-go music enjoyment. These speakers are often inexpensive and highly-rated, making them a great value birthday gift.
Online Drawing Class Subscription: For the creative birthday person, an online drawing class subscription is a gift that fosters skill development and artistic expression. It’s suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike, offering a valuable and engaging birthday present.

Subscription Birthday Gifts They’ll Love All Year

MasterClass Annual Membership: Grant them access to expert knowledge with a MasterClass subscription. This online platform features a wide array of classes taught by celebrities and industry leaders in various fields, offering a unique and enriching birthday gift.
Audible Subscription for Audiobook Lovers: For those who enjoy stories and learning on the go, an Audible subscription provides credits for audiobooks. It’s perfect for commutes, travel, or relaxing at home, offering entertainment and intellectual stimulation as a birthday gift.
Craft Kits Subscription Box: Nurture their creative side with a monthly craft kit subscription. Each box includes curated crafting supplies and virtual workshops, providing a hands-on and engaging birthday gift that keeps on giving.
Amazon Prime Membership: An Amazon Prime membership is a universally appreciated and practical birthday gift. It offers benefits like fast, free shipping, streaming services, and exclusive deals, making everyday life more convenient and enjoyable.
Rent the Runway Fashion Subscription: For the fashion-forward birthday recipient, a Rent the Runway subscription allows them to rent designer clothing and accessories for any occasion, keeping their wardrobe fresh and stylish without the commitment of buying.
Disney+ Streaming Subscription: Gift endless entertainment with a Disney+ subscription. It provides access to a vast library of movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, perfect for family entertainment or personal enjoyment on their birthday and beyond.
Flower Delivery Subscription: Brighten their birthday and home with a flower delivery subscription. Send beautiful bouquets regularly – weekly, biweekly, or monthly – to bring joy and beauty into their life throughout the year.
Calm Meditation App Subscription: Promote well-being and relaxation with a Calm app subscription. It offers guided meditations, sleep stories, and mindfulness exercises, helping them reduce stress and improve sleep quality – a truly thoughtful birthday gift.
Atlas Coffee Club Subscription: For the coffee aficionado, an Atlas Coffee Club subscription delivers unique beans or grounds from around the world directly to their door each month, providing a global coffee experience as a birthday treat.
Meal Kit Delivery Service: Simplify meal planning and cooking with a meal kit delivery service subscription. It’s perfect for busy individuals or those who enjoy cooking but lack the time for extensive meal prep, offering convenience and culinary exploration for their birthday.
Scentbird Fragrance Subscription: Allow them to explore new scents with a Scentbird fragrance subscription. This service lets them sample designer perfumes and colognes each month, discovering new favorites without committing to full bottles, a delightful and personalized birthday gift.

Personalized Birthday Gifts for a Special Touch

UrbanStems Next-Day Flower Delivery: For a classic and beautiful personalized gift, UrbanStems offers stunning bouquets with next-day delivery in many locations.
Cameo Personalized Video Message: Create a truly unique and memorable birthday experience with a Cameo personalized video message. Choose from thousands of celebrities and personalities to send birthday greetings directly to your recipient.
Book of the Month Club Subscription: For the bookworm, a Book of the Month Club subscription offers a curated selection of new releases each month. They get to choose from five options, ensuring they always have something exciting to read.
Custom Photo Book: Compile cherished memories into a personalized photo book. Customize a book with photos from favorite trips, special occasions, or a year in review, creating a sentimental and lasting birthday gift. Express shipping is often available for quick delivery.

Unique Gift Cards for Instant Birthday Gifting

Goldbelly Gourmet Food Gift Card: Treat them to a culinary adventure with a Goldbelly gift card. Goldbelly delivers regional foods from iconic restaurants and bakeries across the country, allowing them to indulge in gourmet treats from afar.
ClassPass Fitness and Wellness Gift Card: Encourage their fitness and wellness journey with a ClassPass gift card. It provides access to various fitness classes, gyms, and wellness experiences, helping them explore different activities without committing to a single gym.
Bookshop.org Gift Card for Book Lovers: Support independent bookstores while giving the gift of reading with a Bookshop.org gift card. Every purchase on the site supports local bookstores, and the selection is vast and diverse.
Restaurant Gift Card for a Birthday Meal Out: Give them a night off from cooking with a restaurant gift card. Choose a local favorite or a popular chain restaurant, allowing them to enjoy a delicious birthday meal out.
Uncommon Goods Gift Card for Unique Finds: For someone with eclectic tastes, an Uncommon Goods gift card opens up a world of quirky, creative, and delightful gifts. They can discover unique items they might not find anywhere else.
Hotels.com Gift Card for Future Travel: Fuel their wanderlust with a Hotels.com gift card. It can be used to easily book accommodations for future getaways, making it a thoughtful gift for travelers.
ReserveBar Premium Spirits Gift Card: For the connoisseur of fine beverages, a ReserveBar gift card offers access to specialty wines and spirits. They can choose from a wide selection of premium drinks to enhance their home bar.
Everlane Clothing Gift Card for Stylish Essentials: Gift classic and sustainable style with an Everlane e-gift card. From cozy cashmere to timeless basics, Everlane offers high-quality clothing that anyone would appreciate.
Warby Parker Eyewear Gift Card: For those in need of new eyewear, a Warby Parker gift card is a practical and stylish gift. They offer affordable and fashionable prescription glasses and sunglasses.
Violet Grey Luxury Beauty Gift Card: Indulge their beauty desires with a Violet Grey gift card, granting access to a curated selection of luxury beauty products from top brands.
Framebridge Custom Framing Gift Card: Allow them to showcase their favorite art or photos with a Framebridge gift card. They can easily custom-frame artwork, prints, or photos online for a personalized touch in their home.
Nuuly Clothing Rental Gift Card: For fashion experimentation, a Nuuly clothing rental gift card is a fun and stylish option. It allows them to try out different brands and styles, with easy returns, perfect for the fashion-conscious birthday recipient.
Airbnb Gift Card for Getaways and Experiences: Give the gift of travel and unique experiences with an Airbnb gift card. It can be used for vacation rentals or Airbnb Experiences, opening up a world of possibilities for their next adventure.
Calpak Luggage and Travel Accessories Gift Card: For the traveler in your life, a Calpak gift card is ideal. Calpak offers stylish and functional luggage and travel accessories, from suitcases to packing cubes, in a variety of designs.

Finding the perfect last-minute birthday gift doesn’t have to be stressful. With these diverse and readily available options, you can easily find a thoughtful and timely present that shows you care, even when time is short.

Connie Chen Connie Chen

Connie Chen is a former senior reporter on the Insider Reviews team, where she extensively covered home essentials, entertainment, and food and drink. Her expertise lies in identifying products that enhance everyday living, from comfortable bedding to innovative kitchenware and delightful food gifts. Connie’s approach combines rigorous product testing, professional consultations, and deep knowledge of the home and lifestyle space to guide readers in making informed purchasing decisions. Beyond her product reviews, she enjoys exploring and sharing the latest trends in snacks, beverages, and culinary gifts. You can follow her product testing journey and behind-the-scenes insights on Instagram @connayreviews. Connie was an early member of Insider Reviews, joining in 2017, and has also reported on style, tech, fitness, travel, and e-learning, with a particular interest in emerging startups. She has been a team representative at CES and moderated discussions on media business and the future of retail. Connie holds degrees in media studies and business administration from UC Berkeley, which inform her perspectives on industry trends and the competitive e-commerce landscape. Her work includes guides on cocktail shakers, bathrobes, wine openers, bed sheets, cordless vacuums, direct-to-consumer kitchen startups, tableware startups, chef-inspired cooking, virtual experiences, restaurant cookbooks, and more. Learn more about Insider Reviews’ expert testing and review process here. Learn more about their kitchen product testing methodology here.

jaclyn turner headshot 2023 Jaclyn TurnerSenior Home Editor

Jaclyn Turner is the Senior Home Editor for Business Insider’s Reviews team. She is an expert in sleep, floor care, and interior design, dedicating her time to testing and reviewing home products such as mattresses, vacuums, furniture, and home decor. Experience: Jaclyn brings eight years of experience covering the home industry to her role. She joined Business Insider in October 2023, and previously held positions with Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, Livingetc, The Spruce, MyDomaine, and Apartment Therapy. Jaclyn has also contributed to trade publications, Home Furnishings News and Gifts and Decorative Accessories, tracking trends at trade shows and analyzing retail dynamics in the home and housewares sectors. Jaclyn is also a skilled deal hunter and writer, identifying top deals and discounts on home products during major shopping events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Expertise: Her areas of expertise include sleep health and hygiene (mattresses, pillows, bedding), floor care (vacuums, mops, robot vacs), interior design (furniture, decor, organization), gifting and trending products (housewares, appliances, deals), and inclusive fashion (plus-size clothing, indie brands). Education: Jaclyn holds a dual bachelor of arts degree in Journalism and American Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park. Outside of Work: Jaclyn resides in Atlanta, GA, with her Cavapoo. In her free time, she enjoys browsing HomeGoods, exploring TikTok, and trying out local Atlanta restaurants. Connect with Jaclyn at [email protected] or follow her on Instagram @jaclynturner. Learn more about Insider Reviews’ expert testing and review process here.