12 last minute gift ideas for adults and kids this Christmas

 

The countdown to Christmas is definitely on here at Parrot Street HQ. Do you have all your presents sorted or are you likely to end up leaving things to the last minute?

The signs are that things might get a bit tricky this year for those that like to shop at the last minute – postal delays and supply issues aren’t a great combination. So, what can you do if you want to be able to put gifts under the tree, but you’ve left it too late to order online or shop in person?

We’ve put on our thinking caps on and come up with a few really thoughtful ideas, for both adults and children, which can be sorted out quickly and easily from home. You just need access to a computer and printer!

Give a subscription…

You won’t be surprised to hear that we think subscriptions make a great gift. With each monthly delivery the magic of that initial gift continues. And they make a great last-minute gift as you can usually print an e-voucher or simply create a gift certificate explaining what treats are going to be arriving in the post.

Our pick of the bunch:

 

Parrot Street Book Club subscription

Spark young imaginations with our monthly children’s book and activity pack delivery for children aged 5 to 12. From £39.99 for 3 months, simply print the e-voucher, wrap it and the lucky reader will be able to start the subscription when they’re ready. Find out more here.

Whizz Pop Bang magazine subscription

Bring science to life with this awesome monthly magazine featuring hands-on experiments, puzzles and science news. A great gift for kids aged 6 to 12 with rolling and fixed-duration subscriptions available. Find out more here.

Honeywell Biscuit Co’s Young Bakers Club

Each monthly box includes all the dry ingredients needed for a fabulous baking project plus a chef’s hat and an activity to do while the treats are in the oven. This subscription is ideal for ages 3 to 12 and though the first box will be sent straight away, you can download a printable a gift card to pop under the tree. Find out more here.

 

Rare Birds book subscription for adults

Why should the kids have all the fun? Each monthly box contains a fantastic new book by a female author and members have access to an online hub and other exclusive perks. Simply opt for the instant e-card for an ideal last minute gift.  Find out more here.

Coral & Ink monthly letterbox stationery

Perfect for teens and adults, each delicious box is packed with cute kawaii stationery. Find out more here.

The Cheese Geek subscription

Who could resist a monthly delivery of premium cheese to enjoy? Various subscriptions available and it’s quick and simple to print a gift certificate. More information here.

 

Give an experience…

How about creating an IOU for a trip that you’d like to take together? From a far-flung adventure to a meal out closer to home? Lots of local businesses are offering gift vouchers this year, so if they’ve got a favourite you may be able to treat them to an experience you know they’ll love.

 

We know that tweens can be particularly hard to buy for, but we also know from personal experience that Young Driving lessons are a complete winner. You can find out more and purchase gift vouchers here.

 

An online experience could also be a great way to go. We love the look of:

 

An online sewing course from The Stitch Sisters

Choose from a number of carefully created, step-by-step online sewing courses each tackling a separate project. We particularly love the look of the cactus pin cushion project! Find out more here.

A Coco Coders course

These online courses offer coding, creativity and problem solving for 6 to 12-year-olds. Find out more here.
 

Give back…

Finally, why not consider supporting a charity in the recipient’s name? Our top picks:

Sponsor a guide dog puppy

They’ll be able to watch their puppy grow from a six-week-old bundle of fur to a fully-qualified, 24-month-old guide dog, receive regular pup-dates and additional sponsor treats. You’ll be able to download a gift certificate and photo of the pup immediately. Find out more here.

Give the gift of reading

Last Christmas BookTrust sent books to over 14,250 children in the UK. £10 could send one book to a child in care, spending their first Christmas away from their family. £50 could send 5 books to a community food bank to give to children who otherwise may not receive any presents. Find out more and donate here.

Find out more about ways to support literacy charities this Christmas here. 

We've got more letterbox gift ideas here. Plus, find out all about our book subscriptions and gift sets here. Need some Christmas reading suggestions? We've got loads of brilliant book recommendations here.