38 Last-Minute Digital Gift Ideas for Every
Occasion: Holidays, Birthdays and Other
Special Days on Your Calendar
38 Last-Minute Digital Gift
Ideas for Every Occasion:
Holidays, Birthdays and
Other Special Days on Your Calendar
Don’t worry! You haven’t blown it (yet). You still have time to send a really nice gift digitally by email. Yes… Even at the very last second!
Are you looking for some original gift ideas that you can order immediately online and have them delivered to the receiver digitally, over the internet – even at the last minute?
We can definitely help and offer some inspiration!
When you’re dealing with an urgent gift-giving situation (a birthday, holiday or some other special occasion), sending a digital gift via email can be a true lifesaver.
E-gifts are an extremely popular instant solution in such circumstances, since they are easy to buy and the quickest to arrive.
Ready? Let’s start!
1 Online Courses
Send an educational gift that helps the people in your life grow, evolve and open up to new worlds of learning with online classes delivered by the top minds in almost every possible field.
Virtual courses cover a broad spectrum of topics: from creative, business and technology skills to photography, cooking, creative writing, acting and so many other areas of interest.
Expert-authored courses provide any individual with an opportunity to learn something new, useful, inspiring or valuable through video lessons online.
It’s a great way to help the recipient develop a personal or professional skill, find a new hobby, broaden their horizons or advance their career.
2 Spa Treatments
Know someone who could use a well-deserved break from their busy routine, demanding work responsibilities and the fast-paced world they live in?
Spa treatments offer so many things: personal wellness, rest and relaxation, rejuvenation, getting pampered by a professional and restoring harmony to both body and mind.
Recipients of a universal spa e-gift card can use it at thousands of participating locations, across the U.S. for a huge variety of different beauty and spa services: facials, manicure – pedicure, Botox, massages, fitness and health services and more.
3 Craft Beer Delivery
Are you shopping for a true craft beer enthusiast who appreciates the subtle nuances of beer flavor, texture and character? Imagine him/her opening the front door and finding a nice package of premium craft beer, just waiting to be enjoyed!
Expose this beer aficionado to a whole new world: receiving beers that are personalized to his/her unique, individual taste – ones that are not usually found in local grocery or liquor stores.
4 Hand-Painted Portraits
Shopping for someone who has everything… or not sure what to gift?
A custom portrait painting can capture and celebrate some of his/her life’s most precious moments and provide happiness through the power of a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
Sending a gift card straight to the recipient’s email allows him/her to turn the most meaningful photos into handmade portrait paintings, timeless masterpieces created by professional artists.
5 Brain Training
Would you like to help your loved ones assess and improve their cognitive health?
Brain exercises are a form of mental workout that can help people evaluate their cognitive abilities and train important aspects like memory, focus, perception, attention, hand-eye coordination, response time, and more.
Brain training apps offer a variety of games, challenges, and fun ways to engage in personalized cognitive exercises, track user progress, and enhance mental skills so that users can stay sharp, alert, and active.
6 Experience Gifts
Experience gift companies offer a huge variety of unique activity ideas that create unforgettable memories (available in major U.S. cities and regions).
Their online catalogs present many exciting, adventurous and thrilling activities that can get the recipient’s adrenaline pumping: driving a racecar, flying a plane, hot air ballooning, bungee jumping or skydiving – just to name a few.
Alternatively, for people who prefer calmer mainstream environments, there are also more relaxed natured options. Examples include experiences like fascinating food tours, pottery classes, romantic dinner cruises, a private golf lesson with a PGA pro and so many other fun things they can do in their area.
Gift buyers can either buy a specific experience or send an e-gift card that will let the recipients pick their desired activities by themselves.
7 Language Courses
The gift of learning a new foreign language is something you can give to anyone.
Plus, many people have this goal on their bucket list. Usually, they are just looking for a good opportunity or the perfect timing.
Online course providers allow individuals to participate in their lessons and learn almost any language at their own pace: from popular ones, like English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese to less common ones.
8 Artisan Cheese and Charcuterie
An elegantly decorated presentation, with an assortment of gourmet chesses, cured meats, olives, nuts, dried fruits and other tasty bites from global artisans around the world, lets your friends, relatives and coworkers know that you are thinking of them.
Send them an e-gift card and let them choose their desired pre-assembled, ready-to-eat cheese and charcuterie gift arrangement, as well as their preferred delivery date.
9 Genealogy
In case you’re looking for a family-oriented direction, genealogy services offer a personal gift idea that opens a door to the past and may lead to surprising and unpredictable discoveries.
A gift subscription can help anyone explore their roots, research online historical records and build a family tree.
In addition, a simple DNA test (which takes only a few drops of saliva) can uncover insightful information regarding one’s origin, ancestral background and connections to potential living relatives.
10 Digital Magazine Subscription
A digital magazine subscription offers the giftee the ability to read his/her favorite magazines online anytime, anywhere: at home, at work and on the go.
The recipient will be able to read digital editions of the most popular magazines in the U.S. on his/her preferred device: PC, tablet or mobile phone.
It’s like having unlimited access to a giant newsstand, with tons of high-quality, written content to choose from: news, business, entertainment, lifestyle, hobbies and so much more.
11 Gift of the Month Clubs
Want to send someone an impressive gift that keeps on giving?
Monthly gift services deliver a consumable gift to the recipient every month, such as craft beer, fine wine, gorgeous flower bouquets, quality cigars, premium coffee, artisan cheese, gourmet chocolate, exotic fruit or others.
Most sites offer the ability to send the recipient an instant gift announcement by email (or print one) immediately after ordering, so he or she will know what to expect in the coming months.
12 Online Music Lessons
Wish to surprise a passionate music lover in your life? Well, you can help him or her to fulfill their long-sought dream of becoming a musician!
Music instruction websites offer even complete beginners the ability to learn how to play their favorite songs on the guitar, bass, piano or some other instrument of their choice.
The structured video lessons cover all the fundamentals and move on to more intermediate level material.
Lessons are delivered by expert instructors (famous musicians, in some cases) and enable subscribers to study music at their own pace from the comfort of their home and gradually improve their skills.
13 Premium Meat Delivery
The perfect virtual gift for any enthusiastic carnivore, home chef or avid griller who can appreciate a fresh, juicy and flavorful steak, burger, sausage or other delicious high-end meat.
Give your friends, family or business associates the gift of high-quality cuts of meat – delivered right to their door – and let them enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience from the comfort of their home!
14 Online Yoga Classes
Have a devoted yogi in your life? A gift subscription to a yoga video class website can let them practice at their own pace from the comfort of their home or even on the go, whenever it’s convenient
On-demand streaming video classes are led by professional teachers and can be viewed via any internet-connected device: PC, laptop, tablet, mobile phone or TV, anytime, anywhere.
15 Seafood Delivery
Do you know someone who really loves cooking and eating seafood? Then you know that they will appreciate receiving freshwater and saltwater fish, shellfish, crustaceans or mollusks – no matter where they live in the United States.
Recipients of this electronic gift card can order whenever and whatever they want, from dock to shore to their home kitchen: salmon, tuna, lobster, shrimp, crab, scallops and so many other popular and hard-to-find species. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
16 Meditation & Mindfulness
Do you know someone who struggles with stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns? Would you like to help them deal with their sleep, focus, or other troubling life challenges? Send them a gift subscription that might have a positive impact on their restless minds and bodies.
Meditation and mindfulness apps offer guided meditations, mindfulness practices, courses, podcasts, or other supportive resources that can help subscribers manage stress, sleep better, and achieve inner peace, relaxation, and personal growth.
17 Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a great medium for people who prefer listening to books on their favorite device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) rather than actually reading them the old-fashioned way.
An audiobook service membership will let the subscribers choose and download the titles they want, from every era and genre and listen to them anywhere and anytime.
18 Travel
There’s a reason why digital, travel-themed gifts are so desirable and highly appreciated. They are extremely useful and can save travelers a lot of money on an upcoming vacation or trip.
And the best part? Travel e-gift cards can be purchased last-minute and almost instantly delivered online, direct to the recipient’s inbox.
Is there a better way to help your special someone plan the vacation of his/her dreams and create unforgettable memories?
19 Resume Writing
Do you have a family member or close friend who is unemployed or “between jobs”? Would you like to help them take the next step in their career journey? Transform lives and empower others by giving them a big job-search boost.
Your loved one will be assigned a career specialist who will write an ATS-optimized resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, or other self-marketing documents that will help them get access to better job opportunities with higher salaries.
A professional, well-crafted resume will enable them to stand out from the crowd, showcase their skills, education, and experience, and capture the attention of decision-makers.
20 Photo Scanning
Here’s an original idea for a sentimental gift that everyone can enjoy: help the important people in your life preserve the precious memories saved on old negatives, photo prints, slides or video tapes – before they get lost, damaged or simply fade away.
Converting old photographs and home movies to digital formats will not only preserve them, but also make them easier to share with family members and friends, so they can be cherished forever.
21 Laundry Service
Give the ultra-busy people in your social or family group the gift of a high-quality laundry pickup and delivery service.
Having fresh, expertly cleaned, neatly folded laundry delivered right to their doorstep will let them enjoy all of the free time that comes with removing this never-ending chore from their daily checklist.
Not only are you taking away one of the most detested and time-consuming household tasks (at least for some), but you’re also giving them free time to take a deep breath, be with their loved ones, and reduce the stress of everyday life.
22 Designer Clothing Rental
Wish to help the fashionista in your life become even more fashionable and trendy, update her wardrobe more frequently, cut down on closet clutter and save money?
Designer clothing rental subscription services are extremely popular in the U.S., as they revolutionize the way women shop, dress and approach the whole issue of clothing ownership.
Their concept is simple: wear, return, repeat!
The receiver of the gift subscription will be able to rent clothing and fashion accessories from top brands for any purpose or occasion, from fun to formal.
Subscribers enjoy a huge variety of item options at their fingertips that range from casual everyday wear and work outfits to maternity clothes and high-end designer pieces for big events.
23 Lab Tests
Show your loved ones how much you care with a private lab testing gift certificate.
It will encourage them to take greater responsibility for their healthcare, provide them with important insights and empower them to make good life decisions.
This unique and thoughtful gift will bring those you love one step closer to better health and let them choose diagnostic blood or urine tests that correspond with their gender, age, health condition, family history, individual concerns or other factors.
24 Reading
If you have an enthusiastic bookworm in your life, especially someone who still prefers the traditional hardcover format and classic printed word, consider giving them a gift related to their personal passion: reading.
The book lovers on your list will be thrilled to receive a gift that celebrates their love of a good story, uplifts their spirits, inspires them, lets them discover new authors, and fills their spare hours with a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
25 Subscription Box
Are you looking for an exciting gift for people who are hard to shop for? Here’s a gift that keeps on giving – for weeks, months, or even a whole year.
A subscription box marketplace e-gift card offers the recipient a variety of themes and genres from which they can choose the perfect recurring package to match their individual interests, preferences, or life passions.
From gourmet food delights, premium coffee, and artisan chocolate to designer perfume, luxury lingerie, handmade jewelry, DIY craft kits, and so much more, this is a great option for anyone who loves discovering new finds.
And the best part? The person who receives it will enjoy it long after the gift-giving occasion has passed.
26 AARP Membership
If you’re looking for digital gift options for a retiree or someone who is 50 years old or older, consider buying them an AARP membership.
As a member, the special senior in your life will not only belong to the country’s largest nonprofit but will also get access to exclusive discounts on prescription medications and prescription eyewear, insurance, travel, restaurants, groceries, shopping, entertainment, and other everyday expenses.
The giftee can also take advantage of benefits like health and retirement resources, scam alerts, a subscription to “AARP the Magazine,” and more.
27 Gaming
What do you get for a gamer who has everything? With so many different consoles, genres, titles and accessories to choose from, it can be difficult to even know where to start.
If you’re running out of time and want to gift something delightful to your favorite gamer, buy them an online gift card. Gaming e-gifts can be used to purchase a variety of Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo or PC games, add-ons, avatar gear, subscriptions, electronics, toys, etc.
28 E-Gift Cards
Traditional plastic gift cards have always been an extremely popular choice for a present for obvious reasons.
Helped by the internet, sending a virtual one (or a few) is simple, quick and convenient.
Online gift-card websites enable shoppers to choose from an extensive variety of big-name national retailers and service providers, purchase an e-gift card and have it delivered electronically through the power of email.
29 Fashion
Here’s a good, last-minute, instant-delivery gift idea for fashion lovers, style enthusiasts, self-proclaimed trendsetters and anyone else who enjoys refreshing his/her wardrobe from time to time.
Give him/her the gift of choice and provide the ability to buy designer clothes, high-end footwear or a variety of trendy accessories that will help him/her keep up with the latest trends.
30 Event Tickets
Online ticket marketplaces provide fans with access to a huge variety of live events: from music concerts and sporting events to comedy nights, theater plays, Broadway shows and many other live entertainment performances.
An e-gift card will help the passionate fans in your life, grab tickets to the events they care about most and enjoy a truly memorable experience.
31 Online Backup
More and more people understand how important it is to back up your digital files regularly: documents, emails, downloads, photos, music, videos and any other form of data.
Doing so can protect anyone from a wide range of catastrophic scenarios: hard drive failure, software bugs, ransomware, hardware theft, natural disasters, accidental deletion as well as others.
Giving an annual subscription to an online backup service as a gift can help computer owners back up their PC and Mac files securely in the cloud, prevent data loss, have a dependable “Plan B” in place and enjoy better peace of mind.
32 Tech Support
If you have a technologically challenged loved one in your life (like a parent, grandparent, other relative or close friend) who can’t even send a simple email, why not make their seemingly complicated tech life a little bit easier with a yearly tech support membership?
To receive professional help with problems related to their computer, streamer, printer or other connected devices, let the technophobes you care about call or chat with an expert tech advisor – 24/7!
33 Department Stores
Would you like to give a friend, coworker or relative a fun shopping experience?
Major department stores are like Disneyland for adults, where they can find everything from designer fashions and electronics to beauty products and housewares.
Send them on an exciting shopping spree and let them choose something they’ll love from a wide range of popular brands and products, all under one roof.
35 Restaurant Delivery
Would you like to pamper the most important people in your family or social circle?
With restaurant delivery electronic gift cards, people can order food from their favorite restaurants – anytime.
Whether it’s your foodie friend, hardworking employee or picky family member, give him/her the option to press a few buttons, select whatever food he/she wants and have it quickly delivered to his/her front door.
36 Music
Do you want to spoil a diehard music fan?
An email-based gift card to a streaming music provider can help them purchase a premium plan and listen to their favorite songs in high audio quality and with no ad interruptions.
37 Movie Tickets
Movie fans are always extremely happy to see the latest flicks on the big screen – especially when it’s free (since tickets can be expensive).
Whether the intended giftees are diehard film lovers or just occasional moviegoers, sending them a digital movie gift card can help them catch a nice action flick, an Oscar contender or some other hit that everybody’s talking about, somewhere nearby.
38 Ride Sharing
Are you looking for a practical way to keep the people you care about on the move?
A ride sharing gift card can be useful for travelers in the U.S. and abroad – individuals, students and existing app users who don’t have a vehicle.
Let your giftee book a ride – in minutes – directly from his/her smartphone and save him/her some money the next time a reliable, efficient and quick way to get someplace is needed.
What are Digital Gifts?
Digital gifts are bought online and delivered to recipients in electronic format, usually via email.
Typical E-Gift Types
Online gifts come in many shapes and forms.
Here are a few common examples:
- Premium web service memberships
- Streaming entertainment subscriptions
- Exclusive digital content
- Mobile phone app services
- E-gift cards
- Subscription boxes
Benefits
In many ways, digital gifts provide the ultimate solution for last-minute shoppers.
Here are some of the reasons why this gift option is becoming increasingly popular.
- Emailable gifts offer the fastest delivery time.
They can be ordered instantly, require no advance planning and in most cases, can reach the giftee’s inbox within a matter of minutes or hours. - There’s a huge variety of e-gift options that are personal, meaningful, and incredibly useful for the recipient.
You have the ability to choose from a broad selection of virtual goods and services that can align with the recipient’s interests or personality. - They don’t require shipping, so they can be instantly purchased and delivered online when it’s too late to mail a tangible item through the U.S. Postal Service or even via FedEx or UPS.
- Digital gifts can immediately resolve any stressful last-minute gift-giving challenge: birthdays, Christmas, Father’s / Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and any other occasion.
- It’s convenient: you can order and send a nice gift electronically, through your PC, smartphone or another internet-connected device – from the comfort of your home or even on the road.
There’s no need to hit the local mall and deal with the hardships of finding free parking space, bear the massive crowds at the stores, not to mention the never-ending cues. - They can reach the recipient in time – even under the tightest deadlines.
It’s a great option in circumstances where you have to come up with a creative yet practical solution at the very last minute. - Some vendors offer the choice to either print the gift certificate (so you can hand it over in person) or have it sent to the recipient by email.
- Many online merchants offer the ability to set up a specific delivery date and time for your e-gift to arrive in the recipient’s inbox.
- Usually, you can personalize your electronic gift and add a custom message.
- They’re also great for long-distance family members and friends who live afar.
- It is a more eco-friendly alternative for sending a traditional physical present.
- Instant delivery e-gifts are great for emergency, high-pressure situations, where you need to find a workable quick fix right on the spot.
Quick E-Gift Shopper Tips
- Before buying, be certain that you totally understand when the e-gift will actually be delivered to the giftee’s mailbox.
Instantly? Within a few minutes? In a couple of hours? Perhaps even later?
Ensure that the expected arrival time of the gift meets your delivery deadline.
If not, choose a different option.
- Read the terms thoroughly before placing an order.
Verify that no unpleasant surprises are buried in the fine print.
- Make sure you’re buying something that suit’s the receiver’s interest, taste, passions or personality.