There’s someone we all know who can deliver gifts faster than anyone in the world. Think red coat, long white beard, sleigh powered by reindeer…wouldn’t he be the perfect one to call for all those last-minute presents that have to be bought and wrapped?

The jolly old man is a bit busy this time of year, but we have another solution, and it may not be what you were thinking: personalized gifts.

last minute christmas gift ideas sisters gift sack

But don’t those take longer to make, you say? Not at all, says Kathy Flynn, Personalization Mall’s senior vice president of merchandising & creative.

“Our state-of-the-art facility (in Bolingbrook, Illinois) looks like Santa’s Workshop during the holidays,” Flynn says. “We work around the clock, using advanced technology to personalize your gift expertly — within a day or two. We make you look like a thoughtful gift giver, even though you ordered at the last minute.”

And nothing compares to a present with a personal touch. “Adding someone’s name or initials makes everyone on your gift list feel extra special, and your gift becomes one of a kind,” Flynn says.

Sounds like Santa has a secret weapon.

Last-minute Christmas gift ideas for young kids

Acrylic cup

This adorable acrylic cup is perfect for the younger set, particularly if you’re throwing a last-minute cookie decorating party. Add each child’s name to the drink container, designed with a cute reindeer.

Cash box

If you’re stumped as to what to get for your niece or nephew, this adorable personalized cash box from the All Mine! Collection is right on the money. In either bright blue or hot pink, the box comes with keys and instructions. Teach them to save early — and often!

Dinosaur LED sign

Know a kid who’s obsessed with dinosaurs? Then what would be cooler than to give them a light-up Brachiosaurus, T-Rex, or Triceratops with their name on it. This gift will set their room aglow each night as they fall asleep.

Tea set

Every little girl wants a set to serve afternoon tea to her stuffed animals, baby dolls, or imaginary friends. What better present to give than her own personalized mini-suitcase with a teapot and service items for four tiny friends. You can guarantee that none of her peers will have the same one!

Last-minute Christmas gift ideas for older kids

Cosmetic bag

Yes, you can find a practical, chic cosmetic bag for your mom, aunt, sister or best friend. Check out this quilted all-black option. Add a monogram or, for a cheekier gift, the nickname only you call her. At this price, consider multiples: one each for toiletries, makeup, and hair accessories.

Coffee mug

No one will grab your teenager’s hot cocoa when her name is repeated on this mug in her favorite color scheme (choose from 14!). Get one for each member of your family; after all, matching sets are more fun when sitting together on the table.

Journal

Giving someone a writing journal is a touching gesture, as it shows you’re encouraging them to express themselves in their own way. And personalizing it says to the world: “This is my special book – hands off!” Give that person’s hopes and dreams a home in one of these charcoal or teal leather-bound books filled with 80 blank pages.

MORE: 12 Best Stocking Stuffers for the Holidays

Last-minute Christmas gift ideas for him

Golf balls

For the dad who loves to spend Saturday mornings on the course, these personalized photo golf balls are an ace gift, of course… Splurge for the 12 count (you know he’s going to need some extras in his bag) or, for a few dollars more, buy him the Callaway-branded version.

Whiskey glass

Grandpa loves him some of his old cough medicine before Christmas dinner. So, why not present him with an Italian crystal glass etched with his name and last initial? Thoughtful, high quality, and classy.

Tool tote

When it comes to the cool factor, you can’t do much better than Carhartt. So, if your handy dad or brother needs a new place to store his tools, this embroidered tote will up his status — and provide him a convenient way to keep his hammers, screwdrivers, and all his other hardware organized.

Last-minute Christmas gift ideas for her

Cuddle wrap

This soft, cozy option fits around shoulders and has pockets to hold grandma’s phone or tablet. If she always complains about the chill, a monogramed warm cuddle wrap is the perfect last-minute gift choice for her winter nights on the couch.

Wine chiller

If your wife or best friend has always wanted a beautiful wine chiller but feels guilty about buying one for herself, now’s the chance to spoil her. Engrave this stainless steel model with her first name and last initial to make it feel like it’s just for her.

Luxury fleece robe

Coddle your significant other with a beautiful soft robe with his or her monogram. For a cute take on this gift, get a matching robe for you and buy your partner a gift certificate to a local massage parlor or spa basket they can use at home.

Last-minute Christmas gift ideas for anyone

Photo blanket

A creative and lasting gift for grandparents, this blanket features photos of all their favorite grandbabies, and even fur babies. It will have them oohing and ahhing over photos of their most loved ones. Plus, they’ll never imagine you thought of it yesterday.

Canvas duffel

A weekender bag is a gift that every person wants but not a lot of folks invest in. The durable canvas of this duffel lasts a lifetime, and the leather handles will age handsomely. A sturdy and attractive gift that arrives in just a few days — that’s a whole lot of positives packed into one compact package.

Butcher block

A high-quality butcher block is a wildly underrated addition to any home. This attractive one complements any kitchen counter, and the personalized touch will make the home chef in your life feel like you are taking an interest in one of their greatest passions.

Author

Elizabeth Craig Wells is a former senior editor at Real Simple magazine where she focused on the Life, Style, and Simple Solutions sections. She writes for magazines, websites, and catalogs, and recently edited a 50-year history for an international women’s organization. Wells holds a B.A. in French and B.M. in flute performance from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She lives with her three children in Connecticut where she coaches soccer and tennis and is working on a series of contemporary novels.

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3 Comments

  1. Me Dianna Spruiell Reply

    I haven’t gotten ant word on my order my be listed under Dianna Spruiell it was 4 Metal medallion s please let me know someone the order was placed about 6 weeks ago .

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