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There's Still Time for These Last-Minute Virtual Gifts

From pre-paid experiences to virtual learning courses, this gifting guide is a procrastinator's paradise.

collage of a book, dvd set, national park pass, and video game

Looking for more gift recommendations? Check out all our gift guides here.


The holiday gifting season is almost over. For some, this comes as a huge relief because it means a return to non-holiday normalcy is approaching. For others — more specifically, the procrastinators — the prospect may elicit a very different emotion: terror. Fret not, however, for we come bearing good news; there's still time to find the perfect gift(s) for all the people in your life... just maybe not if that gift is a physical object.

As shipping delays and supply chain issues plague much of the world, especially this year, we posit a simple and perhaps elegant solution. Rather than scrambling to find a suitable gift that may or (likelier) may not arrive in time, it might better suit you and yours to consider getting something virtual. To better express what we mean, we've rounded together several categories of gifts (and a few examples therein) that do not need shipping, can be purchased and gifted in the same breath, and will still elicit cheers and tears of joy from those you hold closest. These are the best last-minute virtual gifts.

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Experiences
couple standing on cliff against mountains on sunny day
Cavan ImagesGetty Images

The world is a vast and beautiful place full of all manner of things to do and adventures to behold. Sometimes, to get people out there, they just need a little push. In this case, that push comes in the form of prepaid experiences — you foot the bill in order for your giftee to go do something they might not normally do, like visit a National Park, drive an actual race car and thousands of other things in the same vein.

National Parks America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Ticketmaster
Concerts and Live Events
Virgin
Virgin Experience Gifts
Gift Cards
gift card
Narisara NamiGetty Images

Sometimes, the best gift you can give to someone is the ability to get themselves whatever they want and/or need. If there's someone in your life that's especially difficult to buy for, getting them a gift card might be your best option. After all, who doesn't like being handed what amounts to free cash?

Amazon
Amazon Gift Card
Backcountry
Backcountry Gift Card
Huckberry
Huckberry Gift Card
Subscription Boxes
flaviar
Flaviar

A gift doesn't have to be limited to a single package, especially in the case of subscription boxes and services. With one of these, you can grant your giftee monthly, quarterly, biannual, etc. deliveries — so long as you're willing to pay for the packages. Of course, you can also use some of these for individual packages if you don't want to sign up long-term.

Bespoke Post
Bespoke Post Boxes
Dollar Shave Club
Dollar Shave Club Membership
Flaviar
Flaviar Membership
Streaming Services
hulu
Hulu

Long gone are the days of buying DVDs, albums, audiobooks, etc. Today, streaming reigns supreme, at least in regards to digesting visual and audio entertainment. If you know someone that likes to kick back, throw something on and enjoy, gifting them a membership to a streaming service might be just the ticket, especially as a last-minute option.

Hulu
Hulu Streaming Service
Tidal
Tidal Subscription
Amazon
Audible Audiobook Membership Service
Virtual Learning and Online Classes
masterclass membership
MasterClass

One of the best gifts you can give someone is the ability to better themselves. And, in the age of the internet, there's no shortage of ways to manage that without ever leaving your home. These offerings are great for the giftee that loves to learn, and they include a wide variety of potential pursuits.

MasterClass
MasterClass Courses
ClassPass
ClassPass Membership
Udemy
Udemy Online Classes
Entertainment
everything everywhere all at once movie
A24

In the digital age, even movies, video games, books and more can all be downloaded rather than purchased as a physical item. That means, even if you wait until the last possible second to buy your gifts, you can still find the perfect one to help get your giftee's mind occupied in various fun and engaging ways.

Cameo
Cameo Celebrity Greeting
"Everything Everywhere All At Once" Movie
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Video Game
Now 12% off
The Candy House by Jennifer Egan Novel
Now 47% off
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