Not this year though. We’ve got several tricks up our sleeves (nine to be exact): nine sites with same-day delivery. This means nine chances for last-minute redemption — no matter how much we’re scrambling for our festive salvation. What we lack in thoughtful pre-planning, we more than make up for in speedy online problem-solving. You can thank us later — you don’t have the time right now! Get a-clicking!
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.
Prestige Flowers
Flowers make a brilliant last-minute gift: Blooms will be at their freshest, and your giftee will be none the wiser that you almost forgot them. Prestige Flowers offers a range of bouquets for same-day delivery across the UK. Though limited compared to its usual fare, we’re impressed by how much same-day choice it offers — from impressive boxes of roses to gift hampers. Watch out when you’re buying though: the site isn’t very clear as to which bunches are for same-day or next-day delivery and as to when the cut-off times are for same-day delivery.
Prestige Flowers Rose and Lily, $, available at Prestige Flowers
The Goodness Project
If you’re based in London and delivering to someone in the city, The Goodness Project and its gift hampers should be on your list. Just get in touch via email for a quote and to make sure your delivery is covered.
The Goodness Project Artisan Christmas Wicker Hamper, $, available at The Goodness Project
Apple
If you have any music or film lovers in your life, this is the gift for them. With almost-instant delivery in their email inbox, they can enjoy spending as they wish across Apple Music, iTunes, Apple TV and the Apple App Store. (On a personal note, if you have any Swifties in your life, this could be a lifesaver and end up being their best gift of all — we’re currently and eagerly anticipating a surprise festive release of Taylor Swift: The Holiday Collection, Taylor’s Version).
Apple Apple Gift Card, $, available at Apple
Red Letter Days
Yes, you can deliver a unique gift with same-day delivery — Red Letter Days proves it. Offering a range of experiences across the UK, Red Letter Days sends e-vouchers to your giftee’s inbox in just a few hours. Treat them to anything from tandem skydiving to a West End theatre trip. And if last-minute panic brings the wrong experience, never fear. Your giftee can easily exchange it: All they have to do is use their gift card number to find gifts of the same value (the original amount won’t be displayed).
Red Letter Days Tickets for Two to a West End Theatre Show, $, available at Red Letter Days
Interflora
Interflora makes same-day gift-buying a breeze. Simply order one of its many bouquets before 3 p.m., and you’re set (there are 43 in total, including a bouquet of the month).
Interflora Lisianthus & Roses Bouquet, $, available at Interflora
Amazon
When in doubt, Amazon saves the day, from tech to beauty. Order between midnight and 9 a.m. for delivery by 7 p.m. that day, or order between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. for a 10 p.m. delivery.
Bellalisia Sleep Gift Set, $, available at Amazon
Buyagift.co.uk
Head to Buyagift.co.uk for fully flexible vouchers, which can be sent directly to your inbox. You could either treat them to a focused voucher, say for a hotel stay, or put money toward hundreds of experiences. It takes the guesswork out of the equation when you’re just too stressed to think.
Buyagift.co.uk £100 Hotel Stay Gift Voucher, $, available at Buyagift.co.uk
Treat Box
Choose from one of many ready-to-go boxes — a mixture of pampering treats and self-care kits. If you order before 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and before 10 a.m. Saturday, you can expect same-day shipping. This doesn’t guarantee same-day delivery, as Treat Box operates through Royal Mail.
TreatBox Stay Cosy Ready To Go TreatBox, $, available at TreatBox
Biscuiteer Baking Company
Londoners, for an extra fee of £15 to £25 (depending on location), you can order your loved ones a festive sweet treat for same-day delivery (which can also be personalised, FYI). Items will be picked up from Biscuiteer’s depot from 1 p.m. and delivered before 7 p.m.
Biscuiteer Baking Company Snow Globes Mini Gift Box, $, available at Biscuiteer Baking Company
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?