The holidays are quickly approaching and while some may have their shopping all wrapped up, most of us are still scrambling to buy a few last-minute gifts. December always seems to fly by, and before you know it you’re at that critical window when internet purchases may or may not make it in time.
Sound familiar? Don’t fret. Thanks to free, fast shipping options at retailers like Amazon and Walmart gift-givers can still score quality items in the nick of time. The hardest part can be choosing the perfect gift for each person on your list, which is why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite last-minute gifts, below.
Note: While we’ve tried to ensure that all of these products can ship quickly and make it in time for your holiday gift giving, it’s best to confirm the shipping dates for a specific product. Need even more suggestions? Check out our gift guide here, or consider giving one of these 15 new books on design and cities.
Books and puzzles
Frank Lloyd Wright Saguaro Cactus and Forms Puzzle
- $19
This challenging 1,000-piece puzzle features the bright colors of Wright’s Saguaro Forms and Cactus Flowers artwork. A great way to bring art into everyday life.
Midwest Architecture Journeys
- $27
A favorite of our Curbed Chicago editor, who writes, “Chicagoans familiar with some of the region’s most famous architects might be pleasantly surprised to learn what other architectural wonders the Midwest holds. Edited by design journalist Zach Mortice and with an introduction from Curbed’s architecture critic, Alexandra Lange, the essays and photographs take the reader through buildings by Bertrand Goldberg and Bruce Goff but also unearth interesting stories of grain silos, indigenous mounds, and parking lots.”
Areaware Gradient Puzzle
- $15
Designed by Bryce Wilner for Areaware, this 500-piece puzzle is made from thick stock and high-quality art paper—it’s a meditative take on puzzling.
Ballpark: Baseball in the American City
- $22
This new book by critic Paul Goldberger traces how baseball and stadium design reflect our changing opinions of cities. It’s a fun look at how American’s favorite pastime mirrors ideas about American urbanism, and a must-read for any design-minded sports dad. Read more, over here.
Decor and accessories
MoDRN Chenille Throw Blanket
- $25
This cozy chenille throw is a bit like your favorite sweater—it provides just the right amount of warmth and looks great.
Better Homes & Gardens Geometric Tabletop Sculpture
- $10
This Icosahedron-shaped sculpture features a gold finish that adds a bit of geometric glamour to any room.
La Bellefee Soy Wax Scented Travel Candles, Set of 4
- $15
This pack of four different fragrances includes Lemongrass & Bergamot, SeaSalt & Sage, French Lavender & Vanilla and Mediterranean Amber, all in a helpful travel tin. Bad room smells, banished.
Pinzon Faux Fur Throw
- $35
Available in two sizes and three different colors—frost grey, ivory, alpine brown—this faux fur blanket adds a luxurious layer to any room and punches way above it’s price point.
Trenbader Vintage Bluetooth Speaker
- $59
Everything that’s old is new again, and this wood-framed portable speaker adds a bit of glam to any decor. With a range of 33 feet, connectability with any Bluetooth device, and multiple playing modes, this one’s a winner.
Kitchen and entertaining
Raye Crystal Coupe Glass
- $22
This two-glass set is made from lead free crystal and shows off your libations in style.
Charcoal Companion Grill Station
- $14
Make grilling easy with trays that separate raw meat from cooked. Ridges help with marination, a lid can keep chilled food cold, and an accessory caddy hooks on the side for easy access to tools.
Tea Forte Single Cup Loose Tea Brewing System
- $20
This easy-to-use tea brewing set is a favorite of news editor Megan Barber thanks to a double-walled design that keeps tea hot without burning your hands. The set includes the insulated cup, an integrated stainless steel infuser basket, and matching lid. It’s microwave and dishwasher safe.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker
- $79
Editor Jenny Xie writes that the Instant Pot lives up to the hype and makes for quick work on stews, soups, meats, and even pastas.
Gardening upgrades
Sustee Plant Moisture Sensor
- $15
This Japanese water-measurement tool offers instant feedback on the health of your plants. Designed to measure water and pH levels, the thermometer-shaped device turns blue when your plant is healthy, and news editor Megan Barber uses it to keep her plants in good shape.
Rivet Mid-Century Ceramic Planter with Stand
Add a stylish accent with this color-blocked planter—it graces the patio of news editor Megan Barber and is available in four colors and various sizes.
Plant Nanny 12 oz Watering Globe with Blue Finial
- $50
This watering globe and stake set releases water when the soil begins to dry so that you never under or over water your plants.
AOMGD 3 Pack Macrame Plant Hanger with Hooks
- $10
Embrace the vintage style with this set of three macrame plant hangers.
For the kids
Grimm’s Tree Slices Wooden Building Blocks
- $47
Chunky tree blocks made from natural tree branches are sized for small hands and hand-stained in vibrant spring colors.
Little Giraffe Luxe Stroller Baby Blanket
- $92
Available in a multitude of colors, this blanket is soft to the touch with a luxurious satin border. Baby blankets come and go; this one will be your child’s favorite for years.
Weesprout Bamboo Toddler Plates
- $19
This neutral four-piece set includes ultra durable bamboo plates that are BPA free, non-toxic, and dishwasher safe.
Children Chef Aprons
- $10
Available in two different sizes, these machine washable, adjustable kid aprons feature a front pocket for gadgets and an array of patterns.
Outdoor goods
MPOWERD Luci Lux Inflatable Solar Lantern
- $17
This lantern is completely powered by the sun with no batteries needed. It lasts for 24 hours on a single charge, and emits a warm light in four different modes. It’s also lightweight, durable, and waterproof.
Rumpl Outdoor Blanket
- $70
Whether you like camping or just need a picnic blanket, the Rumpl Puffy Blanket is a go-to option that’s lightweight, durable, waterproof, and machine washable. Available in a plethora of prints and colors.
Nite Ize Gear Line
- $17
Keep camp organized with this gear line. You can hang it vertically or horizontally; it attaches to almost anything thanks to twist ties at each end, and the S-carabiners can hang everything from gear to clothes. Need a few extra S-biners? You can buy those, here.
PackTowel Luxe Microfiber Towel
- $9
The Luxe towel from PackTowel is an ultra soft, looped terry knit towel that is super absorbent yet feels like a fluffy hotel towel. Bonus: The towels come in an array of sizes and cheery colors and are great for travel or the gym.
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