Last-Minute Gifts For Every Occasion

Did you forget your friend's birthday was coming up? Or that your colleague is leaving at the end of the month? Gift cards are especially useful in these situations which is why Collctiv now offers a gift card printing tool. Below are last-minute gift ideas including experiences, subscriptions and vouchers for your friend, colleague, teacher, family, newlyweds and new parents.

Last-minute gift ideas by occasion

Whether you're collecting for a friend's birthday, a colleague or your child's teacher, the best gifts are often the ones everyone chips in for. Pooling your money means you can buy something they'll really love and use, rather than settling for a smaller present. Below are some last minute gift ideas for every occasion, whether you're buying on your own or, even better, as a group.

For your friend

A subscription is one of the easiest last-minute gifts around. No queue, no wrapping, sorted straight from your phone. Try an Audible membership for the friend who's always got a book on the go, a ClassPass subscription for the one who’s been saying they want to get in shape, or a few months of Spotify Premium. A travel voucher is a good shout too, especially if a trip's already being talked about.

For your colleague

Keep it simple here. A gift voucher covers almost anyone in an office, and nice desk snacks or a coffee subscription add a personal touch without much extra effort.

For the teacher

A gift voucher for a teacher is consistently the most requested option. It's practical, and it's something they'll actually use. You can collect money from the parents and print the voucher to give it to them in person. If there's time, pair it with a handwritten thank-you note from the kids. At Christmas, getting the class to draw their own cards takes ten minutes and means more than another mug ever could.

For family

Go for a family experience that you could participate in as well. Tickets to something like The Traitors' experience, an escape room, or a spa day all make for a gift parents actually remember.

For new parents

Sleep nanny is a great service for new parents who are struggling with frequent wake-ups, stressful bedtimes and early mornings. It allows them to sleep through the night while a professional takes care of the little one. Even it’s just for one night, it could be very helpful.

A food delivery voucher is another great option, so cooking's one less thing to think about in those first exhausted weeks.

For the newlyweds

Wedding gifts don't need to be a physical object. An experience the couple can enjoy together like a wine tasting, a cooking class, a spa day, a nice dinner, or a sip-and-paint evening, often means more than another set of glasses or a pasta maker.

How to organise a last minute group gift

Setting up a group gift actually takes less time than choosing one on your own. Set up a pot, share the link, and the money starts landing within minutes. Nobody needs to download an app just to pay in.

Once the collection's closed, you don't need to withdraw the cash and then queue up for a card in person. You can buy a gift card straight from the pot, including popular options like John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Airbnb, and if you want something physical to hand over, you can now download and print the voucher on the spot.

Need to sort a last-minute gift? Create a pot and get a collection started in under five minutes.