12 Last-Minute-y Gifts

Down-to-the-wire gift ideas. Clockwise, from left to right: a twinkly evening bag from Anthropologie, Bauble Bar’s crystal floral studs, a mini blush from Westman Atelier, Z Supply’s matching sweats and a charming bud vase from Terrain. 

By Janet Kelly

WE’RE fast approaching the 11^th hour, D-Day for Christmas shopping. In light of that deadline, we’ve assembled a list of 12 possible—admittedly rather random—gifts/stocking stuffers for your daughter-in-law, best buddy, cousin, you fill in the blank. Your fallback position is Amazon, which says you must order on or before Dec. 22, 2023, to take advantage of Prime two-day shipping and have your gifts arrive by Christmas. (Some items “may be available for next-day delivery when ordered on Dec. 23, 2023, depending on your location.”)

But if you live near or in an urban area, consider shopping the old-fashioned way by going to stores with brick-and-mortar locations, such as Anthropologie, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ulta and Sephora. They will be open right up to the last minute—on Dec. 24.

Make your BFF’s Christmas morning by stuffing NYX’s Fat Oil Lip Drip in her stocking. It will give her the gift of shiny, non-sticky lips. Infused with squalane for moisture, it will also protect and hydrate chapped winter pouts. Along with the “Missed Call” color above, it comes in seven other shades and can be worn as a soft tint or be paired with a favorite lipstick to add intensity. A dupe for Christian Dior’s much pricier Addict Lip Glow Oil, it sells for $9 at Ulta.

Was it your sister who said she had nothing new to wear to a New Year’s Eve party? Surprise her with Bauble Bar’s sparkling Daffodil Crystal earrings, made of pavé glass stones and gold-tone brass. At 1.1 inches long, these statement studs will dress up that black velvet jacket or pantsuit she already owns. They sell for $44 at Neiman Marcus.

There’s something charmingly old-fashioned about these moss-colored, waffle-knit Fisherman mittens. Cold hands will appreciate their soft, warm lining and that their length (10.25 inches) covers the skin well past the wrist. They sell for $44 at Terrain.

For anyone you know coping with hair loss, the rounded wide teeth of this blush pink Untangle and Glide comb will gently work through tangles while also stimulating the scalp. It’s also meant to be used in the shower for combing conditioner through one’s mane. It’s $11.49 at Ulta.

Anastasia’s Brow & Brag Duo includes two full-size products—a jet-black mascara for defining and plumping up lashes, plus a clear gel for adding fullness, styling and setting the shape of the brow. It sells for $29 at Ulta.

Is your attire for the holidays missing some bling? Fill in that gap and gift yourself or someone you like a lot with Anthropologie’s Gold Sequin Party Bag (8″h x 7″l x 1″d), embellished with glass and brass and plenty of fun fringe—for $76.80.

Z Supply has recently expanded its reach into more tailored clothes, but its wheelhouse remains casual and sporty, like its classic crew fleece sweatshirt. A pullover in a cotton-and-poly blend, with a slight drop shoulder and relaxed fit, it’s available in seven other colors for $59. For a cozy, head-to-toe, post-holiday look, spring for the matching sweatpant jogger ($64).

Makeup artist to models and movie stars, Gucci Westman launched her own makeup line, Westman Atelier, in spring 2018. The much-missed Barneys New York is where I first encountered the line.  As I know I’ve mentioned before, I’m a fan of the brand’s Lit Up Highlight Stick for the subtle glow it gives to my face. Now I’m game for adding her Baby Cheeks Lip & Cheek Cream Blush to my routine. Shown here in dusty nude rose, it comes in a petite, portable, travel-ready size for $26. This is a hint, Secret Santa.

For the Pilates practitioner on your list, pretty, printed socks will be welcomed. These half-toe “Prima Ballerinas“ allow plenty of room for toes to move and spread; a non-slip grip sole keeps feet secure on the Reformer or Cadillac, and a fitted heel ensures that socks stay put. They sell for $18 at Neiman Marcus.

My slippers have always had a short shelf life, so I’ve determined—rightly or not—that it’s hard to go wrong choosing them as a gift. That’s especially true if they’re as cute and cheerful as these soft, striped, fleeced-lined ones from Bombas. With silicone grippers on the soles, staying upright even on slippery, polished floors is assured. They sell for $40 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Beanies, berets and/or bucket hats are not for everyone. If you know someone who fits that description, gift her with these fluffy faux fur earmuffs . They’ll keep her ears warm and won’t do as much havoc with her hair as the alternatives. They’re $48 at Free People.

When you arrive at the New Year’s Day party you’ve been invited to, bring one (or all three) of Terrain’s glass bud vases  (4″h x 2″ diameter at base and 1.25″ diameter at opening). In addition to lavender, they’re available in blue and peach and make a colorful trio. Whether one, two or three, each makes the perfect home for a petite fresh flower, a preserved stem or faux florals. They’re $13 each.

MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale. We are also an  Amazon Associate.