The best gift cards for last minute gifting (2024)

The holidays can be a stressful time, especially when it comes to picking out the perfect gift. There are so many different options out there that it can quickly become overwhelming. It's enough to turn even holiday season fans into full-blown Grinches.

We’re not suggesting you don’t buy something special for your loved ones. It is the season of giving, after all. Instead of doing cold searches on Amazon, try a versatile gift that lets your friends and family make their own choices.

Gift cards are easy, fun, and take less than five minutes to buy. Below, find 17 popular retailers whose gift cards will put a smile on the face of everyone on your list—without any added heartache on your part. While physical gift cards are always an option, many of these are digital gift cards that deliver instantly, so you'll be able to procrastinate until the very last second.

1. Compartés gift card

For chocoholics

• Dollar Denominations: $50 - $500
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes

Chocolate makes a great gift year-round, and Compartés makes some of the best confections on the planet. With a Compartés gift card, the chocoholic in your life will be able to pick from luscious truffles, unique bars, and all manner of chocolate-dipped treats for themselves.

2. MasterClass gift card

For building skill sets that will last a lifetime

• Dollar Denominations: $10+
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes

MasterClass is one of our favorite online learning platforms, taught by literal masters of their craft such as Martin Scorsese, Mariah Carey, and the recently added Martha Stewart. One membership lets the avid learner in your life watch unlimited lessons on everything from writing to filmmaking, and even cooking.

3. Grubhub gift card

For hungry homebodies

• Dollar Denominations: $15 - $500
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes, but you can also buy a physical card

Do you know what's better than eating out at your favorite restaurant? Eating from your favorite restaurant while wearing sweats and parking yourself in front of the ol' boob tube. A Grubhub gift card is an almost universally beloved gift, especially for gourmands who hate leaving the comfort of their homes.

4. STEMKids gift card

For feeding imaginations

• Dollar Denominations: $10 - $500
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes

Few toys truly feed a kid's head, no matter the lies we sold our moms about the Nintendo 64 improving "hand-eye coordination." STEMKids makes toys that kids will actually want to play with while teaching STEM fundamentals about science, math, and the world around them.

5. Our Place gift card

For innovative kitchenware

• Dollar Denominations: $50 - $250
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes

If you've scrolled through Instagram in the last couple of years, you've likely seen videos featuring the Our Place Always Pan. This celebrated pan isn't the only piece of fabulous cookware it makes, and an Our Place gift card is a perfect pick for both veteran home cooks and budding chefs alike.

6. Target gift card

For the best retail therapy

• Dollar Denominations: $5+
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes, but you can also buy a physical card

The red dot retailer is a fantastic place to visit if you're feeling down. Like Disneyland, it's difficult to wear a frown when you're surrounded by all the fun stuff and great deals in those brightly-lit aisles. Some stores even sell hot pretzels! A Target gift card is a great way to let a friend or family member choose a gift they’ll love, and have a nice time doing it.

7. Starbucks gift card

For coffee lovers

• Dollar Denominations: $25 - $50
• Delivers Instantly?: No

There's a good chance you know someone who can't live without Frappuccinos, so a Starbucks gift card is always there for you in a clutch. The siren song of the drive-thru coffee and baked goods is difficult for most of us to avoid, and having a gift card in our back pocket is the gift that keeps on giving.

8. WP Standard gift card

For refined leather goods

• Dollar Denominations: $50 - $500
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes

Nothing makes an outfit pop like a fine leather accessory, which is WP Standard's specialty. With a gift card to this fine leather retailer, your giftee can splurge on everything from handcrafted boots to tote bags and even wallets.

9. Amtrak gift card

For travelers

• Dollar Denominations: $50+
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes

Train travel is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to getting from point A to point B. Traveling Amtrak is less stressful than hopping on a plane, plus you can enjoy America's sights through your window, and even eat a stuffed pretzel while you do it. If you know a friend who loves to travel, they'll love an Amtrak gift card.

10. Fly By Jing

For heat-seekers

• Dollar Denominations: $25 - $150
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes

If you know someone who loves spicy food, there's a good chance they're already at least semi-familiar with Fly By Jing. The popular chili crisp maker makes tons of tasty condiments that the heat-seeker foodie in your life can nab with a handy gift card.

11. Valve Steam gift card

For gamers

Every gamer has their own favorite platform to game on, but Steam is one of the most popular and largest digital PC game stores out there. The gamer in your life can use a Valve Steam gift card to purchase new releases or titles they've been saving up for on their wishlist.

12. Instacart gift card

For home chefs

• Dollar Denominations: $25+
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes

You can easily add an Instacart gift card to the "universally loved" category. After all, you've got to eat! The chefs on your list can use it to nab daily essentials, or even splurge on a treat or special-occasion ingredients.

13. Capitan Boots gift card

For boots that are made for walkin'

• Dollar Denominations: $25 - $300
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes

Boots are some of the most eye-catching footwear that fashionistas can bank on, and Capitan Boots makes some seriously stellar offerings. A Capitan Boots gift card is perfect for anyone obsessed with shoes, especially those who are trying to live out a cowboy fantasy.

14. Brightland

For creative cooks

• Dollar Denominations: $100 - $200
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes

Brightland makes some seriously innovative ingredients for cooks who are always looking to broaden their horizons into new flavor profiles. A Brightland gift card is great for the friend or loved one who's got strong opinions on olive oil, vinegar, and other tasty condiments.

15. For fashion and more: Nordstrom gift card

A Nordstrom gift card is a great option for anyone who wants to keep their wardrobe fresh. From designer collections to shoes to great deals at Nordstrom Rack, this is a great way to enable someone who cares about their style.

16. Sephora

For captivating cosmetics

• Dollar Denominations: $25 - $200
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes, physical also available

From trendy makeup brands to great skincare, Sephora is a great place to do a little self-care shopping, discover new favorites, or find time-honored standby products. Anyone who loves makeup, hair care, skincare and beauty products will get a lot out of a Sephora gift card.

17. Best Buy gift card

For first-class tech and more

• Dollar Denominations: $15 - $500
• Delivers Instantly?: Yes

Best Buy is a great option for the tech-inclined teacher. They offer everything from classroom-essential devices to headphones and video games to enjoy during precious down time. A Best Buy gift card can be a fun, helpful gift, whether it’s for an art teacher to put towards an Apple Pencil, or just a nice pair of noise-canceling headphones.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.