What The Tech: Last-second Christmas gift ideas
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Technology Reporter
The Savior’s Guide to Last-Second Gifts
Everyone’s been there: you’re caught off guard when someone hands you a gift you weren’t
expecting, and you realize you either didn’t get them anything or your gift feels… inadequate.
Don’t panic! Slip out to another room, and in a matter of minutes—or even seconds—you can
send them a thoughtful gift that will have them thinking you had them in mind the whole time.
Here are a few quick and easy digital gift ideas that will save the day:
1. The Thoughtful Digital Book
The easy way out is always a gift card, but that can sometimes feel impersonal. Instead, how
about gifting your favorite book? While you can’t buy digital Kindle books directly from the
Amazon app, you can purchase one by logging into Amazon on a browser. Pick out a recent
bestseller or something you know they’ll enjoy. It feels much more personal than a generic gift
card.
2. Gift an App They’ll Love
If they’re an iPhone, iPad, or Mac user, you can send them a specific app. Head to the App
Store, pick an app you think they’d like (like ProCreate for the artist or LumaFusion for the video
editor). These are one-time purchases. Choose one, then tap “share” and look for “Gift app.”
You can send the app directly via phone or email. If they have an Android device, you can’t gift
an app, but you can easily load money onto their Google Play account.
3. Food Delivery Surprise
Grab your phone, open up a food delivery app like DoorDash or Uber Eats, and send them an
immediate gift. Maybe a Christmas evening dessert or a Boxing Day breakfast. When they open
your surprise gift, you can simply tell them, “Yours is home waiting for you.” It’s a fun,
immediate, and highly appreciated surprise.
4. The Automotive Win: SiriusXM Subscription
This is one of my favorite moves, and I’ve done it successfully. Go outside, jot down the VIN
from their car, and then look up the car’s radio ID on the SiriusXM website. Submit your credit
card details, and the next time they start their car, they’ll see your Christmas gift in action. You
might even find a great deal on a 6-month or annual subscription.
Just one thing about that idea, their car must be capable of receiving Sirius satellite. Most newer
vehicles do.
Not only will it be a big surprise, but it could be their favorite gift of the year, and they’ll think…
now that’s thoughtful.
