For some holiday shoppers, it’s time for that frantic holiday scramble. Fear not, procrastinators and panicking preppers. No wrapping paper battles, no ultra-packed parking lots, just a click, a ping, and boom! Instant gratification at the speed of light or at least the speed of your Wi-Fi. Our list of the top seven best last-minute digital gifts is a collection of some of this year’s most coveted offerings, from food subscriptions to online classes.
Are you struggling with gift ideas this year? You are not alone. A recent study shows that three in four parents consider holiday shopping to be harder than an Olympic sport. But it doesn’t have to be. With today’s modern technology, there is something for everyone online, whether that be a code to download a video game or an audiobook.
And you don’t want to be labeled as a bad gift giver, right? A recent study shows some of the worst presents include bad romance novels, diet plans, and soap on a string. Your gifts don’t have to be dull! Some really creative options lie within digital gifts that can be tailored to your loved one specifically.
Ready to snag a last-minute present? Let’s prepare to navigate the world of e-gifts. Our trusted sources helped us gather info on this year’s most popular offerings for the best last-minute digital gifts. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
The List: Best Last-Minute Digital Gifts, According to Experts
1. Goldbelly Gift Card
Goldbelly is one of the hottest food gifts this season. This increasingly popular service ships frozen regional specialty foods all over the nation. Marie Claire raves, “Goldbelly lets you (or your friends) order from restaurants from all over the country. Shipping is fast and easy, and the food arrives to you in perfectly-frozen packages that you can eat in no time. While there are a few gift-able packages to choose from, I recommend gifting a gift card so they can pick their preferred restaurant.”
The Strategist praises, “For the person who moved away from their favorite bakery or brunch spot, Goldbelly will ship food from certain restaurants and other small food businesses nationwide. Writer Lauren Ro loves Goldbelly and uses it to ship brunch from New York–based Russ & Daughter’s to her parents every year.”
Pure Wow exclaims, “Goldbelly offers a [variety] of different treats from across the country, with everything from famous NYC bagel joints ($85/monthly) to popular BBQ spots ($100/month). Or select from a variety of subscription boxes, cooking classes or care packages put together by top chefs that they (and their stomachs) will love.”
2. Uncommon Experiences
The gift of learning is an amazing treat for some folks. Uncommon Experiences takes the concept and makes it more personalized by setting up online instruction sessions. Good Housekeeping says, “Gifting [company] Uncommon Goods recently started offering virtual gift experiences, and there are so many great options, including live mixology classes, flower arranging sessions and more. Browse dozens of Uncommon Experiences to find the one that’s just right for your loved one.”
Rolling Stone describes, “Uncommon Experiences offers digital classes on astrology, music, cooking, and even mindfulness, all taught by experts. We recommend this two-hour Mindful Organizing class, taught by a professional organizer on how to help you declutter. All you have to do is pick the date, fill in your giftee’s info and they’re good to go.”
CNET elaborates, “Some people already have everything they want, or they’re extra particular about what they like. And buying physical goods is a losing battle with them. In those cases, give the gift of an experience. It’ll get them off the couch to try something new on the weekend, which’ll enrich their week. Uncommon Goods offers thousands of live online experiences you can choose from that’ll teach your giftee a craft.”
3. Audible Plus
Audible is a popular platform for audiobooks. Thanks to smartphone technology, audiobooks are more popular than ever. Wired comments, “You get one free book to download per month and access to a bunch of included Amazon audiobooks, including many bestsellers. You can also gift individual ebooks or audiobooks by selecting the ‘Give as a Gift’ option on Amazon.”
Best adds, “An Audible.com gift subscription bestows access to a vast library of best-selling audiobooks, classics, and more. The edification and entertainment are endless, wrapped in convenience so your loved one can listen on-the-go whether it’s on a smartphone, tablet, or computer.”
Rank & Style details, “Audible is the platform to stream podcasts and audiobooks. There are over 700,000 audiobooks on Audible, from best-sellers like Britney Spears‘ ‘The Woman in Me’ to original content like Snoop Doggs‘ ‘From the Streets to the Suites.”’
4. Masterclass
Masterclass is a well-established brand for online enrichment learning. The service offers deep dives into a wide range of specialty topics like international cooking or woodworking. engadget explains, “You can almost think of Masterclass as an elevated streaming platform. Yes, it’s a learning app, complete with step-by-step instructions from A-list instructors, plus assignments that encourage trying new skills in the real world, but it’s also just a lot of fun to sit and idly watch.”
Marie Claire offers, “Some of the world’s best in comedy, photography, filmmaking, cooking, and more are sharing the art of their craft over on Masterclass. The streaming platform offers videos from these creators that you can watch to learn more. Right now, the service is offering a deal where if you buy one annual membership, you’ll get one free.”
Pure Wow states, “The star-studded lecture series has been offering a variety of courses taught by successful athletes, actors, scientists, mixologists and more since 2015. Each course covers a variety of topics as the instructor moves through the lessons. Whether your pal wants to learn some acting skills from Natalie Portman or take a beginner cooking lesson from Gordon Ramsay, the gift of a one-year membership means they can take unlimited classes.”
5. Airbnb Gift Card
Airbnb is a popular vacation option for many travelers. An Airbnb digital gift card can go a long way towards helping holiday plans for travel. Rank & Style claims, “Airbnb helps connect travelers with unique and personal places to stay while they’re away from home. From cutesy tiny homes to eco-friendly Earthships, there are over 2 million listings on Airbnb in the United States alone.”
CNET relates, “Give the gift of travel with an Airbnb card. Cards are only available digitally, but since you can apply the funds toward any booking, it shouldn’t be a problem. With Airbnb, the giftee can pick their own destination, amenities and length of stay. The card doesn’t ever expire, but it must be linked to their account within 90 days of purchase, so make sure you let them know that when you give it to them.”
Rolling Stone reviews, “If you’re shopping for an avid traveler (or maybe someone who needs motivation to take a trip), consider a gift card to Airbnb. The gift card can be used for one of Airbnb’s thousands of stays, or they can put the card towards an Airbnb experience.”
6. The Sill
The Sill is a houseplant service that brings lush vegetation to many homes across the nation. For plant-lovers this thoughtful gift is unique. According to engadget, “If there’s someone in your life who enjoys a good house plant – or someone who you think could use a little more greenery in their living space – check out The Sill. The company sells a huge variety of plants online, but it also offers 3- or 6-month subscription boxes, where you can send someone a new plant every month.”
Best asserts, “The plant parent in your life will appreciate this thoughtful digital gift. The Sill offers a wide selection of plants, flowers, and home decor for anyone with a green thumb to consider. Thanks to you, they can add a new addition like this Petite White Orchid to their growing collection.”
Good Housekeeping evaluates, “For the right person (read: a devoted plant parent!), nothing says ‘I love you’ like a new addition to their collection. The Sill has an impressive variety of houseplants to choose from, grown to the perfect size for safe shipping. The brand offers three-, six- or twelve-month subscription box plans, with options to focus on easy-care plants, pet-friendly varieties or orchids.”
7. Grubhub Gift Card
After the storm of holiday activities concludes, ordering out for delivery can be a really nice treat for exhausted families. Grubhub has partnered with numerous restaurants nationwide to bring great food home. Wired articulates, “Grubhub gift cards give family and friends the chance to order in from their favorite restaurants. They simply type in their address to get a list of restaurants nearby that do delivery or takeout.”
Rolling Stone compliments, “If you can’t enjoy a meal with a loved one this holiday — or you just want them to have another one without you — get them a gift card to Grubhub. They’ll be able to order whatever they want to their door, thanks to you.”
Rank & Style assures, “Grubhub is a food delivery service that partners with more than 365,000 restaurants in over 4,000 U.S. cities. Grubhub gift cards can be used to purchase food from any of these establishments, and the best part is that they never expire. They say the best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, so let your loved ones skip the dishes for a night on your dime.”
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Sources:
- Marie Claire
- The Strategist
- Pure Wow
- Good Housekeeping
- Rolling Stone
- CNET
- Wired
- Best
- Rank & Style
- engadget
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.