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 getting closer and closer to Christmas, so if you want to avoid the stress of last minute shopping, 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 2024
Give them the gift of film this Christmas. Better yet, you can tag along too.
Valid at over 190 spas across the UK (from London's AIRE to Bournemouth's The Nici), the gift of R&R is always well received on Christmas day.
It’s been a tough year, we know, so gift them some much needed R&R. The perfect way to to say I love you this Christmas comes in the shape of a gift card by way of Cowshed no less, enabling them to indulge in everything from products in treatments in one of the Cowshed spas.
If they love to switch up their outfits but hate the idea of clothing waste, a gift card from Hurr is the perfect option. Your giftee can use it to rent dresses, bags and more for future special occasions. It's the perfect luxurious treat.
Whether they buy a wellness journal, 2024 diary planner or personalised recipe book, the chic stationery options at Papier are endless.
This kit allows them to discover more about their ancestors and perhaps even find new family connections. Fun fact, our editor actually found a long-lost relative thanks to AncestryDNA.
If you're certain they'd love a beauty gift, there's no going wrong with Jones Road. With an array of beauty, skincare and fragrance products that will work for everyone, this is the perfect stocking stuffer or last-minute buy that is a little more unique than a generic beauty retailer.
Give the gift of jewels without agonising over what to pick. A Missoma gift card is a great shout if you know that they love jewellery but aren't quite sure which piece they'd love most.
You can choose the amount and get it delivered straight to their inbox.
Kids and adults alike can let their creativity run wild with a gift card from LEGO. From child-friendly large building blocks to pieces of art made exclusively out of the iconic little bricks, there's something to suit anyone (making it a pretty fail-safe gift).
Who wouldn't love a spa treat in the New Year? You can get them an e-voucher for super last minute gifting, or if you have a few days to play with, you can choose the physical gift card which comes packaged in a box or one of the gift sets which includes a selection of soothing self-care treats.
Do they love wildlife and exploring new places? Treat them to a membership at the National Trust for free entry to over 500 of their spaces access to the online Members' Area and more.
If you know they've been after a new pair of running trainers or fitness kit for a while, they can choose their preferred styles and size with this Adidas gift card.
Let's be honest, who wouldn't want to start the New Year with a beauty treatment? Treatwell allows them to book at a spot they love and choose from an array of manicures, hair treatments, massages and more.
Nothing says 'thoughtful gift' like an experience you know they'll love, so why not treat them to an afternoon tea for two? They can choose from loads of venues—and you might even be chosen to come along!
And if supercars are more their style, this driving experience allows them to drive their dream car around a racing track—we're talking Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche, Nissan GTR, Audi R8, and more.
They'll adore you forever for giving them the gift of some precious time away. They can use their Secret Escapes gift voucher towards a luxe holiday or cosy staycation.
There's no going wrong with food at Christmas and it doesn't get much more special than luxury donuts. Choose from a selection of indulgent and unique flavours that any loved one with a sweet tooth will adore.
For the person that's extremely hard to buy for, a National Art Pass gets my vote. It offers free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK as well as 50% off major exhibitions. Memberships are for 12 months and come with an Art Map, Art Quarterly magazine and Art in your inbox email subscription.
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