Last-Minute Gift Cards If You Forgot a Christmas Present

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Uh-oh, did Christmas Day and Hanukkah sneak up on you? The holiday season is moving at lightning speed, right? Whether you totally forgot a gift or you're scrambling to get one for an unexpected Christmas Eve guest, don’t panic. Gift cards are a total lifesaver, and honestly, they're one of the most thoughtful presents you can give. In fact, I think a gift certificate is the perfect gift.

Why? Because you’re giving the gift of choice—letting the recipient pick exactly what they want, when they want it. Plus, a digital gift card is quick, easy, and always appreciated.

So, if you’re in a last-minute bind, I’ve got you covered with some E! Shopping Editor-approved gift card options from REI, Zappos, and more popular retailers. A gift certificate is a great stocking stuffer, a stress-free last minute Christmas gift, and the best buy when you want to give a present your family member will actually use.

Holiday gift shopping should not be stressful. Make your life easier with a thoughtful gift idea that no one will return. 

Rebecca Minkoff: Explore a collection of premium handbags, accessories, and apparel that fit their unique style.

REI: Help someone gear up for their next outdoor adventure, giving them the freedom to choose from high-quality equipment and apparel.

Saks Off Fifth:  Shop designer brands at unbeatable prices, finding the perfect fashion pieces, shoes, and accessories.

Soma: Discover a range of comfortable and luxurious lingerie, sleepwear, and loungewear.

Sorel: Find the perfect pair of durable, versatile footwear for any season.

Spongelle: Indulge in luxurious body care products, offering a range of exfoliating sponges and skincare essentials for a spa-like experience.

Uniqlo: Enjoy a selection of versatile, high-quality clothing and accessories.

Zappos: Shop a wide selection of shoes, clothing, and accessories.

Benefits of Digital Gift Cards for Last-Minute Shoppers

Digital gift cards are a lifesaver for last-minute holiday shopping, especially as Christmas Day nears. With instant delivery and the ability to choose from a wide selection, they make for a great gift when you're pressed for time. 

You can easily purchase them online with a credit card and have them sent directly to the recipient’s inbox, allowing them to pick exactly what they want. Plus, many platforms offer personalization, adding a thoughtful touch. Digital gift cards are the perfect solution for quick, stress-free gift shopping this holiday season.

Personalization Options for Gift Cards

Personalization services can significantly enhance the value of a gift card, making it feel more like the ultimate gift rather than a last-minute option. Many popular retailers now offer a range of personalized gift cards, allowing you to customize designs and messages that reflect the gift recipient's unique tastes and interests. From adding a thoughtful note to selecting a themed card design, these features make the gift feel special and tailored. 

Current trends in gift card personalization include offering options like custom images, animated designs, or even the ability to select the card's delivery time. Choosing the right personalization option not only shows extra thought but also makes the gift more memorable and meaningful, ensuring your gift recipient feels truly valued. With a variety of customizable gift cards available, this thoughtful touch can turn a quick gift into something extraordinary.

Gift cards are the ultimate solution for last-minute gift-giving, offering unmatched convenience and flexibility. Whether it's a digital or personalized option, gift cards allow you to send a thoughtful gift in an instant, making them a go-to choice for busy shoppers. Digital gift cards provide the advantage of quick delivery, while personalized cards add that extra touch to make the gift feel more meaningful. 

As technology continues to shape the gift card industry, we can expect even more customization options and seamless delivery methods in the future. With trends like instant gift solutions and increasingly personalized designs, gift cards are evolving to meet the needs of modern shoppers, ensuring they remain a staple in the world of gift-giving.

How We Choose

The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.