This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
Want to know easy last minute birthday gifts for friends? Have you ever had that day where you have a thousand errands to run? You are finished shopping and now waiting in line to pay for your groceries. You check your social media feed and realize that it is your friend’s birthday. What do you do? Do you get out of line and run through the store trying to find something they like?
This article will focus on last minute birthday gifts for friends. These ideas will be inexpensive, yet meaningful, ways to celebrate those around you. A great idea is to have a box in your car full of everything you would need to create an eloquent gift for a co-worker, a child’s teacher, a friend at church, a work-out buddy, the lady at the crosswalk, or the cashier at the store. Whoever receives this simple act of kindness, will be honored that you remembered them.
This post is all about easy last minute birthday gifts for friends.
Here are 41 last-minute birthday gifts ideas that will bless others’ lives:
1. Organizational Box
The first thing you need to have is the box to fill with gifts, tape, scissors, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, bags, and cards. Buy a few gifts, and keep these in your car for when those unexpected birthdays come up.
2. Card
It’s nice if you have some premade cards in your box, ready to go whenever you need them.
Here is a box of cards for all occasions.
3. Candles
A candle is such a great gift. It helps to keep your home smelling wonderful and some scents can improve your mood and make you feel calm. Plus, there are some fun new designs on candles that are beautiful.
4. Lotion
Bath and Body Works lotions are always appreciated at my house.
5. Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizers are another great gift that can always be used. It is nice having some in each car, in my purse and all the kids’ backpacks. You can never have enough hand sanitizers.
6. Hand Soap
Another wonderful Bath & Body Works product you can’t forget, is their hand soap. This is one of my favorite gifts to receive. It is so nice to have a different flavor by each sink.
7. Flashlight
It would be fun to have a card that said, “Happy Birthday! You light up my world.”
8. Socks
There are a lot of fun sock designs to choose from. “You knock my socks off” or “friends like you are good for the sole” would be fun sayings to use on your gift.
9. A Winter Hat
How about a fun cable knit beanie for your friends. These ones are cute and will provide them warmth during the cold winter.
10. Gloves
Gloves are another practical, yet fun gift for a friend. Not only do these ones keep you warm, but you can use them with your phones and other touch screen devices. “Hands down you are the best around” would be an easy saying to write on your cards.
11. Headband
These headbands would be fun for your fun-loving friend who is always on the run. They are so cute and make a pony-tail look more dressed up
12. Kitchen Towels
It is so nice to get a nice new clean kitchen towel to hang up in the kitchen. Here are some fun inspirational towels.
13. Measuring Spoons
This is one of the best sets of measuring spoons. They are magnetic so they stay together in your drawer. Your friends would love this kitchen tool.
14. Measuring Cups
Since we are on the kitchen theme, this fun little set comes in different colors and has some measuring spoons with it.
15. A Loofah
Loofahs are cute, fun gifts that can be given with soap or used as a bow on the gift. They come in a lot of fun colors and are well-loved.
16. Manicure Set
We all want healthier looking nails. Here is a fun gift to help the friends in your life take care of their nails. Maybe throw in some fingernail polish to go with it.
17. A Deck of Cards
Grab a deck of cards or your favorite card game, for your next friend’s birthday. This is for that friend who loves playing games. Maybe also give them a coupon for a game night with you. Some fun saying would be, “It’s all fun and games until…” or “Good Friends are a sure Bet. Happy Birthday!”
18. Puzzles
Puzzles are a fantastic birthday gift idea. It is something different, enjoyable, and stimulating. Puzzles are a great way to relax.
19. Coloring Books and Colored Pencils
Some of the best things we did as kids are coming back in adult forms. Coloring is a fun, addictive, relaxing activity that helps to bring about our creativity. Creating is what life is about.
20. Markers
I buy markers at the begging of every school year; whether I need them or not. I love the colors and the thought of creating something new with them. Stock up on school supplies that you think your friends would enjoy.
21. Pens
Pens are something everyone uses. Wouldn’t it be fun to get a pen that had a cute saying on it, such as, “Happy Birthday,” “Friendship is another word for love,” or “Friends make the world Beautiful.” Have a bunch of these pens made up and they will be ready for any occasion.
22. A Journal
How about a cute journal to go with that personalized pen you ordered? Add these cute journals to your collection of gift ideas. Women can use them as a prayer or gratitude journal, planner, study help or even to write their to do list in. Everyone can find a way to use a journal.
23. Chocolate
There isn’t much else that needs to be said about chocolate. This gift will surely be appreciated. Your friends will know that you care about them. Just make sure if you live in a hot place that you don’t keep this one in your warm car.
Have you tried Utah truffles yet? These are one of my favorite chocolate treats. I love that they come individually wrapped. You can put them in a basket, bag, mug or any other container and make them look impressive.
24. A Cutting Board
I love getting a new cutting board. I use them all the time and a new one refreshes my kitchen. It also inspires me to cook again.
Add a knife to the cutting board and you have the making of a great meal. Who knows, maybe they will even invite you over for dinner.
25. Home Décor
Decorations are always a fun way to show someone you care. Find a cute saying or a picture that speaks to you. You may even have something that is faith inspired. Either of these options are great last minute birthday gifts for friends.
26. A Mug
There are so many funny, beautiful, inspiring, and amazing mugs out there. Find one that is perfect for you and your friends.
27. A Keychain
Keychains are a fun way to show someone you care. It is fun to change out your keys occasionally. Every time your friend looks at her keys, she will remember that you thought about her.
28. Bookmark
These magnetic bookmarks would be awesome when reading a book. They would hold your place in the book securely, and wouldn’t be so easy to lose.
29. Jewelry
A nice classic simple necklace is always appreciated. This bracelet is also a great reminder of friendship.
30. A Calendar or Planner
A planner would also be a helpful gift. Here is one that doesn’t have dates so they can use it whenever they are ready for it.
31. Slippers
Slippers would be a unique gift that women can enjoy. I love this quote that you could put with it, “To live long: keep a cool head and warm feet.”
32. Fridge Magnets
Fridge magnets are used on almost every fridge. You can get ones with clips so you can hook announcements, card or cute pictures from kids. I fell in love with these cute ones:
33. Face Masks
Face masks are so relaxing and rejuvenating. Is there a better way to spend some relaxing time on your birthday?
34. Lip Balm
Lip balm is also a very useful gift. Who doesn’t need to keep their lips soft? These are excellent last minute birthday gifts for friends.
35. Ice Trays
Here’s something cool and different. People use ice in so many ways now. Wouldn’t it be fun to receive some fun shaped ice trays.
36. Washi Tape
Washi tape is so fun for journaling, scrapbooks, letters, and more. Let your creative juices flow. This fun gift will help the recipient’s creations be richer and more distinct.
37. A Canvas
Do you have some friends who enjoy painting or creating on a canvas. Add a paintbrush and a card that invites them to paint with you in the future. This amazing gift could turn into a girls night out and a fun memory.
38. A Night Light
A night light, with a cute saying like, “You light up my world, Happy Birthday,” would make anyone’s day BRIGHTER.
39. A Water Bottle
Find your favorite water bottle and fill it with candy. I like this water bottle because the lid screws on and doesn’t leak. You could even add some fun water bottle stickers.
40. Gift Card
This is my all-time favorite gift for any occasion. The person can choose what they want. Food places, clothing stores, Visa gift cards (can be used anywhere) or even an Amazon gift card will be greatly appreciated.
41. Go to Lunch
My friends and I go to lunch for each of our birthdays and whoever comes helps pay for the “Birthday Girl’s” Lunch. It is so much fun to discuss our lives together. It always rejuvenates me for the week.
This article focused on easy last-minute gift ideas. Ideas that you could put in your car and have ready at any moment. Maybe you just pick a couple of the ideas and have them all ready to go at any moment. If you prepare a few of these last-minute gift ideas it will save you hours of thinking, shopping, and putting together gifts for people that you love. People love feeling loved, remembered, and pampered on their special day.
Remembering someone’s birthday is a great way to make connections. Having these last-minute gift ideas prepared will help you spread joy without the stress. Have these last-minute birthday gift ideas on hand, whether in your car or in your home. Let’s serve!
This post was all about easy last minute birthday gifts for friends.
Looking for more GIFT IDEAS?
Check out THIS post for 41 Service Ideas and Affordable Gifts for Mother’s Day
Check out THIS post for 31 Practical Teacher Appreciation Ideas from Students