Traditionally speaking, giving a gift card or chunk of cash as a holiday gift gets a bad rap, but it doesn’t have to be a last-minute gift that looks like you put zero thought into it at all whatsoever. While social distancing limitations have eased a bit this year, many of us will still be celebrating the holidays with our loved ones virtually, which means giving e-gifts over the Internet is more acceptable than ever before. Besides, in all reality, gift cards allow the giftee in question to get whatever they want, so you don’t have to do the guesswork to try to figure it out. However, shipping gift cards in the mail is risky—sadly, they’re often stolen en route.
Look, I’ll admit it—I’ve definitely been one to scurry into the nearest grocery store to pick out a last-minute (and super generic) gift card on my way to Christmas gift exchanges with my family in the past (I mean, I highly doubt my grandmother wanted a gift card to Home Depot, but hey, that’s all that was left) but now, it’s so darn easy to buy and send thoughtful e-cards online from stores and services that the giftee in question will actually love—and it takes even less time than sprinting to the CVS around the block and checking out IRL. Scroll through below to check out some of the best last-minute e-gift cards you can buy and send online without looking like a massive procrastinator.
RELATED: Procrastinator-Friendly Gifts That’ll Arrive Before Christmas & Won’t ~Look~ Last-Minute
Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Pawp is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Medical expenses for your dog or cat can add up quickly, so help out your pet-parent bestie with a gift card to Pawp, which offers telehealth services at wallet-friendly prices. A six-month gift membership costs just $99 and covers up to six pets in a household. With the membership, they’ll get 24/7 access to online vets, along with a $3,000 safety net for emergencies. You really can’t give a better present than peace of mind for their favorite furry friend, right?
Whether they prefer coffee, tea or PSLs, you simply can’t go wrong with a Starbucks gift card. Who doesn’t love Starbs?!
Treat them to the skincare and makeup must-haves on their list with a gift card to Ulta Beauty. Totally foolproof.
Or, if they’re #teamSephora, you can make their beauty dreams come true with a gift card to the retailer.
Who doesn’t love shopping at Zara? It’s hard to resist all of its super trendy styles, so help them out by giving them a gift card that they can use for their next shopping spree.
I can’t think of a better gift card for your mom, sis or grandma than one from Nordstrom. The retailer carries every brand imaginable. It’s the perfect place for them to go on a shopping spree with the gift card you gave them.
Your gamer sibling, friend or significant other will appreciate a Nintendo eShop gift card that’ll allow them to buy games, apps and more.
The best gift you could ever give to a foodie is, of course, more food! Pick up a Grubhub gift card on Amazon for $50 or $75.
Treat them to a Revolve shopping spree by getting them a gift certificate from the retailer. Cult Gaia, Birkenstock, AGOLDE and Levi’s are just a few of the brands that await them.
While it’s not technically a gift card, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you already know how much the service’s ridiculously expansive product range is, and how the one to two-day shipping speeds are a major game-changer. Plus, Prime members get access to special deals and streaming services. You can give the gift of prime for three months at just $45 or the entire year for $139.
There are very few people I know who don’t love to score a unique, vintage, or hand-made find on Etsy, and this email-able gift card is the perfect way to let them pick out something special for themselves.
Any tech guru would be so happy to unwrap an Apple gift card. They could put it towards a new pair of AirPods, phone case or charger.
The sports lover on your list will be thrilled about the shopping spree they’re about to embark on. Fanatics has jerseys, merch and memorabilia galore.
Please the techie in your life with an e-gift card to Best Buy. Whether they need new AirPods, a vacuum or even kitchen appliances, Best Buy has way more than you ever imagined.
Did you know Chanel sells e-gift cards? I certainly didn’t, but now I do! A designer brand is perhaps the best gift card idea, since the hefty price tags are what they likely need the most help with. The e-gift card only applies to beauty and fragrance, but it’s still totally worth it and sure to be a hit. They can restock on Coco Mademoiselle or a Hailey Bieber-loved foundation.
Perfect for the sports enthusiast on your list (or anyone who likes to watch live games), ESPN+ now offers the option to gift an ESPN+ subscription. Select a delivery date and they’ll get access to a year of exclusive live sports and originals.
What do Ina Garten, Wolfgang Puck, Guy Fieri and Nancy Silverton all have in common? They sell their yummy food and desserts on Goldbelly, of course! The ultimate foodie will be drooling over the endless options they can choose from thanks to the gift card you got them.
Skincare is personal, so make sure your recipient gets what they want by giving them the freedom to. Gift them some cash to Meghan Markle and Jennifer Aniston’s go-to store, and they’ll be glowing with glee (inside and out).
If all “they want for Christmas is booze” consider gifting them with a Winc e-gift card, which will allow them to stock up on premium, yet affordable wine or sign up for their subscription service.
Your friend, your partner or even your cool parents will love these celeb-loved and sustainable sneakers.
Perfect for the fitness buff or athleisure lover on your list this year, Lulu’s gift cards can be easily purchased online and sent to the recipient by mail or by email.
There’s no brand that does mascara as well as Ilia Beauty. Not to mention, it has a famous skin tint that’s been sold more than a million times. If natural and luminescent makeup is something your mom or best friend loves, then this is the destination for them.
They won’t have a hard time picking things out to buy at Tory Burch because it has clothing, bags, shoes and accessories galore. This e-gift card will give them an excuse to splurge on this designer’s ultra-chic offerings.
Satisfy their sweet tooth by getting them a Milk Bar gift card. They’ll be able to order cakes, pies, cookies and more. There are even gluten-free options!
Everyone needs groceries, and with social distancing protocols still in place, getting them delivered is a major game-changer. Give the gift of tasty food and convenience this year.
There’s nothing better than helping somebody you love make time for themself. Tula, the brand that specializes in everything from nourishing face masks to soothing under-eye balms, can help them make the most of that “me time,” and this gift card you gift to them will do the same.
If Saks is one of their fave retailers, why not get them a gift card to swipe (online, of course)? They’ll find the most luxurious styles and the hottest designer brands, like Bottega Veneta and Versace.
Each season, FabFitFun sends out customizable boxes with full-size products—at a fraction of what you’d pay if you just bought every item individually. You can purchase gift cards in amounts from $50 to $300 to send to someone who would love being surprised every quarter with new goodies delivered to their door.
Give your beauty-obsessed friend the gift of vegan makeup this holiday season. Since it’s so tough to pick out the right tones for your besties, this gift card will be much appreciated to customize their cart to their liking.
For the foodie or wellness junkie in your life, a Territory Foods digital gift card is a thoughtful gift that will allow them to order from a vast selection of tasty pre-made dishes delivered straight to their door. Whether they’re plant-based or following a special diet like Keto or Whole30 (or just like healthy and actually delicious meals that are ready in minutes), they’ll not only be excited to select their meals for the week, but they’ll also totally enjoy a week off from cooking.
By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.