Last-Minute Gift Ideas: Steer Clear of Amazon and Starbucks
With the number of shopping days before Christmas dwindling, we're edging closer to the unofficial "gift them an Amazon or Starbucks gift card" season. While there's nothing inherently wrong with Amazon or Starbucks gift cards, their widespread popularity can sometimes feel like shouting "I ran out of time and just grabbed this card!" Here are seven brilliant last-minute gift ideas, steering clear of these top choices.
bookstore.org
If you have a book lover in your life, bestowing an Amazon gift card might feel a little uncouth. If you're unsure about the perfect title for them, Bookshop.org's gift cards are the next best thing. They ship all books from independent bookstores, supporting a small business instead of Jeff Bezos.
Bauch
A Pittsburgh sandwich or a Chicago deep-dish pizza are indulgences that you're hard-pressed to justify, making a Goldbelly gift card an incredibly fun gift. It's the perfect excuse for a little indulgence – even someone who claims to have tried every restaurant in the world will find something new and exciting with Goldbelly.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
If Goldbelly's offerings are a treat for food connoisseurs, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams are every ice cream enthusiast's dream. They've crafted the best ice cream I've ever tasted, and they're available nationwide. (However, mind the minimum shipping requirement, which is four pints.) The digital gift card is perfect to set up an adventure for their favorite ice cream lover – and if you're feeling generous, perhaps treat yourself to some too.
Jiggy Puzzles
If you have a puzzle lover in your life, the Jiggy Puzzles gift card is right up your alley. This company produces charming puzzles with 100, 450, or 800 pieces – suitable for all age groups. An added bonus: each puzzle includes puzzle glue for your puzzler to preserve their masterpiece as a piece of art.
The Criterion Channel
Film buffs, meet their new obsession: The Criterion Channel. While they offer a streaming service, they also offer a gift subscription service that changes every month, featuring carefully curated themed collections, interviews with filmmakers, and archive material. (If your film buff prefers physical media, you can also gift them a physical or digital gift card from the Criterion Collection store.)
1Password
Not everyone will jump for joy at the idea of a password manager subscription, but for those who do, now's the perfect time to invest. If you know someone who fits that description, consider a 1Password gift card; prices include options for $25, $50, or $125, allowing you to choose the perfect degree of investment.
eBay
For the niche collector who already has everything they need and wants, eBay is your friend. They're more likely to find their elusive collectible there than on Amazon, like vintage sports memorabilia or limited edition Margaritaville Crocs. So, why not cut to the chase and send them straight to the source?
Alternative Last-Minute Gift Ideas
The Best Last-Minute Gift Card Ideas Beyond Amazon and Starbucks may very well be from Goldbelly, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, or eBay. If you're looking for more options, research online gift card lists to find additional brilliant ideas.
Though most of these options demand a little cash, the joy of unexpected gifts and seeing the joy in others' faces is priceless. You'll avoid the usual holidays-in-a-box and make your gift recipient feel truly special.
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Here are some alternative last-minute gift card ideas beyond Amazon and Starbucks:
- Sephora: Perfect for beauty enthusiasts, allowing them to choose their favorite makeup, skincare, or fragrances[1][3].
- Ulta: Similar to Sephora, ideal for those who love beauty products and services[1][3].
- NakedWines.com: Great for wine lovers, offering a selection of gourmet wines delivered quarterly[1].
- Stitch Fix: Ideal for fashion enthusiasts, providing a personalized style quiz and curated clothing and accessories[3].
- Winc: A wine subscription service that delivers carefully selected bottles to their doorstep each month[3].
- Beer Drop: A subscription service that delivers a selection of craft beers to their doorstep each month[3].
- Goldbelly: Perfect for foodies, allowing them to enjoy regional specialties like NYC bagels or Southern BBQ[1].
- ClassPass: Great for fitness enthusiasts, providing access to various fitness classes near them[1].
- Local Bookstores: Many local bookstores offer gift cards that support independent literature and unique selections[1].
- Everlane: An e-gift card for fashion enthusiasts who appreciate sustainable and stylish clothing[1].
These options cater to various interests, making them excellent alternatives to Amazon and Starbucks.
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