It’s usually at this point in the holiday season that I’m FREAKING out because I realize I “need” one…or six…more gifts. There’s always someone I forgot or someone unexpectedly joining in a celebration. Or I panic and want to buy my kids and loved ones just a couple more little surprises. That too.
**Quick Links To My 4 Fav Gifts That Have Fast Shipping**:
Leatherman | Mask | Treasure Box | Card Game
This year’s holiday season obviously looks very different (no unexpected guests for sure!), but somehow, I still find myself looking for just a FEW more last-minute gifts. I’m focused on selecting gifts that I personally own and love or items I’ve gifted with success in the past so that the panic-purchasing feels a little “less panic-y”.
I thought I’d share what I’m gifting this year (specifically the items with fast shipping options,) in case any of you are in that last-minute purchasing mood as well.
Note: I included links below to retailers that have been reliable for me with expedited (some free, some not at a cost) shipping and/or places that offer buy online, pick-up in-store or curbside options. It’s also DEFINITELY worth checking out if any of your local smaller shops offer curbside pick-up. I’ve found that many smaller local places (if you call ahead of time and give them your credit card over the phone) are happy to meet you outside with your purchase.
[[Shop Collage]]
Gifts For Him/Her/Them
1. Slip Silk Pillowcase
I love giving gifts that my friends/family wouldn’t buy for themselves but will thoroughly enjoy. This Slip Silk Pillowcase easily falls into that category. I LOVE sleeping on mine (when it’s not stolen by my 12-year-old son who has a taste for the fancy now), and it has been a total winner as a gift in the past. Soft, luxurious, and totally helps with bed-head. I have a feeling this year’s silk pillowcase holiday recipient will love hers as well. Certain colors are still available and have fast shipping options at the three retailers below (you have to click a bit, though, to find your specific color/size choice).
*Certain Colors/Sizes Have Fast Shipping*
At Amazon | At Nordstrom | At Bloomies
2. Leatherman
My husband received this Leatherman as a gift years ago, and it’s still one of his favorite possessions. Now it’s one of our favorite gifts to give as well. If you have time in the future, you can buy this gift engraved on Leatherman’s site, but if you’re in a rush, a few models are still available with fast shipping here.
At Amazon | Engraved At Leatherman (If You’re Not In A Rush)
3. Sweater Hoodies
It’s the year of the sweater hoodie. I have a hard time getting out of mine, so I’ve decided other people in my life need them as well. The comfy ones at Banana come in men‘s and women’s sizing.
Women’s At Banana | Men’s At Banana
Gifts For Family Play
1. Puzzle Games
We went through a MAJOR Kanoodle phase in our family, so it’s one of my go-to gifts for other families as well. Great for multiple ages (and adults) since it has many levels. Kanoodle has so many fun variations if they already have the basic one.
At Amazon | At Fat Brain Toys | More Puzzle Games At Fat Brain Toys
A Few More Kanoodle Options
2. Fun Card Games
Little fun card games are also one of my go-to gifts for families. We are giving a couple varieties of Spot It this year (Frozen and Fishing)…my little guy picked them out specifically for family members. The holiday version looks especially cute too. Spot It is fast-paced, and an easy game to fit in when you’re short on time. Below are some of our other favorite fun card games we like to gift (cute packaged together as a theme-gift as well).
At Wal-Mart | Frozen Version | Fishing Version | Harry Potter Version (Local Philly Pick-Up)
Other Fav Card Games To Gift
3. A Silly Family Game
Every year I gift our family a ridiculously silly game. Past games have included Pie Face, Pencil Nose, and Reindeer Antler Ring Toss. This year I went back to a ridiculous game we played at a friend’s house many years ago that my kids continue to ask about. It’s annoying and loud, but also ridiculous and fun.
Silly Games Of The Past
4. Jigsaw Puzzle-Time
This candy shelf puzzle was part of Zulily’s puzzle sale last week (it’s SO cute), but it sold out fast. It’s available, though, on Amazon with fast shipping options or you can check Zulily’s current sale puzzles here. They’re usually REALLY good and REALLY good prices (but you may have to wait until January to start puzzling). Or…give your local toy or gift shop a call. Many are carrying puzzles this year. Philly folks, check out Queen & Rook’s amazing selection here.
More Puzzler Options
Gifts For Kiddos
1. Locked Treasure Box (Filled With Treasure)
My little guy has and loves this treasure box. Unfortunately, that specific one is sold out, but this one is VERY similar and you can find other colors of similar ones on Amazon as well. My kids filled one up with special treasures to give to their little cousin. But, you could easily ship one fast where it needs to go and let them fill it with their own treasures.
2. Anything LEGO
In my family, anything LEGO is a pretty safe bet for gifts. Especially this year with stay-at-home orders, quarantining, and LOTS of time together…new LEGO sets every once in while have SAVED us! The kids work on them together miraculously without fighting, and new LEGO sets completely buy me some alone time.
3. Classic Toys
My little guy this year asked for that thing he saw at his friend’s house (almost a year ago when one went to friends’ houses) that had sand and two round circles. Oh man!!! How have we denied him the joy of an Etch-A-Sketch??? Well, no longer. It’s on its way. I LOVE gifting classic toys.
At Target | More Classic Toys at Fat Brain Toys
Gifts For Anyone On Your List
1. 100% Silk Mask
This is my favorite gift I’m giving this year. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this mask. You can read my review here. AND it’s a mask most of my friends and family would not buy for themselves, so it has been especially fun to gift.
2. Outdoor Research Mask
My go-to face mask gift for the men-folk in my family. My dad and husband both love theirs. Good fit, replaceable filters, nose wire, and adjustable ear loops.
3. Kids’ Coloring Masks
My kids love their Athleta masks (big kid sizes and little kid sizes), but these are a fun little gift as well (triple-layered).
At Nordstrom (Space Pack Arrives By 12/24) | Unicorn Pack at Andy & Evan
4. High-Quality Gloves
I hate spending money on gloves for my family (because we lose so many), so I often give them as gifts because I assume other people hate spending money on them well. We’ve found The North Face to be comfortable and warm for us all.
5. Something Plush
We’re a bit obsessed with Zella’s plush fabric in our household. I ordered this kind of crazy-looking one for my little guy and this one from my cozy post for my mom, but SO many other good plush options at Nordstrom as well (with fast shipping options and easy curb-side-pickup). Everyone could go for something a little comfy cozy this year, right?

Kids At Nordstrom |Women at Nordstrom | Mens at Nordstrom
I did my best to include only items that will arrive by 12/24 (if you’re ordering today) and many that have quick shipping options if you order LATER than today. As you guys know, though, shipping is clearly more unpredictable than usual and arrival estimates, as well as stock (dang those pesky sell-outs) are changing by the minute. My sincerest apologies if things have changed by the time you are clicking, but if there’s ever a year for folks to be understanding of late gifts…I’d say it’s definitely this one!
Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy, and safe holiday season filled with a few last-minute fun surprises and enjoyable time (whether that be in person, phone, or Zoom) with loved ones.
-Linzi
Oh, hey! Need gift ideas for 2022? We have a slew. Check out our gift ideas hub here, or go straight to Gifts For Kids, Gifts For Him and/or Gifts For Her.
Philly folks, get all your games at Queen & Rook! Small POC family-owned business that has really been struggling since COVID. They do curbside pickup, as well as shipping.
https://queenandrookcafe.com/
Yes! This is fantastic, Shannon! Thank you so much for writing in. Looks like they have an absolutely incredible selection of puzzles as well!
Shannon–I just posted about them on facebook and added a couple of their store links to this post as well. Thanks again for introducing us. I really appreciate it and can’t wait to check them out in person at some point 🙂
Thank you so much Linzi! They would be thrilled to get some extra business.