Christmas is less than 48 hours away. If you aren’t done buying gifts, you’ve likely missed the shipping deadlines to send them through the mail. You may think you’re left with few options—a generic gift card, a handwritten check or an IOU under the tree—but we’ve rounded up some great last-minute presents that don’t need a shipping label or a trip to the store.
In fact, because they focus on what people can use year-round, and in the comfort of their home as Omicron makes the rounds, these ideas might be a bigger hit than anything wrapped with a bow. Here’s our list:
Intro
Does your giftee have big career ambitions or a major project to tackle? Sign them up for a consultation from Intro. The app, which launched in November, allows users to video chat one-on-one with celebrities and experts. This could be ideal for a small-business owner or someone completing a home-renovation project.
Sessions range from $50 to $200 and cover categories such as fashion, beauty, interior design and fitness. To give a gift, you have to sign up on the Intro app, which is free to do. Then tap the settings icon and scroll to gift cards.
MasterClass
This e-learning platform offers a range of classes taught by some of the biggest names in their fields. Your gift recipient can learn photography skills from Annie Leibovitz or screenwriting tips from Aaron Sorkin. Memberships start from $15 a month.
An Xbox Game Pass gift card provides access to games with no Xbox required.
Photo: Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Xbox Game Pass for PC
Microsoft’s MSFT 1.81% subscription service will grant gamers access to over 100 games playable on computers and consoles—but no Xbox is required. To give a three-month subscription, pay $29.99 for a digital access code on GameStop’s website.
Aaptiv
An Aaptiv subscription unlocks access to more than 6,000 virtual exercise classes and personalized training across categories like running, yoga and weightlifting. Just enter your recipient’s name and email address to send them training access for a year. A membership costs $49.99.
Ancestry.com
Ancestry.com offers a Discovery membership that provides access to family records for six to 12 months. During a promotional period through the end of 2021, the non-renewing half-year plan starts at $79 for access to records from the U.S. At the high end, an All Access pass, which includes military records and old newspapers, will cost $272 for a year.
A virtual cooking class from The Chef & The Dish could have you whipping up potato gnocchi with Gorgonzola sauce, center, gnocchi alla Sorrentina or crispy radicchio topped with homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
Photo: The Chef & The Dish
The Chef & The Dish
This online coaching platform provides 2.5-hour virtual cooking classes with chefs from around the globe. Classes are $299, but you can give a recipient as little as $100 toward a class.
Fender Play
This virtual school offers guided guitar, bass and ukulele lessons. A new beta feature listens to your playing and gives basic feedback on your performance. The app-based program is available in six- and 12-month subscription options, starting at $49.99.
Nintendo NTDOY -1.38% Switch Online
If your loved one has a Nintendo Switch, you could buy a 12-month online membership for $19.99.
It grants access to more than 100 games that can be played through Nintendo’s cloud, rather than on the console itself.
You can give the gift of Amazon Prime, starting at three months for $39.
Photo: Getty Images
Amazon AMZN 0.36% Prime
Rather than Amazon credit, you can give Prime membership, which means they will get free faster shipping, movie and TV streaming, ebooks and unlimited photo storage. A year costs $119, but you can give just three months for $39.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
What are you doing for last-minute gifts? Join the conversation below.
Cameo
Cameo sends users personalized video messages from actors, entertainers and celebrities, with many making 24-hour delivery options available for an added fee. Last we checked, TikTok stars will create a video for as low as $2, while fast-turnaround videos from “The Nanny” actress Fran Drescher start at $750.
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