For adults:

The best last-minute gift is one that doesn’t require shipping or pick up and lands straight in the recipient’s inbox, allowing him or her to choose exactly what they want. Gifters can easily purchase gift cards to hundreds of brands, restaurants, and retailers directly from their site, or through Amazon or giftcards.com

Subscription boxes are fun to receive and unbox, and all you need to present to your recipient at the time of gifting is proof of purchase and maybe a small token item in keeping with the theme of the box (because presentation matters.) Crate joy, a one-stop online shop for gifts and subscriptions (including those from female and BIPOC-owned businesses), caters to a variety of ages, themes and interests including self-care, wellness, family fun, cocktails, food, books, and date nights.

Home goods and furnishings retailer Wayfair offers fast 2-day shipping on thousands of items, and free shipping within the US for orders $35+. Shopping for someone who recently moved, renovated, or updated their space? Check out Wayfair’s selection of bar accessories, décor and pillows, small kitchen appliances, and pet accessories. Whatever it is you’re after, Wayfair has you covered with incredible selection and the promise of timely arrivals.

For *just* $20, Nordstrom will ship your purchase the next business day if you order by noon ET, meaning you can go ahead and splurge on that Nest candle for your sister, the Stanley insulated travel tumbler for your hubby, or the UGG slingbacks your bestie has been eyeing since 2020. Not in a rush? Order by 8 pm ET on December 17 and choose FREE standard shipping at check-out.

You probably don’t need us to tell you this but Target not only has, well, everything, but it also offers free 2-day shipping on purchases of $35 or more, or purchases made with your beloved red card. This year we’re loving the Mr. Coffee iced coffee maker with reusable tumbler (for under $35!), this awesome collection of holiday family pajamas (starting at just $7), and—for the person who always wants to borrow your charger—a variety of Apple Tech accessories that will never go unappreciated. Download the Target app to purchase online and take advantage of fast shipping or in-store pick-up to avoid the lines and crowds.

If you had every intention of finding not only the perfect gift, but the perfectly unique gift, a stroll down the virtual aisles of uncommon goods is a must. Not only do they carry a nearly unparalleled collection of gadgets, décor, and must-haves for all ages, but you’ll also find a wide range of edible delights that are perfect for the foodie and/or the perpetual host or hostess. Expedited 1–2-day shipping will run you $19.95 but it’s worth it if you know someone who’d absolutely love a Whiskey-making kit, these gorgeous (and delicious) mimosa sugar cubes, or these gourmet, Belgian chocolate peanut butter cups.

For Kids and Teens:

Experiences make a great gift, especially for busy kids who like to get out and explore the world. And best of all, experiences don’t clutter up the toy box or family room. For the kid(s) on your list, consider a ticket, day pass or membership to your local zoo, amusement or water park, art gallery, museum, theatre, restaurant, or sporting event.

For the cooler-than-you’ll-ever-be teen or tween, Urban Outfitters is THE place to shop. Bonus #1: there’s always tons of stuff on sale. Bonus #2: Hail Mary 1-2 business day shipping is available for a whopping $24.95 (consider it an investment in never making that mistake again.) For the hard to buy for teen or tween, UO’s Top 50 Gifts list includes a remote sun projector (for the perfect moody selfie, obviously); this Girls Do Everything Better baby tee (available in 3 colours, sizes XS-L), and this disco ball light-up wireless speaker for in-room dance parties.

For the nature and animal lover, a symbolic adoption from the World Wildlife Fund means support for more than 100 species. Each “adoption” includes a certificate that’s emailed right away and a plush replica that’s sent by mail. If you’re outside the WWF shipping cut-off (Dec 14 for delivery by Dec 24), print or forward the certificate, then surprise your recipient with the toy when it arrives.

When you think of Best Buy you probably think of middle-aged men wandering aimlessly, but the retailer’s terrific free next day delivery option makes it a great spot to shop for last minute gifts. Whether your recipient is into plush toys, collectibles, STEM and educational toys, trading cards, LEGO and building toys you’re likely to find something at Best Buy.

I might be projecting here, but I think an Etsy gift card is a pretty great gift, especially considering all the amazing shops for kids on the site, including kid-owned Zandra Beauty, (plant-based skin care in dynamic, self-affirming packaging); countless slime and foam shops, personally engraved baseballs, and so much more. Support a small business and let your recipient select something s/he couldn’t find anywhere else. Win win!

Subscription boxes aren’t just for adults! To give the gift that keeps on giving (and might end up on TikTok), consider Bookroo’s Tween Book Club Box for kids 7-10 and 9-12;  The Kids Craft, a monthly DIY craft box for kids 3-9; Little Feminist, a female-owned company that curates inclusive stories by LGBTQI  and POC writers; and Brick Loot featuring LEGO bricks, sets and minifigures.

And don’t forget the labels to help them keep track of all their new stuff! Mabel’s Labels has FREE Shipping, always! From now until Dec 16th you can get a FREE SHIPPING UPGRADE!

The post 13 Last-Minute Gifts (That Look Anything But) appeared first on The Mabelhood.

TIME 

Time is precious, and moms don’t have enough of it. So how can you give her time? There are several ways:

1. A meal service. Take a task away from her or make it easier. I recently had a HelloFresh box arrive at my house and I couldn’t have been happier. All the ingredients and easy to follow recipes made for a meal that my entire family loved. If you have not considered this service, now’s the time. This busy mama’s quality of life increased significantly once I discovered HelloFresh
2. A cleaning service. Although keeping the house clean should be a family affair, the stress of it often lands on mom. Buying a family gift of having a cleaning service during and/or after the holiday season will take the stress out of entertaining and give the entire family more time to spend together.
3. Babysitting coupon. Moms want to get out, often with their spouses. Offer a busy mom friend in your life an evening of babysitting so she can remember what it’s like to go on a date again.

ADVENTURE

Sometimes being a mom can be a little, let’s say, monotonous. Give mom that rush of excitement that comes with adventure. You might want to consider these gifts mom really wants:

1. A gift certificate for travel. Does Mom have a group of girlfriends she’d love to have a weekend away with? Help make that happen. She needs the break and finding adventure with her gal pals will be good for her soul.
2. A bucket-list activity. How about an activity you’ve heard her say “I wish” about? Maybe it is taking a dance class, going skydiving or learning to play hockey. Every mom has something she’d like to try.

PLEASURE

1. Wine subscription. Is the mom in your life a lover of wine? Silly question – of course she is! ED Wine is a monthly wine subscription of four sommelier curated wines. Each wine comes with a write-up about it to help you learn and explore your tastes. No pretension, just the enjoyment of the simple pleasure wine offers. Search your area for a similar service.
2. Spa gift certificate. Does mom love a day at the spa or going for a massage? Gift certificates are easy to get and much appreciated for moms who need to wind down after a busy holiday season.
3. Retail gift certificate. Does mom have a hard time spending money on the things she loves? If mom has a favorite clothing or jewelry shop, treat her to a gift certificate so she can spoil herself instead of the children for once. I know whenever a gift certificate for my favourite store turns up (Joelle’s), I’m one happy mama!

If you’re more into getting her a traditional gift that can be wrapped and placed under the tree, I suggest going for a secret wish-list item. Sometimes a mama just has a random thing she wants, but probably wouldn’t ask for. Figure out what that is and surprise her. This year, I’d love to find a pair of Mukluks under the tree for me. If that happens, it will truly be a Christmas miracle!

Show Mom that she is not forgotten this holiday season by giving her meaningful gifts that will always be remembered: The gifts of time, adventure and pleasure!  Here are some other important ways you can help out moms this Holiday season.

The post What Moms Really Want For Christmas appeared first on The Mabelhood.