The Filter editors recommend last-minute holiday gifts
Our go-to low effort gift ideas that will work even if you only have 24 minutes – plus some gifting horror stories
Each week we cut through the noise to bring you smart, practical recommendations on how to live better – from what is worth buying to the tools, habits and ideas that actually last.
During December’s inevitable flurry of impromptu holiday gatherings, there’s always someone I need a last-minute gift for. In prior years, I’ve been guilty of panic buying an item so as not to show up empty-handed.
This year, there are still a few people on my list I need to shop for. But unlike holidays past, I’m not stressed.
For the past few months, the Filter US’s editor, Nick Mokey; commissioning editor Karen Yuan; and I have become somewhat of holiday gifting experts. It all started when we set out to help you find the very best holiday gifts of 2025.
We took this mission seriously, consulting 20 content creators, 63 children and teens, and members of the Guardian’s newsroom from all around the world to help you shop for everyone on your list, including techy moms, tweens and furry friends.
The result? More than 500 gift ideas across more than 30 separate gift guides, spanning 13 popular categories. Our list of global gifts was an instant hit with readers and in our newsroom (and I personally haven’t stopped thinking about this Damson Madder hooded scarf).
But our work isn’t done yet. Read on for our last-minute gifting advice, our go-to low effort gifts that will work in a pinch – and even a few gifting horror stories.
Find our gift guides here: Gift ideas from the Filter US
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For shoppers who have waited until today, what are some you-can-snag-it-by-Christmas recommendations from the Filter’s gift guides?
Karen: I love the holiday-themed Olipop vintage cola recommended by Lauren for best gifts under $10. They might know you grabbed it at your local CVS, but it’s too cute and festive to be mad about.
Nick: Fly by Jing Sichuan chili crisp! I already snagged some based on Karen’s recommendation in our gifts under $10, and I’m happily slathering it on every noodle and rice dish that comes through my kitchen. Mine came from a humble Albertsons, so there’s a good chance you could hunt some down locally last minute.
Lauren: These elevated Swedish Fish from Amazon, recommended by Guardian US copy editor Tammy Tarng in our 175-product mega holiday gift guide, are such a wonderful idea for a last-minute gift. I have already picked up a pack from Whole Foods and am looking forward to giving it as part of a gift this year.
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Let’s up the difficulty level: you realize you need a gift for someone you’re seeing imminently – what’s your strategy?
Nick: Quality coffee, especially something your recipient can’t buy locally. Most people get stuck in a groove of buying the same brand on repeat, so they appreciate the variety. If they hate it, they can serve it to you when you drop by for karmic recompense.
Karen: If I absolutely have no time, like 24 minutes instead of 24 hours, I’ll grab a book from my shelf that makes me think of them and write a personal note inside saying why I think they would like the book. I’ll also shamelessly stock up on little gifts ahead of time – I once bought 10 gua shas on a trip to Hong Kong that came in clutch for unexpected meetups or birthdays over the next year.
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Who was the hardest person you had to shop for this year and what are they getting?
Karen: My dad and my mom, in that order. They either already have it or bought a better version in 1997 that they refuse to replace. I often like to treat them to a very nice dinner instead – and I’m looking through our gift ideas for people who have everything.
Lauren: My grandparents take the term ‘minimalist’ to a whole new level. They despise clutter and only want items that are practical. They love tinned fish, so I’m gifting them an elevated version from the trendy brand Fishwife.
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Do you have any gifting horror stories?
Nick: I have heard tales of Apple’s iconic white boxes repurposed with good intention (‘It’s a nice box!’) only to lead to heartbreak (‘This souvenir spoon isn’t an iPad!’).
Lauren: I’m not sure if this counts because it was during a White Elephant gift exchange, but I somehow got stuck with dozens of dusty picture frames that sat in the backseat of my car for months.
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What’s your personal MVP gift?
Nick: Something I’ve made with my own hands. My friend’s son Eli used to adore my camping van, so I cobbled together a pretty crude version of it from wood scraps one year. He started bringing it with him everywhere, which was a delight for both of us. I have since done Kumiko-style trivets, couch drink rests, and even a Scrabble board.
Karen: Getting snacks while traveling abroad and portioning them into little goodie bags for people back home. Cutesy, but easy to do and feels special.
Lauren: When in doubt, I love gifting a book because you can find something specific to your recipient. I’ll then top it off with some sort of food item, like a fancy box of chocolates.
Shop our gift guides here:
175 best holiday gift ideas for 2025, vetted by the Guardian US staff
The 12 best gifts in the US for minimalists that marry form and function
The 21 best gifts beloved globally that Americans haven’t caught on to yet
19 unique small business gifts that beat predictable US big brands
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Gifting help: gifts for him
Lifestyle writer Marissa Miller asked guys to weigh in on their favorite gifts they’ve received.
Their suggestions helped Miller round up 14 unique holiday gift ideas, including an unexpected gift that the whole family will enjoy and a saute pan deemed “fairly indestructible” by one of the men interviewed for our guide.
Read our gift guide here: 14 unexpected US gifts to give the men in your life this holiday season
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Put to the test: leaf blowers
If you’re searching for a quieter alternative to your gas leaf blower, consider a cordless electric model. To find the best on the market, consumer journalist Josh Patterson tested out seven different models that allow for early morning cleanups that won’t result in your neighbors filing a noise complaint. Ultimately, he found one that stood out from the rest, calling it the “Goldilocks” of leaf blowers.
The only downside? You’ll lose your excuse to get out of early-morning yard cleaning duties.
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Gifting help: winter sport enthusiasts
Before moving to Colorado, Paige Triola viewed winter as something to be endured rather than enjoyed. But over the years, she came to understand the hype around snowboarding and skiing. She will be the first to admit the slopes required a lot of gear, so she shared her 15 favorite holiday gifts for skiers and snowboards that she personally uses.
Triola’s recommendations have your recipient covered from head to toe, including a sleek ski helmet, an ultra-warm jacket, and a pair of wool socks.
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Gifting help: beauty and skincare lovers
Shopping for someone who covets a dewy-skinned glow or a tween who can’t stay away from Sephora’s skincare section? Consider referencing our 2025 beauty gift guide, featuring items recommended by lifestyle and beauty content creators.
With their help, we rounded up 20 of the best beauty gifts, including a fan-favorite blush and a thoughtful, customizable makeup bag.
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In the kitchen: fish spatula
The key to food writer and recipe developer Emily Johnson’s chocolate chip cookie recipe isn’t an expensive hand mixer or baking sheet.
It’s the underrated yet super versatile fish spatula. In her piece, Johnson enlightens us in all of the surprising ways she puts her fish spatula to use, including one genius hack for making your stainless steel pans sparkle.
Read more about the fish spatula here: ‘Everything a spatula does, just better’: five reasons you need a fish spatula, even if you hate fish