Skip to Content

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

25 Best Last-Minute Birthday Gifts That’ll Never Disappoint

You’ll never show up to a b-day party empty-handed again.

Headshot of Olivia Truffaut-WongBy Olivia Truffaut-Wong
25 best last minute birthday gifts
Rebel Disco Designs/Etsy, Gold Belly, Amazon

We’ve all thought about and shopped long and hard for the perfect 21st birthday gift or 30th birthday gift to get our BFFs when they hit those special milestones. But what about the birthdays we don’t always think about? Or worse, the birthdays we accidentally forget about? Coming up with the best gifts is hard enough without adding a ticking clock to your purchasing window. Unfortunately, I can’t help you magically have a better memory, but I can help ensure you never show up to a birthday party empty-handed again by rounding up the best last-minute birthday gifts money can buy.

When it comes to a last-minute birthday gift, there’s one nonnegotiable: All gifts must either be available for purchase in-store, offer fast shipping, or have virtual delivery. Speed is the name of the game, so before you press Buy, you’re going to want a clear delivery date. This might limit your options, but don’t stress: All the gifts on this list are either downloadable or have super-quick shipping options so you can get that gift STAT, so your friend will never know you kinda, sorta, totally forgot their birthday. That’ll be our little secret. From personalized jewelry to actually exciting gift cards to some of the best Amazon finds with Prime shipping, shop the best last-minute birthday gifts below.

Shop More Gift Ideas Here

1
a super-handy bag

Notabag 2-in-1 Convertible Backpack

2-in-1 Convertible Backpack
1
a super-handy bag

Notabag 2-in-1 Convertible Backpack

$28 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon

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.

2
this long-distance BFF necklace

TwinklePersonalized Best Friend Personalized Necklace

Best Friend Personalized Necklace
2
this long-distance BFF necklace

TwinklePersonalized Best Friend Personalized Necklace

Now 60% Off
Credit: Twinkle Personalized/Etsy

Fool 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!

3
this cute dress

Amazon Essentials Women’s Surplice Dress

Women’s Surplice Dress
3
this cute dress

Amazon Essentials Women’s Surplice Dress

Now 30% Off
Credit: Amazon

This dress is (a) cute, (b) available in a wide range of sizes, and (c) an Amazon brand, so you know it has quick shipping.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
a funny last-minute birthday card

Naab Studio Taylor Swift Birthday Card

Taylor Swift Birthday Card
4
a funny last-minute birthday card

Naab Studio Taylor Swift Birthday Card

Now 10% Off
Credit: Nabb Studio/Etsy

Get 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.

5
this ~sexy~ adult gift card

Babeland eGift Card

eGift Card
5
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.

6
a delicious cake pop delivery

Mini Melanie Sprinkle Cake Pops

Sprinkle Cake Pops
6
a delicious cake pop delivery

Mini Melanie Sprinkle Cake Pops

Credit: Gold Belly

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
these viral TikTok earrings

Apsvo Chunky Gold Hoop Earrings

Chunky Gold Hoop Earrings
7
these viral TikTok earrings

Apsvo Chunky Gold Hoop Earrings

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.

8
this festival-chic purse

Ayliss Handwoven Crossbody Handbag

Handwoven Crossbody Handbag
8
this festival-chic purse

Ayliss Handwoven Crossbody Handbag

Credit: Amazon

Give your friend’s closet a boost with this super cute and unique crochet purse.

9
a helpful (but still aesthetically pleasing) keychain

Rebel Disco Designs Acrylic Phone Wallet Keys Reminder Keychain

Acrylic Phone Wallet Keys Reminder Keychain
9
a helpful (but still aesthetically pleasing) keychain

Rebel Disco Designs Acrylic Phone Wallet Keys Reminder Keychain

Credit: Rebel Disco Designs/Etsy

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
this delicious cheek palette

Beauty Bakerie Neapolitan Bar Mini Makeup Palatte

Neapolitan Bar Mini Makeup Palatte
10
this delicious cheek palette

Beauty Bakerie Neapolitan Bar Mini Makeup Palatte

Credit: Amazon

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.

11
online courses with their fave celebs

Masterclass Annual Membership

Annual Membership
11
online courses with their fave celebs

Masterclass Annual Membership

Credit: Masterclass

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.

12
Hailey Bieber–approved lippies

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

Peptide Lip Treatment
12
Hailey Bieber–approved lippies

Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment

Credit: Rhode Skin

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
this luxe body lotion

Nécessaire The Body Lotion

The Body Lotion
13
this luxe body lotion

Nécessaire The Body Lotion

Credit: Amazon

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.

14
this dual-sided pillowcase for beauty sleep

Discover Night Complexion Pillowcase

Complexion Pillowcase
14
this dual-sided pillowcase for beauty sleep

Discover Night Complexion Pillowcase

Credit: Discover NIGHT

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.

15
this colorful sling bag

Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

Round Mini Shoulder Bag
15
this colorful sling bag

Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag

Credit: Uniqlo

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
this colorful umbrella

totes Clear Bubble Umbrella

Clear Bubble Umbrella
16
this colorful umbrella

totes Clear Bubble Umbrella

Credit: Amazon

This umbrella is so freakin’ cute and SO much better than those cheap drugstore umbrellas you buy in a mid-rainstorm emergency.

17
this yummy face mask

Farmacy Honey Potion Plus Ceramide Hydration Mask

Honey Potion Plus Ceramide Hydration Mask
17
this yummy face mask

Farmacy Honey Potion Plus Ceramide Hydration Mask

Credit: Sephora

This Honey Potion Plus mask is a fan favorite for a reason. The luxurious hydrating mask warms up upon application and immediately makes you feel like the fanciest person on planet Earth.

18
an oversized scrunchie

Celestial Silk Oversized Silk Scrunchies for Hair

Oversized Silk Scrunchies for Hair
18
an oversized scrunchie

Celestial Silk Oversized Silk Scrunchies for Hair

Credit: Amazon

Who doesn‘t love an extra-large scrunchie?

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
a relaxing spa day

Spafinder Gift Card

Gift Card
19
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.

20
a music subscription

Tidal $20 Gift Card (Email Delivery)

$20 Gift Card (Email Delivery)
20
a music subscription

Tidal $20 Gift Card (Email Delivery)

Credit: Walmart

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.

Headshot of Olivia Truffaut-Wong
Olivia Truffaut-Wong
Editor

Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an entertainment and culture writer and editor who will never turn down a romance or superhero movie. Her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.  

Watch Next
 
preview for All Sections Playlist - Cosmopolitan US

Find the Perfect Gift for Anyone

gifts for gf

Need Good Gift Ideas for Your Girlfriend? Done

gifts

Need a Kick-Ass Gift for Your Bro? Right This Way

traveling in nature

46 Experience Gifts That They'll Remember 4Ever

gifts for mothers from daughters

60 Gifts for Mom if You Have NO Idea What to Get

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
twitter icon
youtube icon
facebook icon
instagram icon
pinterest icon
Hearst Young Women's Network - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map
Cookies Choices