The holidays can sneak up on you incredibly quickly. Before you even realize it, you’re already halfway through November and haven’t even thought about Christmas shopping. While the most important part of the holiday season is spending time with loved ones, gift giving is a cherished tradition. That doesn’t mean it’s easy! 

Kids can be especially difficult to shop for. You want to give them something they will use for a long time that doesn’t also cost a fortune. Combining varying interests with practicality and quality is a tough balancing act. This is even more challenging when you’re in a time crunch.

To help you in your plight, we’ve put together five last-minute holiday gift ideas you can consider for the remaining kids on your list. A few of these are bound to stand out to you as possible options for the fast-approaching holiday season. 

1. Smart Watch

If there’s anything that kids are asking for these days, it’s electronic devices. A smartphone, tablet, or gaming console will be one of the first things a kid suggests for Christmas when given the opportunity. They likely have friends who have or are receiving similar items and want one for themselves. 

This is a difficult decision for parents to make. While electronics can be beneficial, they can also be addictive and time-consuming. How do you know your child is mature enough to handle that kind of responsibility?

One way to find out is to start them off with a limited piece of tech, like a kids smart watch. It’s cool and fun, but it doesn’t provide access to addicting games and dangerous social media sites. The responsibility they show with this holiday gift may help you determine what sort of tech upgrade to give them next year. 

2. Customized Gifts

Websites such as Etsy and Amazon are in full swing for the holiday season. Here you can find a number of customizable gift options. Since all you have to do is follow a template, these can be created and shipped relatively quickly even with some personalized flourish. 

Customizing a gift can be as simple as putting a name on an item. You can get a child a bespoke nightlight or an embroidered pillow for their bed. Since it has their name on it, the gift will feel unique and special. 

If you’re the crafty sort, you can make your own custom gift. Take the weekend to create a picture collage with favorite images of yourself with the intended recipient. Your friend or family member will see and appreciate the thought you put into the gift.

3. A Post-Holiday Shopping Spree

Don’t know what to get a nephew or granddaughter? Let them pick a gift out for themselves! Give them a set dollar amount and tell them you’ll take them on a shopping spree after the holiday rush. With all the post-Christmas sales, they’ll get even more bang from your gift-giving buck.

More important than getting them a gift they want, you get to spend some quality one-on-one time with the special kids in your life. Stop to get ice cream, ask them about school, and turn the shopping trip into a bonding experience. That’s how you’ll really lean into the spirit of the holidays. 

4. Subscription Kits

You’re likely very familiar with common subscription services such as Stitch Fix or Amazon Prime. For a monthly fee, you get access to valuable products and services. In a similar vein, there are subscription services designed specifically for kids that make excellent holiday gifts. 

One popular example of a children’s subscription kit is Little Passports. Each month, a package is delivered that highlights different countries and cultures for your child to explore. Other subscription packages feature arts and crafts, science projects, and other learning and exploration activities that are perfect for kids of all ages. 

You could buy the child a year’s subscription, or if that’s beyond your price range, let them try the service for three months. After the three-month period is up, they can discuss with their parents whether to continue the subscription. Giving them the opportunity to learn and become interested in something new is a wonderful gift.

5. Gift Cards

When you’re at the end of your holiday-shopping rope, you can always resort to a gift card. While not as personal as some other gifts, you can easily get a gift card in time for an upcoming holiday party. You can even get digital gift cards for any kids on your Christmas list that live a long way away. 

Along with the convenience, you can add a little bit of personability to your gift card selection. For example, if you know the child’s preferred restaurant, get them a gift card to one of its locations. Enjoying a meal at one of their favorite places is a wonderful treat, especially if you can go with them. 

There are gift cards for all sorts of businesses, including some you might not have previously considered. You can give a gift card for a movie theater, a pet store, or even Build-a-Bear Workshop. Turning a gift card into a memorable experience will make this a treasured gift, last-minute as it is. 

Holiday shopping can be stressful, especially at the 11th hour. So after selecting gifts for this year, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start drafting up some ideas for holiday season 2023!