Dec 22, 2016 6:40 AM

13 Last-Minute Gift Ideas to Save Christmas

Hey slacker, time to get shopping.

Image may contain Electronics Headphones and Headset

Featured in this article

Image may contain Ocean Sea Water Outdoors and Nature

Oh, boy. Not again. We're only a few days away from the biggest gift-giving morning of the year, and you've gotten approximately zero shopping done. Don't worry! There are still plenty of quality gifts that can land on your doorstep in time for Christmas. At the very least, they're better than a gift card.

Dark Horse
Serenity Adult Coloring Book
Say what you will about adult coloring books—or better yet, don’t. In these troubled times, though, there are few better ways to unwind than reconnecting with Mal and his merry crew. And since Firefly’s probably not coming back to the big or small screen, the [*Serenity* coloring book](https://www.amazon.com/Serenity-Adult-Coloring-Book-Fox/dp/1506702546) may be the closest you can get. $10
Roku
Roku Ultra
It's the Cadillac of streaming media players. Not only does the [Roku Ultra](https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Ultra-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B01M05030B) support future-proof specs like HDR and 4K, it also provides access thousands of channels of content---more than they could ever hope to watch. The best part, though, is that unlike some other streaming media players, Roku works equally well with iOS and Android houses. Anyone can use it, and everyone will love it. $120

Benjamin Grant
Overview: A New Perspective of Earth
However good the view out the window might be, it's got nothing on what Earth looks like from very, very high above. [*Overview* is a coffee-table book](https://www.amazon.com/Overview-Perspective-Earth-Benjamin-Grant/dp/039957865X) stuffed with 200 images that stitch together hi-res satellite photos. The result is a collection of breathtaking panoramic displays, an astronaut's view of our cities, shores, and seas. You can't see your house from here, and that's the whole point. $25
USA Network
Mr. Robot Season 1 Blu-Ray
The second season of *Mr. Robot* didn’t quite live up to the high-flying techno-dystopian vision of the first, but you know what? That’s okay! You can just [watch the first again](https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Robot-Season-Blu-ray-DIGITAL/dp/B016W52CC0). A show this layered makes for great repeat Blu-ray viewing, or better yet, get it for someone who somehow hasn't yet met *fsociety*.

Logitech
Logitech Harmony Companion Remote
It’s hard to justify spending this much on a remote control for yourself, but that’s also what makes it the perfect holiday indulgence. [Logitech’s Harmony Companion](https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Companion-Control-Entertainment/dp/B00N3RFC4G/) offers easy set-up, commands all manner of devices, and makes home theater control a totally frictionless experience. $143
Garmin
Garmin Vivomove
Garmin has made terrific activity trackers for years, but in 2016 it created one that also happens to look like a very handsome traditional watch. [The Vivomove](https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-v%C3%ADvomove-Sport-Black-Band/dp/B01DOJDPU0?th=1) tracks both your steps and how long you've been sitting still on the watch face, and syncs with a smartphone app for more robust readings. You can still pick up the "classic" version, with a leather wristband, in time for Christmas if you move fast. $100

Eneloop
Eneloop Starter Pack
Okay, so batteries sound like they should rank somewhere between “socks” and “Dilbert mug” in terms of exciting Christmas gifts. But these aren’t any batteries! These are batteries that will mean you never have to buy *more* batteries again. Or at least, not for a long, long time. Eneloop is the first and last name in rechargeable energy, and in the long run they’ll get more use out of [this starter pack](https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-K-KJ17MC124A-Eneloop-Advanced-Individual/dp/B00JHKSLLY) than anything else under the tree.
Bessmate
Death Star Ice Cube Mold
You won't find any fatal flaws hidden in the plans for these [Death Star ice cube molds](https://www.amazon.com/Bessmate-2-Pack-Death-Silicone-Sphere/dp/B01J3AVOCK). Sure they're simple and a little bit silly, but they're also the perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite *Star Wars* fan. $11

Getty Images
Of-the-Month Club
Bacon of the month! Wine of the month! Cheese of the month! (Definitely [cheese of the month](http://www.murrayscheese.com/cheese-of-the-month?custcol_monthly_club_duration=1).) There are too many monthly gift boxes to count, from food to clothes to drinks to books. While signing up someone for a membership doesn't offer immediate gratification, they'll get a reminder every few weeks of just how thoughtful you are.
Bose
Bose QuietComfort 35 Headphones
Bose knows noise-cancellation. And luckily, its new wireless [QuietComfort 35 headphones](https://www.amazon.com/Bose-QuietComfort-Wireless-Headphones-Cancelling/dp/B01E3SNO3E) don't skip a trick. Not only that, but these are the first Bose noise-canceling cans that also produce better-than-average sounds when playing music. They're our favorite new headphones of the year, and any remotely frequent traveler on your list will get years of satisfaction from them. $350

Joshua Foer/Ella Morton/Dylan Thuras
Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders
Great website, great book. That’s pretty much all you need to know about [Atlas Obscura](https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Obscura-Explorers-Worlds-Wonders/dp/0761169083), a collection of the world’s most special, secret, extraordinary places. Even if you don’t visit all of its gems, just knowing they exist will enrich your world. It won't be available on Amazon until the 27th, but your local brick and mortar bookstore hopefully has a copy or two in stock. $18
Amazon
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime remains one of the best deals in tech---and it's also what's going to save your bacon this holiday season if you're already a member. Its free two-day shipping will get the good there in time, but it also includes access to Amazon Video, Amazon Prime Music, photo storage, and more. A [year costs $99](https://www.amazon.com/gp/prime/pipeline/prime_gifting_landing?).

Amazon
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
Even if you view coffee as a purely transactional experience (drink = survival), what you put it in can still be transcendent. This insulated travel mug doesn't just keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold---it looks good doing it. Available in three sizes and four colors, there's bound to be a version that fits the on-the-go quaffer on your list. $25

Comments

Brian Barrett is the executive editor of WIRED. Previously he was the editor in chief of the tech and culture site Gizmodo and was a business reporter for the Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan’s largest daily newspaper. ... Read More

Executive Editor

Topicsgifts

Social Security Data Is Openly Being Shared With DHS to Target Immigrants

For months, the Social Security Administration was quietly sharing sensitive data about immigrants with DHS. Now it’s official.

This 3-in-1 Le Wand Vibrator Is Out of This World

This double-ended vibrator gives you a bit of everything in one unique-looking package.

The 39 Best Shows on Apple TV Right Now

Pluribus, The Morning Show, and Slow Horses are among the best shows on Apple TV this month.

Squarespace Promo Codes: 10% Off November 2025

Get 10% off your next website with an exclusive Squarespace discount code, with up to 50% off plans, new AI design features, and more top discounts this November.

Shark Promo Codes for November 2025

Shark makes some seriously powerful vacuums, from handheld vacs to steam mops. Don’t miss $100 off, 10% off, and more limited-time coupons from WIRED.

Get 20% Off Plus Free Pillows With These Naturepedic Promo Codes

Save on Naturepedic’s line of organic, thoughtfully crafted mattresses and bedding with our coupon codes for this month.

Lenovo Coupon Codes and Deals in 2025

Whether you’re shopping for a ThinkPad, Yoga laptop, or Legion gaming PC, these Lenovo discount codes and promotions can help you save big on your next tech upgrade.

Top Newegg Promo Codes and Coupons for November 2025

Enjoy up to 10% off your entire order with today’s Newegg discount code and save with the latest deals for gaming PCs, laptops, and computer parts.

WIRED Roundup: Fandom in Politics, Zuckerberg’s Illegal School, and Nepal’s Discord Revolution

In this episode of Uncanny Valley, we run through the top stories of the week and examine how some of the victories in the US November elections show the power of online fandom.

The 4 Things You Need for a Tech Bubble

On this episode of Uncanny Valley, guest Brian Merchant walks us through a historical framework he used to analyze whether AI fits the classic signs of an economic bubble—and what that means for all of us.

Valar Atomics Says It’s the First Nuclear Startup to Achieve Criticality

A Trump administration pilot program aims for three nuclear startups to reach a key milestone by July 4, 2026. Valar Atomics says it’s the first to do so—but it had some help.