The Best Last-Minute Christmas Gift Ideas for Under $30

For some people, it just doesn't feel like Christmas until you're curled up by the fire, eating Christmas cookies or hanging your favorite ornaments on the tree. For me, the holiday season doesn't feel real until an all-consuming state of panic sets in and I'm frantically typing “last minute gift ideas” hours before the holiday. Secret Santa Exchange.

If you're like me, you put off at least one gift until the pre-Christmas delivery window slips through your fingers. Calm your panic – I've rounded up your top options for physically getting gift wrapping paper for the holidays – even if your only option is to go to the pharmacy. Here are gift ideas under $30 (as long as you're willing to get a little creative with it). Even when it's thought it matteredsomething is better than nothing.

New kitchen equipment

New kitchen equipment is an unusual holiday gift. Grab these Wooden Cooking Spoons with Smiley Faces on them, available for $19.80 which could arrive before Christmas. Or you can try a bowl with double dip (or chips and dip!) for $20.92. Typically, searching for “fancy kitchen equipment” will yield interesting and surprisingly useful results.

When it comes to last-minute shopping, homemade popcorn will likely be available in some form or another. Make it in time for Christmas now on Amazon for $24.99.

Inspired candle range

With more careful planning, you could spend on candle that smells like Adam Driver. But you didn't plan, and that's okay.

You can still get this high quality Lulu Candle for $19.95.. Candles are also a reliable option at the store, but you should avoid anything that smells cheap and weird. Look for trusted brands like Yankee, Boy Smells, Nest, or Diptyque (though this one tends to be more expensive).

Card game “We are not completely strangers”

There's a risk of being incredibly hacky, but “We're Not Really Strangers” is nonetheless a crowd pleaser (as opposed to the simple shock value you get from something like “Cards Against Humanity”). The purpose of this card game is to promote connection through heartbreaking personal revelations. The clues on these cards will spark conversation and strengthen bonds between old and new friends—just remember that to play fairly, you need to be willing to dig deep. Make it in time for Christmas $25 on Amazon.

Something fluffy, cozy and warm

If you live somewhere that gets cold, it's always best to go into the holiday theme and gift something fluffy, cozy, and warm. Gifts like these also fall into the category of “things that will improve my quality of life, but I never buy them for myself.” I sincerely recommend This portable hoodie is $24.99.or maybe some cloud socks for $11.45. Again, if you can go to the store to select these items in person, you'll be in better shape than if you prayed for overnight delivery.

Smart mugs

Of course, mugs are an extremely popular gift option. But you left shopping until the last minute, so now is not the time to nitpick. How about filling those mugs with something? Even if the gift recipient isn't a big tea or hot cocoa drinker, it's smart to have one at home for entertaining during the holidays.

Choose from a wide selection of tea flavors around the world. $3 at Trader Joe's (my favorites are ginger turmeric and harvest mix). Add a mug with a cute little squirrel hiding inside. for $19.99. Giving something that people can drink is the perfect combination of charm and utility.

Go crazy at your local pharmacy

Like me written earliersometimes the only option is a pharmacy. Head to Walgreens and check out their selection:

• Gift cards

• Candles

• Cosmetic bags

• Therapeutic massager

• Jewelry

• Isolated mugs

• Calendars or planners

• Laptops

• Coffee/tea packages

• Wine and corkscrew (depending on your state's liquor laws)

• Photo frames

• Electronics such as headphones or portable chargers.

These items are not required bad gifts, but many of them can easily be spotted as last-minute purchases. The success of gifts from the pharmacy will depend on the charm of the giver and the coldness of the recipient.