The best last-minute Christmas gifts 2023

Left your Christmas shopping to the last minute? Forgot to buy a present for that random cousin’s boyfriend? Don’t worry,we’ve got your back. From digital subscriptions to unique gift card ideas,all the presents here can be purchased as late as Christmas morning.

AllTrails subscription

Supplied

Help the bushwalking lover in your life discover more with an AllTrails+ subscription. The app gives hikers access to thousands of curated trails,which they can track as they go – and then review for fellow hikers once they’ve finished. Apaid subscription to the app ($35.99/year) offers extra features including offline maps,wrong-turn notifications and the ability to keep friends and family informed. AllTrails covers routes all around the world,so they’ll be able to take it wherever they go.

WellRead subscription

Supplied

If they love books but are plagued by chronic indecision,take the guesswork out of reading for them with asubscription to WellRead (from $36). Each month,the Australian company hand-picks the best new releases in local and international publishing. Each book comes with reading notes for a richer reading experience,and they even have a Facebook group where bookworms can discuss the latest delivery.

Butcher Crowd gift card

Supplied

Treat them to a box of top quality produce from Australian farmers with a subscription to Butcher Crowd’smeat and seafood boxes (from $139/month). Butcher’s Crowd source their produce sustainably,all of which is humanely raised and free from antibiotics and hormones.

RedBalloon experience

iStock

For the person who wants for nothing,consider gifting them something they can do rather than own.RedBalloon has a whole library of different experiences to suit different budgets or tastes. For the foodie,consider a fine dining experience;for the golf-obsessed,a private lesson with a PGA professional;or for the workaholic,a massage.

The New York Times games subscription

Supplied

If they religiously do the Saturday crossword,then aNew York Times games subscription will be a welcome gift ($50/year). A subscription gives them access toThe New York Times′ suite of puzzles,including Wordle,their famed crossword and sudoku. Access is practically instant,meaning they’ll be able to start playing right away.

Floraly flower subscription

Supplied

Flowers are the kind of thing people usually don’t buy for themselves,and so they always make for a special gift. A flower subscription,such as this one withFloraly (from $59),will help them feel extra special throughout the year. Flowers are sent in bud to last longer and are always seasonal,meaning they’ll get something different every time. Floraly ships Australia-wide and offers same-day delivery in Melbourne and Sydney metro areas if you order before 3pm.

Welcome to Country tour

Supplied

Welcome to Country is a not-for-profit marketplace that supportsIndigenous and Torres Strait Islander experiences across Australia. Why not gift your loved one an unforgettable memory from their library of experiences? There are guided walks,art classes,fine dining experiences,astronomy nights,snorkelling trips and just about anything to suit any taste or budget.

Journey of Something gift card

Supplied

Australian brand Journey of Something’s tagline is “artful ways to play”,which pretty much sums up their offerings of puzzles,DIY art and games for kids and big kids alike. Agift card (from $25) allows them to pick from their broad selection of activities,or opt for a subscription (from $156) that will keep them engaged throughout the year.

Ticketek gift voucher

iStock

Whatever they’re into,it’s hard to go wrong with aTicketek gift voucher (from $25) that gives them access to thousands of concerts and sport matches wherever they are. This is a gift that you can enjoy with them or one they can enjoy with friends.

Masterclass subscription

Top from left to right:Yotam Ottolenghi,Anna Wintour,Roxane Gay. Bottom from left to right:Serena Williams,Martin Scorsese and Jane Goodall.

Top from left to right:Yotam Ottolenghi,Anna Wintour,Roxane Gay. Bottom from left to right:Serena Williams,Martin Scorsese and Jane Goodall.Supplied

For the person who’s always keen to learn something new,aMasterclass all-access pass (from $180/year) will help them in their quest for knowledge. With thousands of classes across 11 different categories,Masterclass’ teachers are some of the world’s most prominent industry leaders. New classes are added every month,meaning they’ll never run out of things to learn.

Membership to a local art gallery or museum

The new wing of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

The new wing of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.Nick Moir

What better gift for the art lover in your life than,well,art? Sure,they won’t actuallyown the art,but a membership to their local gallery or museum gives them access to thousands of paintings,sculptures and immersive experiences whenever the mood strikes. There are many membership options around,at various price points,but some include:

Make-Out Meals

Supplied

Whether they’re a gourmand,time poor or really just a human being who eats food,a meal kit subscription is a thoughtful gift. Unlike some of its competitors,Make-Out meals is Australian owned and their recipes come from the country’s top kitchens.Meal kits start at $59 and can be adapted to suit any lifestyle or dietary requirement. Available in Sydney and Melbourne.

Sydney Morning Herald orThe Age subscription

Supplied

OK,we may be a little biased,but for the person who always wants to be in the know,consider a subscription to one of our mastheads (subscriptions available forThe Sydney Morning Herald,The Age,Brisbane Times,Canberra Times andWA Today). Choose from a range of options – including digital-only or print and digital – where they’ll gain access to the country’s top journalism on everything from breaking news to lifestyle and culture.

Jackbox Party 10

Supplied

Jackbox started as a series of fun trivia games in the ’90s and has since expanded into a whole universe of beloved games for the whole family.Jackbox Party 10 ($52.50) is a collection of some of their most popular games,including drawing battles and time travel trivia. They’ll need a PC Steam,Nintendo Switch,Xbox or Apple TV or iPad to play,but other than that,the game is accessed via a digital link – no physical game necessary.

MUBI subscription

Supplied

Film lovers will appreciate asubscription to Mubi (from $37.99),an online streaming platform that specialises in arthouse cinema. Each month,a dedicated group of experts curates the platform’s offerings,so you’re always getting the best of the best,from daring new releases to cult classics. Most of the films can’t be found on other platforms,so you know they’ll be getting something extra special.

Make the most of your health,relationships,fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter.Get it in your inbox every Monday.

Lauren is a lifestyle writer at the Sydney Morning Herald.

Most Viewed in Lifestyle