Just because you're short on time doesn't mean you can't gift a great present.
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The holidays are fast approaching and you still don't have a gift for everyone on your list. Maybe your mother-in-law just called to say that she—and her entire family—will be coming for the long weekend after all. Or perhaps a colleague gifted you a thoughtful present on the last day before the office closed for year. Or you just remembered that you were invited for a holiday gathering and forgot to pick something up. Do these sound like familiar situations? If you're like most people, you've been so busy prepping for visitors and decorating for the holidays that you haven't had a chance to hit the mall or search the internet for those last few items you need—or you've been totally caught off guard by someone's generosity. Don't fear: You can still look like a gift-giving pro without lots of time (or money) to devote towards a present.
To help you shop with confidence, we found a wide array of items that make great last-minute gifts. By that we mean they're thoughtful and personalized (and maybe even customizable!), but you can grab them in no time. Even better, they're all under $50, so springing for one unplanned present won't throw the budget for your holiday spending off too much.
From catch-alls and coffee pots to sweet treats and housewares, these gifts are so great no one will ever expect you chose them in the 11th hour. Click through and add some of these items to your shopping list, then get out there and spread the holiday cheer.
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Cookie Kit
When last-minute guests come to call, a batch of homemade cookies are an easy dessert option. This kit, complete with everything your recipient needs to decorate gorgeous cookies, will take their treats to the next level.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart x iGourmet Cookie Decorating Tin, $49.99, igourmet.com.
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Apron
Everyone from professional chefs to a home cook will love having their very own personalized apron. This one comes in multiple colors with plenty of customization options.
Shop Now: Williams Sonoma Personalized Stripe Adult Apron, from $22.46, williams-sonoma.com.
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Breakfast Box
Order a few of these breakfast boxes and keep them on hand for last-minute gift giving. Everyone likes breakfast food, right?
Shop Now: Stonewall Kitchen "Blueberry Breakfast" Gift Set, $39.95, stonewallkitchen.com.
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Custom Calendar
With a quick peek at their Instagram or Facebook page, you can pull together all the photos you need for a beautiful calendar. Best part: They'll never know it's a last-minute order.
Shop Now: Minted "New Adventures Grand" Photo Calendar, $39, minted.com.
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Double-Sided Puzzle
This pretty puzzle is surprisingly affordable, especially when you consider the fact that it's two-sided. That means double the challenge.
Shop Now: Gray Malin "The Snow" Two-Sided Puzzle, $25, graymalin.com.
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Scented Candle
This Charleston-based candle company makes dozens of different scented candles, but we're particularly fond of this coconut, vanilla, and caramel blend.
Shop Now: Candlefish "No. 23" Candle, $22, candlefish.com.
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Cheese Markers
Help your family and friends entertain in style thanks to this set of reusable cheese markers. Pair it with a few wedges of your favorites for the perfect gift.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Cheese-Marker Set, $25, macys.com.
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Painted Notebook
Since each of these chipboard-covered notebooks is hand painted, they're one of kind, just like the recipient.
Shop Now: Mōglea "Trapeze" Painted Notebook, $18, moglea.com.
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Cookies
You'll want to give everyone on your list this set of assorted cookies. The delicious flavors (we're partial to the molasses spice) and chewy textures are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Shop Now: Grey Ghost Bakery 3-Flavor Gift Box of Cookies, $44.99, greyghostbakery.com.
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Travel Guide
Let the locals lead your loved ones on their next adventure. This small travel book outlines go-to restaurants, a bartender-approved list of cocktails to try, a glossary of local architecture, and the perfect 24-hour itinerary for a stay in the Big Easy, but the copany offers plenty of other city guides, too.
Shop Now: Wildsam "New Orleans" Field Guide, $20, wildsam.com.
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Chocolate
What's not to love about these candies? Unexpected flavors—like orange milk chocolate and chipotle dark chocolate—and colorful packaging makes these treats the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Shop Now: Lolli & Pops Chocolate Tile Box, 24-Piece Set, $20, lolliandpops.com.
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Wine
A bottle of wine is a thoughtful gift, but a curated selection of vino is even better. You'll get bonus points if you set up a recurring subscription.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart Wine Co. Wine Gift Packs, starting at $50, marthastewartwine.com.
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Succulent Gift Box
Skip the bouquet of fresh flowers in favor of something long-lasting. These succulent boxes come packed and ready to display.
Shop Now: Lula's Garden Holiday Jewel Succulent Garden, $35, lulasgarden.com.
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Champagne Flutes
When guests are constantly visiting over the holidays, having a few extra Champagne flutes isn't a bad thing. For an extra charge, these can also be personalized with a monogram or name.
Shop Now: Williams Sonoma Open Kitchen Champagne Flutes, $22.40 for 4, williams-sonoma.com.
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Cocktail Cookbook
For the ultimate last-minute gift, pack up with cocktail cookbook with a few necessary ingredients to help your friend make their own sips at home.
Shop Now: Spritz: Italy's Most Iconic Apertivo Cocktail Cookbook, $13.29, amazon.com.
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French Press
Everyone loves their morning cup of coffee, but you can make your gift-getter's morning a little brighter with this copper French press.
Shop Now: Bodum Chambord Copper 8 Cup French Press, $49.99, macys.com.
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Marble Box
Perfect for storing jewelry, wedding keepsakes, or as an everyday catch-all for keys and mail, this stylish marble and brass box makes a great gift for just about anyone.
Shop Now: West Elm Brass Inlay Marble Box, $35.20, westelm.com.
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Coffee Scoop
Personalized or not, this maple coffee scoop will make waking up so much easier.
Shop Now: American Heirloom Coffee Scoop, $24, aheirloom.com.
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City Tote
Celebrate their hometown or a favorite city with one of these quirky illustrated totes.
Shop Now: West Elm Claudia Pearson City Tote Bag, $20, westelm.com.
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Wine Chiller
Say goodbye to bulky wine buckets. Perfectly chill room temperature vino in no time thanks to this handy tool, which also serves as an aerator during pouring.
Shop Now: Corkcicle Air, $24.95, williams-sonoma.com.
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Cocktail Muddler
This hand-turned muddler is the perfect gift for any cocktail aficionado. If you have the time, have it engraved for an extra special present.
Shop Now: American Heirloom Pitcher-Sized Engraved Cocktail Muddler, $38, aheirloom.com.
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Cozy Throw Blanket
Traditional tartans look great in any home. This reversible blanket gives your recipient twice the options in one incredibly cozy package.
Shop Now: Pottery Barn Whitaker Reversible Throw Blanket, from $23.99, potterybarn.com.
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Pineapple Trivet
Tropical motifs will surely be welcomed in the winter, which means this pineapple trivet is the perfect holiday gift.
Shop Now: Dear Keaton Gold Pineapple Trivet, $16, dearkeaton.com.
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Gourmet Salts
Surprise your mom and MIL with some gourmet salts in their stockings this year to add a little kick to their already delicious cooking!
Shop Now: Farm to Fork Montauk Sea Salts, $10.99, farmtoforkchef.com.