Christmas has a habit of sneaking up on people. One minute there’s plenty of time, the next you’re wondering how it’s already December and you still have no idea what to buy. If you don’t even know what you’d want yourself, choosing gifts for other people can feel impossible.

The good news is that last-minute gifts don’t have to feel rushed or careless. With the right approach, you can still choose something useful, enjoyable, or personal without weeks of planning.

Here are some simple last-minute Christmas gift ideas that work well for friends, family, and anyone who’s tricky to buy for.

Candles

Candles are a safe and popular choice for a reason. They’re practical, easy to find, and suit most homes. A good candle can instantly make a space feel calmer and more inviting, whether someone is relaxing, working, or unwinding in the evening.

Seasonal scents are especially popular at Christmas. Think gingerbread, cinnamon, peppermint, winter berries, or vanilla. These feel festive without being over the top and are often released as limited editions, which makes them feel a little more special.

Candles are also easy to pick up at short notice. Supermarkets, home stores, and online shops all stock a wide range, making them ideal if you’ve left things late. If possible, look for plant-based waxes such as soy, and avoid heavily synthetic fragrances. Handmade platforms are a good place to find natural options while supporting small sellers at the same time.

Wine or champagne

If you know someone enjoys a drink, a bottle of wine or champagne is a straightforward and festive gift. It doesn’t need much explanation, and it’s something that can be enjoyed over Christmas rather than put away and forgotten.

Wine is easy to buy almost anywhere, which makes it perfect for last-minute shopping. You can keep it simple with a familiar favourite, or choose something a little more special if your budget allows. Red, white, rosé, sweet or dry, there’s usually something to suit most tastes.

Champagne feels especially appropriate at Christmas. It naturally signals celebration and works well as a shared gift for couples or families. It also requires very little wrapping. A gift bag or ribbon is often more than enough.

Gift vouchers

Gift vouchers are often underestimated, but they’re one of the most practical last-minute options. They allow the recipient to choose exactly what they want, when they want it.

When choosing a voucher, think about how the person likes to spend their free time. That could be meals out, cinema trips, books, clothes, or experiences such as massages or activities. A well-chosen voucher feels considered rather than lazy.

They’re also ideal for people who are difficult to buy for or already have everything. Many vouchers are now delivered digitally, which is a lifesaver if you’ve genuinely run out of time.

Creative or hobby-based gifts

If someone enjoys being creative, a small project or hobby-related gift can be a great choice. Craft kits are widely available and cover a huge range of interests, from knitting and jewellery making to painting and sewing.

These types of gifts give people something to do as well as something to open. They can be especially nice between Christmas and New Year, when people often have a bit more time to relax.

If crafts aren’t their thing, the same idea applies to other hobbies. A thoughtful accessory or supply related to something they already enjoy usually goes down well.

Personalised notebooks

For people who like to stay organised, write lists, journal, or sketch, a personalised notebook is both practical and thoughtful. It’s something they can use every day, whether for work, planning, or personal notes.

Personalised stationery is widely available online, often with quick turnaround times, which makes it suitable for last-minute gifting. Adding a name or initials gives it a personal touch without being overcomplicated.

A personalised mug

A personalised mug is a simple gift that people genuinely use. There’s something comforting about having a mug that feels like it belongs to you, especially for tea or coffee drinkers.

Initial mugs are a popular choice or these sweet personalised reindeer mugs from JR Decal are the perfect Christmas gift!

Mugs can be personalised in lots of ways, from names and initials to photos or interests. They’re affordable, practical, and easy to order quickly, which makes them ideal when time is short.

Or just ask

If you’re truly stuck, asking what someone wants is not a failure. It can save time, money, and stress, and often leads to a gift they’ll genuinely appreciate.

And if you’d rather keep it a surprise, focusing on something practical, personalised, or linked to their interests is usually the safest option.