Last minute, but not late.
Christmas is less than two weeks away, but you’re a planner, so you’re prepared. Except that your mom reminded you that you need a present for your Aunt Millie, and since your neighbor helped you move that old couch, you probably need this one. Something should also be taken for. Oh, and you have a ten-year-old nephew… OK, so maybe you’re not as prepared as you thought.
Don’t sweat it; Everyone needs last minute gifts. And if you’re like us, you’re not a gift card or typical sweater kind of guy. You want unique gifts that express a personal touch. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of gifts that won’t feel like an afterthought.
Nespresso Aerocino 4 $119
Most people don’t need a $600 espresso machine to take up space in their kitchen. This milk frother from Nespresso can froth perfectly hot milk. or Show me an espresso machine that can make cold drinks. the cold foam
Pebble Ice Cube Tray $14.00
You can drive to Chick-Fil-A whenever you want Pebble Ice, or you can make it at home in your sweatpants. This ice cube tray produces perfect stone ice every time, and it’s silicone construction means the ice pops out easily.
Albanian Tote (order by 12/20) $34.95
LL Bean’s Boot & Tote Bag is made from heavyweight canvas and comes in four different sizes. You can also choose whether you want standard or longer handles for over-the-shoulder carrying. The best part? Each tote is hand-stitched to the main.
Le Creuset Dutch Oven $179.00
We don’t have time to list all the ways you can use a dutch oven, so I’ll just give you my top three: Brown some meatballs in the oven with a little sauce and cheese. finish in Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, and my personal favorite, open the lid and fry a whole chicken for perfectly crispy skin. Made in France and offering a lifetime warranty, Le Creuset is a gift that will go the long way.
→ Primer’s Dutch Oven Bread Recipe: Dead-Simple Homemade Artisan Bread That Will Surprise Your Food Date
Bird Buddy $249
As a bird photographer, I don’t mind hiding in tall grass for hours to get the perfect shot of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. But sometimes I like to watch birds up close from the comfort of my sofa. BirdBuddy uses an HD camera to show you live photos and videos of birds that visit, and it even recognizes birds so you can assign them names. Baby, who are you texting? “Oh I just see Frankie, the cardinal, on the feeder.
Mad Castles $48.95
Kids today will never know the struggle of trying to build the perfect fort with sofa cushions. A few years ago we bought Crazy Forts for our girls, and it’s still a hit. Rods and balls allow kids to build castle-style forts, complete with tunnel entries. Throw a blanket over the top, and you have a castle that won’t collapse on top of the other when someone walks in.
Unusually Bad Dad Jokes $10.99
As a certified dad, I consider myself a professional teller of dad jokes. That being said, even professionals need resources to stay at the top of their game. This guide to dad jokes will keep your pun game strong: Stay sharp, king.
Fire missiles $9.97
I know we’ve collectively decided that smoking is gross (especially in the car), but in the meantime you have this 12V power socket sitting in your console with a boring plastic cover. You can have something cool like James Bond. I see two perfect recipients for this gift: 1. Your 16-year-old nephew who just bought his first car. 2. Your friend who likes to camp and can use an emergency fire starter. But to be honest, I’m probably going to buy one for myself too.
How to make great coffee at home $23
As someone who has been drinking coffee for thirty years, I would love to receive this as a gift. You may have seen James’ TikTok videos where he reviews various coffee machines, and the videos are as addictive as the drink itself. This book covers everything from brewing basics to grinding details, all with color photos for reference.
Date Night Dancing Digital Course $79-149
Some people are comfortable cutting rugs, but others need a little help finding their rhythm. Date night dancing courses allow you to learn how to dance from the comfort of your own home. A great gift for any couple who don’t get out enough.
Atlas Obscura $20
If you know an avid traveler (or someone who wants to be a traveler), this is the book for them. Atlas Obscura Introduces readers to unique places and events around the world. It even includes an around-the-world road trip map.
Tech Deck Skate Park $45 (Choose seller options for shipping first)
I know this sounds like the perfect gift for a ten-year-old (and it is), but it’s also a great desk toy for when you need a brain break at the office. The tech deck has been dormant for a while, but it’s made a serious comeback, and this skate park is the perfect setup to practice your ollies and grinds.
Lego coffee mug $9.99
For the Lego lover in your life, this mug will complete the collection. Although it is not dishwasher safe, it can handle boiling temperatures and allows you to cook to your heart’s desire.
STEM Robots for Kids $27.99
The perfect gift for the kid who loves to tinker, this solar robot set allows kids to build six different robots that will move around the Earth. Who knew kids could have fun without a screen?
Life Straw Pack Series $22.70
For the camper or prepper (actually I think they prefer the term survival) in your life, the Life Straw is the perfect tool. I used this exact model on my last camping trip, and it was perfect for using creek water to make fresh coffee. The bottom has threads for a water bottle, so you don’t have to lie on the ground every time you want to drink.
Omega Alpha Wing Yo-Yo (Three Pack) $12.99
Show me someone who doesn’t love a good yo-yo, and I’ll show you someone who has forgotten to have fun. This three-pack is made by the original Omega brand, so you can trust the quality and get three gifts with one purchase.
Midler and bar spoon $5.89
A family friend recently bought us this set, and it’s wonderful for mixing drinks, crushing mint leaves, and feeling like an old-fashioned barman. When you’re done mixing your cocktail, throw the set in the dishwasher.
Don’t over-rinse with a Big Red sponge. $36.07
My least favorite part of East Coast winters is how dirty my car gets, and when the temperature drops, it’s not a good idea to go through the car wash. Optimal No Rinse allows you to hand wash your car with minimal water and no hose required.
Kindle Paperwhite $134.99
Amazon’s latest Kindle is backlit for nighttime reading and has 16GB of storage for thousands of books. It’s also waterproof, so if your Aunt Millie drops it in the pool, it’ll be fine.