12 Last-Minute Christmas Gifts to Surprise Your Loved One

Christmas is almost upon us!

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably still buying your Christmas gifts for friends and family.

I find that December really creeps up on us. One minute it’s Bonfire Night, and the next minute we’re all scrambling to find the perfect gift to surprise all of our loved ones!

In this festive post, I’ve come up with 12 last-minute Christmas gifts to surprise your loved one this holiday season- all of them inspired by the classic song!

I tried to fit the theme of each line of the “12 Days of Christmas” song for this post, which was a lot harder than I thought it would be.

There is a tenuous link for each one, you’ve just got to look for it…

1 Partridge in a Pear Tree: House plant

If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for your loved one, a plant is the perfect choice.

You can’t get it too early as it will wilt, so this is a great option if you want to get your loved one something super thoughtful at the last minute.

You could also get a lovely bunch of flowers from your local florist.

2 Turtle Doves: Memento for both of you

If you’ve seen the film ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’ you’ll know a kind man gives Kevin two turtle doves- one is for him, and the other he should give to someone he likes or appreciates.

I love the idea of giving someone a memento, and keeping part for yourself.

This could be matching Christmas tree decorations or a piece of jewellery- just something that means a lot to both of you.

3 French Hens: Language subscription

If someone in your life wants to learn a language, why not get them a language subscription?

There are loads of options for online language lessons, books you can buy or in-person lessons you can choose.

I loved learning a language in school, and I think it’s such a fantastic and interesting skill!

4 Calling Birds: Book a romantic meal out

If you have kids, or if you and your partner work really hard, it can sometimes be hard to find time for a bit of romance and fun.

Book your partner a romantic meal out this Christmas!

This doesn’t have to be something expensive or posh. You could book a table at the restaurant where you had your first date, or even go down to the pub where you first met.

5 Gold Rings: Thoughtful piece of jewellery

If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your friend or family member, why not try a thoughtful piece of jewellery?

This can easily be ordered online, or you can shop in person for your last-minute Christmas gift.

6 Geese a Laying: Bake them something delicious

Bake something for your loved one this holiday season. This is the perfect last-minute gift as you can make it at any time, and you can choose to make it as elaborate or simple as you want.

I always make a delicious chocolate and pistachio nut fudge for our Christmas dessert, and it’s a very simple Nigella Lawson recipe.

You could make Christmas cookies, cupcakes or even a full gingerbread house.

7 Swans a Swimming: Book a trip away

If you’re looking for a last-minute surprise Christmas gift, book a trip away for your friend or loved one! This could be a romantic trip, a family holiday or a weekend away with friends.

Experiences are a fantastic way for everyone to make new memories together.

This can be booked for any time in the year, meaning your gift keeps on giving.

8 Maids a Milking: Day of “me” time

With the pressures and responsibilities of modern life, sometimes all you want to do is have a day off.

However, this is hard if you’re looking after young children, or if you have other responsibilities.

So, surprise your loved one with a bit of “me” time this Christmas with a coupon for a day of alone time.

This could mean you look after the kids for the full day alone, or you do all the chores around the house. This is a free and fun way to show someone that you care about them.

9 Ladies Dancing: Spa experience

Treat someone in your life to a fantastic spa or pampering experience this Christmas.

Booking someone in for a treatment they will love is something you can do last-minute, and it will make the perfect surprise for your friends or family.

10 Lords a Leaping: Pay for someone to try out a new experience

Instead of buying a physical gift, try buying someone an experience this Christmas.

This could be something like a bunch of music or dance lessons, or something more adventurous like trying out paragliding for the first time.

Gifting an experience gives your loved one the chance to make new memories.

11 Pipers Piping: Take someone to see their favourite band

For your last-minute Christmas gift, buy your friend or family tickets to see their favourite band.

This might be with you, or it might just be two tickets for them to take who they want. Either way, it’s a great way to show someone how much you know them!

Tickets can be bought as close to Christmas as you want, so choose to surprise your loved one with a fun night out this holiday season.

12 Drummers Drumming: Encourage a new hobby

If your friend has recently got into a new hobby, such as blogging or playing a musical instrument, encourage this pursuit by buying something they need.

This might be a new clarinet case or some baking equipment, for example.

If your loved one is getting into blogging, you could also consider buying a blogging ebook for your loved one. Ebooks are fantastic as they are available for use straight away, and so they make the perfect last-minute Christmas gift.

I recently created a blogging ebook all about creating blog and social media content that you and your readers love- and it’s only £3.99! Check it out here.

What do you think of my last-minute Christmas gift ideas? Did you get all the (tenuous) links I made to the classic Christmas carol? Do you have any suggestions for last-minute Christmas surprises for your loved one?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Merry Christmas x