After some last minute gift ideas? These gift cards require no delivery and still feel really thoughtful

Last minute Christmas gift shoppers, this one’s for you

a selection of gift cards from the article
(Image credit: Future)

In my opinion, gift cards are way underrated. Left your gift buying to the last minute? Gift card. Shopping for someone who’s notoriously tricky to buy for? Gift card. Buying a present for your long-distance pal? Gift (and I repeat) card.

We’re now dangerously close to Christmas, so if you’ve left your gift shopping to the very last minute, gift cards might be the best option. They often get a bad rap for feeling quite impersonal, which is why I’ve carefully selected the gift cards that still feel pretty personal—from gifting a cake lover an afternoon tea treat to sending a loved one on a wellness escape for some much-needed R&R.

As a shopping editor and incredibly fussy gift receiver (seriously, there are precious few gifts I’ve received and actually loved), getting a gift card for Christmas is my dream present. Here at Marie Claire UK, we’re all about giving the perfect gift for the right person (because there’s nothing worse than getting a present you’ll never actually use), so gift cards allow people to choose something they’ll actually use and love.

We’ve rounded up the best last minute gifts to shop if you still have a little time, alongside the best gifts for her and gifts for him if you’re determined to give a physical gift this Christmas, but I’m here today to talk about the best gift cards. 

Not only are Gift cards an ideal option for particularly picky loved ones, but you won’t have to wait for delivery or even take time wrapping them in the case of e-gift cards. So you can pretty much make your purchase right up until you’re due to see your giftee. Sounds like a pretty great last-minute gift idea if you ask me.

So without further ado, keep scrolling to shop the best gift cards that you can shop right up until Christmas Eve and that still feel quite personal.

Shop the best Christmas gift cards in 2023

Valeza Bakolli
Junior Shopping Editor

Valeza Bakolli is Marie Claire’s Junior Shopping Editor. She previously worked at BuzzFeed, where she honed her skills in all things shopping - from gift guide curation to being first on the scene to feature the latest fashion and beauty drops. She’s made it her mission to encourage people to shop mindfully and with purpose. That’s why she dedicates hours of her time every day to finding the best products online so you don’t have to - from small and sustainable businesses wherever possible, of course.