Last-minute Gift Ideas for Wives, Cousins, Nephews, and Secret Santas · Primer

Last-minute, but not late.

Christmas is less than two weeks away, but you’re a planner, so you’re ready. Except your mom just reminded you that you need a gift for your Aunt Milly, and since your neighbor helped you move that old couch, you should probably get something for him too. Oh, and there’s your ten-year-old nephew…dammit. Ok, so maybe you’re not as ready as you thought. 

Don’t sweat it; everyone needs last-minute gifts. And if you’re like us, you’re not a gift card or generic sweater kind of guy. You want unique gifts that convey a personal touch. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of gifts that won’t feel like an afterthought. 

Nespresso Aeroccino 4 $119

Most people don’t need a $600 espresso machine taking up space in their kitchen. This milk foamer from Nespresso can perfectly froth milk for hot or cold drinks. Show me an espresso machine that can make cold foam. 

Pebble Ice Cube Tray $14.00

You can drive to Chick-Fil-A every time you want pebble ice, or you can make it at home in your sweatpants. This ice cube tray produces perfect pebble ice every time, and it’s silicone construction means the ice glides out smoothly. 

Llbean Tote (order by 12/20) $34.95

The Boat and Tote bag from LLBean is made from heavyweight canvas and comes in four different sizes. You can also choose if you want standard or long handles for over-the-shoulder carry. The best part? Each tote is stitched by hand in Maine. 

Le Creuset Dutch Oven $179.00

We don’t have time to list all of the ways you can use a dutch oven, so I’ll just give you my top three: Brown some meatballs and finish them in the oven with a little sauce and cheese; homemade chicken noodle soup, and my personal favorite, ditch the lid and roast a whole chicken for perfectly crispy skin. Made in France and offering a lifetime warranty, Le Creuset is a gift for the long haul.

→ Primer’s Dutch Oven Bread Recipe: Dead-Simple Homemade Artisan Bread That Will Amaze Your Dinner Date

Bird Buddy $249

As a bird photographer, I don’t mind hiding in tall grasses for hours to get that perfect shot of a ruby crowned kinglet. But sometimes I prefer to see birds up close from the comfort of my couch. The Bird Buddy uses an HD camera to show you live pictures and videos of the birds who come to visit, and it even recognizes birds so you can assign them names. Babe, who are you texting? “Oh I’m just lookin’ at Franky, the cardinal, out on the feeder.” 

Crazy Forts $48.95

Today’s kids will never know the struggle of trying to build the perfect fort with couch cushions. A few years back we bought Crazy Forts for our girls, and it’s still a hit. The rods and balls allow the kids to build castle-style forts, complete with tunnel entries. Throw a blanket overtop, and you have a fort that won’t fall over the second someone moves inside. 

Exceptionally Bad Dad Jokes $10.99

As a certified Dad, I consider myself a professional teller of dad jokes. That being said, even professionals need resources to stay on top of their game. This guide to dad jokes will keep your pun game strong: Stay sharp, king. 

Fire Missiles $9.97

I know we’ve collectively decided that smoking cigarettes is gross (especially in the car), but in the meantime you’ve still got this 12V power socket sitting there in your console with a boring plastic cover. You may as well have something cool in there like James Bond did. I see two perfect recipients for this gift: 1. Your 16-year-old nephew who just bought his first car. 2. Your friend who loves to camp and could use an emergency fire starter. But to be honest, I’m probably going to buy one for myself too. 

How to Make Great Coffee at Home $23

As someone who’s been drinking coffee for thirty years, I would love to receive this as a gift. You may have seen James’ Tiktok videos where he reviews various coffee machines, and the videos are as addictive as the drink itself. This book covers everything from the basics of brewing to the specifics of grinding, all with color photos for reference. 

Date Night Dancing digital course $79-149

Some people are comfortable cuttin’ a rug, but some need a little help finding their rhythm. The Date Night Dancing courses allow you to learn how to dance from the comfort of your own home. A great gift for any couple who doesn’t get out enough. 

Atlas Obscura $20

If you know an avid traveler (or someone who wants to become a traveler), this is the book for them. Atlas Obscura introduces the reader to unique destinations and events all over the world. It even includes a map for an around-the-world road trip. 

Tech Deck Skate Park $45 (choose seller options for earlier shipping)

I know this seems like the perfect gift for a ten-year-old (and it is), but it’s also a great desk toy for when you need a brain break in the office. Tech Deck went dormant for a while, but it’s made a serious comeback, and this skatepark is the perfect setup to practice your ollies and grinds. 

Lego Coffee Mug $9.99

For the Lego lover in your life, this mug will round out the collection. While it’s not dishwasher safe, it can handle boiling temps and allows for building to your heart’s desire.  

STEM Robots for Kids $27.99

The perfect gift for the kid who likes to tinker, this solar robot set allows kids to build six different robots that will move on land. Who knew kids could still have fun without screens?

Life Straw Peak Series $22.70

For the camper or the prepper in your life (actually I think they prefer the term survivalist), the Life Straw is the perfect tool. I used this exact model on our last camping trip, and it was perfect for using creek water to make fresh coffee. The bottom has threads for a water bottle, so you don’t have to lay on the ground every time you want a drink. 

Yomega Alpha Wing Yo-Yo (three pack) $12.99

Show me a person who doesn’t like a good yo-yo, and I’ll show you someone who’s forgotten how to have fun. This three pack is made by the original Yomega brand, so you can count on quality and knock out three gifts with one purchase. 

Muddler and Bar Spoon $5.89

A family friend recently bought us this set, and it’s outstanding for mixing drinks, crushing mint leaves, and feeling like an old-timey barman. When you’re done mixing your cocktail, throw the set in the dishwasher. 

Optimal No Rinse w/ Big Red Sponge $36.07

My least favorite part of East Coast winters is how dirty my car gets, and when the temp drops, it’s not a great idea to go through the car wash. Optimal No Rinse allows you to give your car a hand wash with minimal water and no need for a hose. 

Kindle Paperwhite $134.99

Amazon’s newest Kindle is backlit for nighttime reading and has a 16gb capacity to hold thousands of books. It’s also waterproof, so if your Aunt Milly drops it in the pool, it’ll be ok.