15 best last-minute gifts that don’t feel last-minute

Audio-Technica turntable

Maybe it’s your uncle with the sacred vinyl collection, or that friend who’s at Sunrise Records every single weekend “just browsing.” A quality turntable like this one from Audio-Technica brings their favourite albums to life with that crisp, warm sound only vinyl can deliver. And you don’t need to hunt down rare pressings to make it special—pair it with a couple of classic albums and boom, your gift is set.

LARQ PureVis 2 1L water bottle with smart sensor

This smart bottle is perfect for that friend who refuses to drink tap water because it “tastes weird.” By using mercury-free UV-C LED technology, it purifies both the water and the bottle so everything stays clean and tastes amazing. Drinks also stay ice-cold for 24 hours, so there’s no more sad room-temp water.

Plus, it tracks how much water you’re drinking with smart sensors, and the LARQ app keeps tabs on hydration habits. Perfect for your perpetually busy friend or anyone who needs a little push to stay hydrated.

Dyson Airwrap i.d. multi-styler & dryer

Dyson Airwrap i.d. doesn’t just look great, it actually makes a good hair day possible every single day, even for the ones who wake up with wild, frizzy hair. Its intelligent heat control, Coanda-effect styling, and versatile attachments dry, curl, smooth, and shape hair effortlessly while keeping it protected from damage. Perfect for someone who’s always running late but still wants to look flawless.

Philips 2000 Series air fryer – 4.2L (4.4qt.)

My roommate actually cried when she won this air fryer at a company Christmas party a few years ago—and it’s still the most loved gadget in our house, especially for someone whose cooking skills peak at “burnt broccoli.” It turns chicken, veggies, and more into crispy, juicy meals with almost no oil.

Now, I can’t guarantee your friend will cry, but they’ll definitely be impressed.

Blendtec Total Blender – 2.6L – Only at Best Buy

A good, strong blender is a kitchen must-have, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Its 3.0 peak horsepower motor crushes tough ingredients like ice easily, and with settings for everything from smoothies and ice cream to hot soups and batters, it makes whipping up anything a breeze. Who wouldn’t love it? And if they don’t… well, I’ll happily take it off your hands.

Philips 5500 fully automatic espresso machine

Mmm, just the thought of a fresh cup of coffee in the morning gets me out of bed every day—that’s what we live for! From a wake-me-up espresso to a creamy, silky latte at noon, the Philips 5500 takes care of it all. You can even customize your coffee just the way you like it—strength, size, and milk froth level all tailored to perfection.

Breville Barista Express Impress espresso machine

If you couldn’t tell already, I’m a little obsessed with coffee—let’s be honest, so is everybody on your gift list. Barista Express Impress espresso machine doesn’t just have a name that rolls off your tongue; it delivers chef’s kiss results. With low pressure pre-infusion and nine-bar extraction, it brings out the best flavour in every bean. Plus, its intelligent dosing system automatically calculates the perfect amount based on your last cup, so it’s always ready for the next one.

p.s. Dad, if you’re reading this and still have no idea what to get me…I can’t be more obvious.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 fitness tracker

Do they run half marathons for fun or stick to a strict workout routine? The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is made for them. It tracks every rep, step, and stat to help keep their goals on track. Lightweight and durable, it’s ready to go wherever their adventures take them.

JBL Go 4 Bluetooth speaker

A portable speaker is a great gift for just about anyone. The JBL Go 4 is small enough to toss in a bag but loud enough for kitchen jam sesh and beach days. Plus, it’s waterproof, dustproof, and splashproof—built for people who do not treat their tech gently.

Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds true wireless earbuds

For the friend who literally cannot leave the house without their earbuds (hi, it’s me), the Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds are a no-brainer. They’re super affordable, come in adorable colours, and deliver 20 hours of continuous playtime, so you can tune out the world from packed trains in the morning to gym workouts at night.

Comfier Shiatsu back massager

Once you hit your mid-twenties, your back just…gives up—but who has the time (or the budget) to book a massage every day? If you know someone who won’t stop complaining about their sore back, they will love Comfier. Its Shiatsu rollers move up and down like actual massage hands, digging into knots and melting away tension. Plus, its built-in strapping system keeps the pad firmly in place on most chairs.

Peak Design tech pouch

Is their backpack always a mess? Full of rogue chargers, tangled headphones, and mysterious cables? This Peak Design pouch keeps all those essentials organized, so grabbing the portable charger just takes two seconds.

Maison Concepts scented candle set

You can never have too many candles. They make your space smell amazing and set the perfect mood for a cozy evening. This Maison Concepts set has five unique scents—perfect for gifting as-is or pairing with a handwritten note explaining why you chose each one.

“I picked Warm Vanilla Sugar because it’s sweet… just like you.”

Taylors of Harrogate specialty teas box (48 tea bags)

You can’t go wrong with a quality tea sampler. This set comes with English Breakfast, Decaffeinated Breakfast, Assam, Earl Grey, Lemon & Orange, Green Tea with Jasmine, Organic Peppermint, and Organic Chamomile. Whether you need to wind down or wake up, there’s a blend for every mood.

Best Buy gift cards

Okay, a gift card might not exactly scream personal, but sometimes you just don’t know what they want. Why not play it safe and give them options? Pick a design and value, then send it right away by email. Usable online or in-store, it’s the easiest win-win gift ever!