25 Best Last-Minute Birthday Gifts of 2024
1
a helpful (but still aesthetically pleasing) keychain
Rebel Disco Designs Acrylic Phone Wallet Keys Reminder Keychain

For the friend who’s always forgetting something, this keychain is a great last-minute gift. It is funny and feels personal, and if you really need it ASAP, Rebel Disco Designs’ Etsy shop offers a Rush My Order option to ensure your goodies will be shipped within 1 or 2 days.
2
a delicious cake pop delivery
Mini Melanie Sprinkle Cake Pops

Sure, birthday cake is great, but you know what’s even better? Birthday cake pops. You can ship these straight to your friend’s door with only a few days’ notice.
3
this long-distance BFF necklace
TwinklePersonalized Best Friend Personalized Necklace

Now 60% Off
Credit: Twinkle Personalized/EtsyFool your friend into thinking you totally, absolutely, definitely remembered their birthday way in advance with this personalized necklace. Etsy seller Twinkle Personalized offers super-quick shipping, so you won’t miss a beat!
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4
a relaxing spa day
Spafinder Gift Card

Gift cards can sometimes feel impersonal, but I’m guessing your friend will give you a pass if that gift card is for a spa treatment OF THEIR CHOICE.
5
a funny last-minute birthday card
Naab Studio Taylor Swift Birthday Card

Now 10% Off
Credit: Nabb Studio/EtsyGet your bestie a card that says, “It’s me. Hi. I’m the one who forgot your birthday.” Sure, a card isn’t the most thrilling gift, but it’s the thought that counts, and this digital download card can be purchased and printed in minutes. Personalize it with some heartfelt b-day wishes, and you’ve got yourself a fun, unique gift.
6
this delicious cheek palette
Beauty Bakerie Neapolitan Bar Mini Makeup Palatte

Dessert-themed makeup should be a bigger thing. There, I said it. Beauty Bakerie’s sweets-inspired makeup line is perfect for a last-minute gift because it’s already got adorable packaging. No extra wrapping required.
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7
online courses with their fave celebs
Masterclass Annual Membership

No matter what your friend is into, there’s a master class for that. Screenwriting with Shonda Rhimes? Photography with Annie Leibovitz? Yep, they’ve got it. This yearlong membership is the perfect gift for your friend who loves to keep learning.
8
these viral TikTok earrings
Apsvo Chunky Gold Hoop Earrings

Now 35% Off
If they haven’t seen/snagged these chunky teardrop earrings that keep going viral on TikTok, they make the perfect last-minute gift (shout-out to 2-day Prime shipping). Available in gold or silver, they’re the perfect statement earring for your stylish friend.
9
a super-handy bag
Notabag 2-in-1 Convertible Backpack

When in doubt, think practical. This three-in-one backpack/tote is not only cute, but it’s also definitely something your friend will use on a regular basis.
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10
Hailey Bieber–approved lippies
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

We have finally reached a time in society when the Rhode peptide lip treatment isn’t always sold out, but your bestie might not know that. Give them the gift of this viral lip balm that’ll give them moisturized, super-glossy lips.
11
this luxe body lotion
Nécessaire The Body Lotion

A great b-day gift is one that your friend might not buy themselves. Like, say, an expensive body lotion that’ll leave their skin silky smooth. This clean, fragrance-free option from beauty brand Nécessaire feels super luxe and splurge-worthy.
12
this festival-chic purse
Ayliss Handwoven Crossbody Handbag

Give your friend’s closet a boost with this super cute and unique crochet purse.
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13
this dual-sided pillowcase for beauty sleep
Discover Night Complexion Pillowcase

Have a friend that’s super into skincare? Try getting them this complexion pillowcase from Discover Night. The double-sided pillowcase features a mulberry silk side to help those with dry skin and minimize hair breakage and a moisture-wicking eucalyptus side to help those with oily skin.
14
a music subscription
Tidal $20 Gift Card (Email Delivery)

Yes, it is possible to subscribe to Tidal for free, but paying members get access to better quality sound, ad-free playlists, and more. It’s the perfect gift for the music lover in your life.
15
delicious vegan cookies
Partake Foods Chocolate Lover’s Variety Pack

Who doesn’t want chocolate chip cookies on their birthday? WHO? This set of five boxes is the birthday treat that keeps on giving.
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16
frozen pre-made meals that are actually good
Ipsa Provisions Gift Card

Have a friend that hates to cook? Get them a gift card to Ipsa, a company that provides high-quality frozen dishes. Unfortunately, the brand hasn’t expanded beyond New York City, the NY tristate area, and Boston, so this is not the gift for your West Coast pals.
17
this colorful sling bag
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

This small-but-mighty Uniqlo bag is literally my go-to everyday bag, which makes it a pretty reliable gift option in my eyes. Plus, it comes in a ton of cute colors, so you can personalize your pick.
18
this colorful umbrella
totes Clear Bubble Umbrella

Now 14% Off
Credit: AmazonThis umbrella is so freakin’ cute and SO much better than those cheap drugstore umbrellas you buy in a mid-rainstorm emergency.
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19
delicious-smelling body butter
Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter

Get this rich, fluffy body butter for the friend who loves sweet fragrance and soft skin, and you’ll be their BFF for life.
20
this ~sexy~ adult gift card
Babeland eGift Card

Let me set the scene: You’re in bed, it’s 11 at night, and you just realized it’s your friend’s b-day. You want to send a gift that’ll really stand out? Enter a Babeland eGift Card.
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
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