Buying good birthday gifts is hard. Even if you have plenty of time. Even if you know the birthday person really well. It’s even harder when it gets to the last minute before the birthday, or birthday party, and you still don’t have a gift ready to wrap—or even an idea! Panic sets in. You can’t show up empty handed, and you really don’t want your friend or family member to think you forgot their birthday.
Stop panicking, and browse our selection of thoughtful, creative last-minute birthday gift ideas that will make your loved one feel special and appreciated.
DIY and handmade gifts
If you have enough time for a quick and easy DIY project, consider one of these handmade gift ideas. It’s even better if you already have some crafting skills and supplies on hand. DIY gifts also let you add a truly personal touch, and show your loved one that you care about them enough to invest time and creativity into their present.
- Personalized crafts: Create a custom piece of art, like a painted picture frame or a decorated mug, and personalize it with their name or motifs you know they’ll love.
- Handwritten notes: Write a heartfelt letter or a series of notes expressing your appreciation and love.
- Homemade bath products: Create bath bombs or bath salts with soothing scents for a relaxing and thoughtful gift. Package them in a pretty basket or gift bag.
- Customized playlist: Curate a playlist of their favorite songs that remind you of special moments together.
- Handmade jewelry: Craft a simple bracelet or necklace with beads or charms that hold special meaning. Friendship bracelets never go out of style!
- DIY candle: Make a scented candle in an attractive jar, and use their favorite fragrance for a cozy, personal gift.
- Memory jar: Fill a jar with small notes and memorabilia that represent the special times you’ve shared together.
- Knitted or crocheted scarf or hat: If you can knit or crochet, grab some thick yarn in their favorite color and whip out a quick project like a hat or scarf.
- Decorative planter: Paint and personalize a planter pot and include a small plant or succulent for a lasting gift.
- Homemade treats: Bake some cookies, brownies, or their favorite dessert to show you care. If the person celebrating a birthday loves cooking, consider pairing the treats with a custom recipe book.
Digital gift ideas
Digital gifts are the ultimate in convenient last-minute gift ideas. You can buy and send them in almost an instant, but do invest a little time in choosing an idea you know they’d genuinely appreciate.
- Online subscriptions: Gift a subscription to their favorite streaming service, magazine, or app.
- Virtual experiences: Sign them up for an online class or workshop on something they’re passionate about.
- Digital scrapbook: Compile photos and memories into a digital scrapbook they can cherish. Use Mixbook’s convenient and easy-to-use digital scrapbooking platform to make one effortlessly.
- E-gift cards: Give them an e-gift card to their favorite store or restaurant. You can't go wrong with this one!
- Audiobooks: If they're always on the go and don't have much time for reading, an audiobook is what they need.
- E-books: Gift an e-book to expand their digital library with a new read.
- Music streaming service: Consider paying for a year-long subscription to a music streaming service for endless tunes.
- Fitness app membership: Give them a membership to a fitness app for guided workouts and health tracking.
- Virtual concert tickets: Buy tickets to an upcoming virtual concert by their favorite artist.
- Online game credits: Purchase in-game credits for their favorite online game for hours of fun.
Creative last-minute gift ideas
These unique and thoughtful creative gift ideas might be perfect for your loved one’s birthday. Many online vendors offer these kinds of personalized goods, sometimes with expedited options.
Tip: If the item can’t be delivered on time, print out a picture and let them know the gift is on its way to their door.
- Custom puzzles: Turn a favorite photo into a puzzle for a fun and personalized activity.
- Personalized home decor: Customize items like cushions, wall art, or doormats with their name or favorite quote.
- Engraved items: Engrave, or have engraved, a piece of jewelry, keychain, or pen with a meaningful message or their name.
- Magnets: Design personalized magnets with photos or inspirational messages.
- Personalized phone cases: Design a phone case with their favorite photos or a unique design.
- Calendars: Make a custom calendar featuring photos and important dates to remind them of special times.
- Customized tote bags: Create a tote bag with a fun print or their initials for a stylish and practical gift.
- Artwork prints: Commission or print artwork that reflects their personality or interests.
- Custom T-shirts: Design a T-shirt with a funny or meaningful graphic or message that they’ll love to wear.
- Photo books: Choose from Mixbook’s many different birthday photo books themes and create a keepsake filled with cherished memories and moments.
Subscription services
Subscription services are a gift that keeps on giving, so your friend or family member will remember how much you care about them long after their birthday has passed. Here are some subscription service ideas:
- Monthly boxes: Sign them up to receive a monthly box that matches their interests, like snacks, books, or beauty products.
- Streaming and entertainment: Gift a subscription to a streaming service that offers a variety of movies, TV shows, or music.
- Wellness and self-care: Provide a subscription to a wellness box that includes items like skincare products, candles, or relaxation tools.
- Meal kit delivery: Enroll them in a meal kit service that delivers fresh ingredients and recipes straight to their door.
- Art supplies box: Subscribe them to a monthly art supplies box that provides new materials and project ideas to spark their creativity.
- Coffee or tea subscription: Sign them up for a monthly delivery of unique and high-quality coffee or tea blends.
- Fitness and health boxes: Provide a subscription to a box that includes fitness gear, healthy snacks, and workout accessories.
- Book club membership: Enroll them in a book club that sends a new book monthly along with discussion guides and author insights.
- Gardening kits: Subscribe them to a gardening kit service that delivers seeds, plants, and tools for their green thumb.
- Pet care packages: Sign up for a pet care box that sends toys, treats, and accessories for their furry friend.
For an extra personal touch to these subscription gifts, add a Mixbook card with heartfelt birthday wishes to accompany your gift.
Experience-based gifts
Experiences are more memorable—and often more special—than many physical gifts. So, help your loved one create lasting memories with one of these experience-based gift ideas:
- Spa day: Treat them to a relaxing spa day with massages, facials, and other pampering treatments.
- Cooking class: Enroll them in a cooking class where they can learn new recipes and techniques.
- Adventure activities: Give the gift of adventure with activities like zip-lining, hot-air ballooning, or a helicopter tour.
- Concert or event tickets: Purchase tickets to a concert, theater performance, or sports event they would enjoy.
- Wine-tasting tour: Arrange a wine-tasting tour at a local vineyard or a virtual wine-tasting experience.
- Staycation: Book a staycation at a local hotel or Airbnb for a change of scenery and some relaxation.
- Art class: Sign them up for an art class such as painting, pottery, or photography to unleash their creativity.
- Fitness class: Gift a pass to a fitness class they’ve been wanting to try, like yoga, pilates, or kickboxing.
- Museum or gallery visit: Plan a visit to a museum or art gallery for a day of culture and inspiration.
- Outdoor excursion: Plan a day trip to a scenic hiking trail, beach, or nature reserve for a refreshing and adventurous experience.
Tip: If the birthday boy or girl is a parent, you might throw in an offer to babysit while they enjoy their gift experience.
Tips for perfecting a last-minute birthday gift
It might be a last-minute birthday gift, but you don't want it to seem like you didn't put any effort into choosing it. Here are some easy ways to make your last-minute gift feel thoughtful and special:
- Add a personal touch: Customize the gift with their name, initials, or a special message.
- Include a note: Write a sincere note or card expressing your feelings and best wishes.
- Wrap it beautifully: Use attractive wrapping paper or a gift bag and ribbons to make the presentation look thoughtful.
- Consider their interests: Choose a gift that aligns with their hobbies or passions.
- Add a small extra: Pair the main gift with a little something extra, like a favorite snack or a small accessory.
- Use quality materials: Opt for high-quality materials or brands to make the gift feel more luxurious.
- Personalize the packaging: Add a photo, custom tag, or a small keepsake to the packaging for an extra special touch.
- Include a memory: Attach a photo or memento from a shared experience to make the gift more meaningful.
- Hand-deliver the gift: If possible, hand-deliver the gift to show you care and say “Happy Birthday” in person.
- Ask others for input: Get suggestions, or run your ideas by their close friends or family to ensure the gift is something they’ll love.
- Make it thoughtful: Reflect on past conversations or hints they’ve dropped to choose a gift that shows you listen.
Don’t skip last-minute birthday gifts that show you care
With a little effort and creativity, last-minute birthday gifts can still be incredibly thoughtful and meaningful.
By personalizing your gift and adding genuine messages, you can make the birthday person feel special and appreciated, so don't forget to think about the presentation and small extras that show you care.
For fantastic personalized gifts like photo books, calendars, canvas prints, and more, head over to Mixbook today!
