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28 Last-Minute Gifts on Amazon for the People You Almost Forgot About

Photo-Illustration: Courtesy the retailer

With December now mere days away, the length of your “still to buy for” list might be instilling a bit of panic. Luckily, our guide to last-minute gifts, all of which you can pick up on Amazon, will make the season a total breeze. We scoured the Strategist archives and sifted through hundreds of products on Amazon to find something for everyone on your list. Whether you need something for your office Secret Santa, or you need some stocking stuffers for your mum, dad, and boyfriend, we’ve got you covered. And for everyone else on your gift list, peruse our gift guide hub.

FYI: Today is the last shipping day before Christmas using Royal Mail Tracked 24 — however, you can also avail of next-day delivery using Prime. We’ve marked any products that are available on Prime throughout.

For your friend whose baby is into colours now

You might not have a hard and fast rule on gifting for your friends’ babies, but this interactive book is a great last-minute option. Available on Prime.

For your colleague who snacks while she Slacks

Beat the 4 p.m. slump with a sugar hit. Available on Prime.

For your aunt who has a ‘phone voice’

A fancy snack for a fancy aunt. Available on Prime.

For your granddad who claims he doesn’t want anything this year

He won’t say no to an expert-recommended Japanese single malt. Available on Prime.

For the dad who insists on running a marathon in 2022

Seedlip Garden 108
£18
£18

nonalcoholic gift would be perfect to keep his training on track. Available on Prime.

For your school friend who’s always got a side hustle

Photographer Rankin, who told us he got into audiobooks to deal with his insomnia, recommends this book on embracing failure. Last day to purchase: 25 December. (Audible books can be accessed instantly for a truly last-minute gift.)

For the new friend from your NaMoWriMo group

Scrawling an inspirational message inside from their favourite author is entirely optional (but pretty cute). Available on Prime.

For the friend who has strong opinions on nib width

Stabilo Point-88 0.4-mm. Fineliner
£8 for 10
£8 for 10

Treat them to a fresh batch of pens — particularly this one, which topped our list when we tested 87 pens to find the best. Available on Prime.

For your (remote) office Secret Santa

£8

This stand folds flat so you can stash it away if you’re not using it. Available on Prime.

For your book club’s Secret Santa

For the member who still thinks about Connell’s chain. Last day to purchase: 25 December (if you opt for the Kindle or audiobook version).

For your cousin who’s a sneakerhead now

An essential bit of kit — especially if she’s buying second-hand from Depop. Available on Prime.

For your kid’s primary-school teacher who valiantly Zoomed their way through Key Stage 2

It’s up to them if they need to add something stronger. Available on Prime.

For your housemate who steals your shower products

Ironically, you might find yourself borrowing this bergamot-infused body wash yourself. Available on Prime.

For your boss, who is not a morning person

£35

Perfect if you work for the kind of person who doesn’t miss Pret whatsoever. Available on Prime.

For your Über-athletic cousin

Gritin Skipping Rope
£9
£9

Rocky montage optional. Available on Prime.

For your new boyfriend’s little brother

Not only is this hot sauce delicious on leftovers, but the brand was featured on cult-y Youtube series Hot Ones. Available on Prime.

For your mum who thinks the Bake Off result got it wrong

Tala Reusable Baking Beans
£9
£9

She can bake away her frustrations at Jürgen being booted from the tent. Available on Prime.

For your stepbrother who just went freelance

“Being your own boss” doesn’t mean sleeping in. This alarm clock is a Strategist favourite. Available on Prime.

For your niece who’s way too young for scratchcards

There’s no way of knowing what’s inside, but keep everything crossed for the Bullet Bill. Available on Prime.

For your clumsy friend with no insurance

This collapsable phone grip is godsend for anyone with butterfingers. Available on Prime.

For your friend who is hosting Christmas this year

Give them something to break the ice. Available on Prime.

For the flatmate who forgets to meal-prep

This Malaysian chilli paste will ensure great flavour, even in the most hastily prepared of dinners. Available on Prime.

For the cousin who works nights

So they can escape the sunlight, luxuriously. Available on Prime.

And the cousin who (definitely) doesn’t

Snooze-worthy, machine-washable pillowcases (made of 100 percent silk). Available on Prime.

For your competitive flatmate

Tiny Towns
£45

Tiny Towns is designed for two to six players and is a Strategist favourite. Available on Prime.

For the friend who refreshed the Red List all summer

Perhaps an airborne cocktail will steady her nerves on her first flight this year. Available on Prime.

For the grandma who hates waste

So she won’t have to cry over spilled (or flat) Prosecco. Available on Prime.

For the person you’ve really left it to the last minute to buy for

A gift they’ll actually use, that will arrive almost instantly (regardless of any supply-chain issues). Last day to purchase: 25 December.

The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

28 Last-Minute Gifts for the People You Almost Forgot About