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Awesome and Easy Last-Minute Birthday Gift Ideas

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UC Irvine chapter.

Ideally, birthday gifts should not be last-minute, but sometimes you might be at loss for what to get for that close friend of yours. They may not be the pickiest, but but still hard to shop for. A common sign of this is if you ask them what they want, and they respond with “anything is fine.” That kind of answer probably drives you nuts because you honestly have NO IDEA what to get them. But don’t worry, because here are some awesome birthday gift ideas that will never fail, and I’m not just talking about boring gift cards and what-not. All you need is an hour to spare to grab the gift and go!

1.     The Bean-Boozled Challenge

This is a party gift that can be played on the spot. Granted it’s candy and it won’t last forever, but the memories you make together will. You can find this at specialized candy stores like IT’SUGAR at Fashion Island, Newport Beach. The best part is, it’s just under $5, and the person you’re giving it to probably won’t even notice or care because the candy itself is unique enough to make up for it. As an added bonus, most candy stores that carry this particular pack of beans, most likely have the Harry Potter brand as well, so enjoy your earwax flavored Bertie Bott’s Every Flavored Beans!

 

2.     Baymax Plush

There probably isn’t a person alive who has watched the movie Big Hero 6 and not fallen in love with it, especially for Baymax’s huggable features. Now you can get your friend their own personal healthcare companion at the local Disney store for approximately $15. The price range is well within a reasonable budget, and it is also a good gift for both guys and girls. Giving one of these is sure to make someone smile!

 

3.     Board Games

Board games never get old and are usually the most forgotten party good. You might think board games are overrated and old, but there are plenty of fun, new board games available now that you’ve probably never heard of. I’m not talking about Monopoly. Some unknown games like Quelf, a game where everybody has to follow exactly what the card demands (no matter how silly), Taboo, and Hedbanz are pretty great party treats, and can make some of the dorkiest and longest-lasting memories at a party. The best part about getting a friend one of these games is that you can borrow it anytime and pretty much always have it around to play with.

4.     Mugs

Yes, this may sound like a really plain and boring gift, but actually there are a good amount of mugs with funny quotes, phrases, and pictures on them. Even normal cups that have unique shapes and features can work. This is normally something a person would want to have, but won’t buy on their own because it doesn’t seem worth it. However it’s a whole different story if someone else buys it for them. You can easily find some of these at Urban Outfitters, Spencers, or at other specialty/hipster/spontaneous gift stores. It’s a quirky and cute way of getting someone a charming gift, and one can never have too many mugs. Who knows, it might just be their next go-to mug! 

Priscilla is currently studying English and Literary Journalism with an Emphasis on Creative Writing. She has been writing for Her Campus since 2014 and is now one of the two leading editors of her chapter. Besides writing, she enjoys archery, learning Dutch, trying out new foods, and hiking. After graduating, she plans to publish a book series for young adults.
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