10 last minute Christmas gift ideas from Pinterest – from theater tickets to trips

Don’t panic – there are plenty of gift ideas online!

OK, so we’re running out of shopping days until Christmas. Fortunately, we live in the digital age and a thoughtful present can be ordered with the click of a mouse.

Shopping!

Check Pinterest before heading to the mall this Christmas. (Photo: Flickr)

Thanks to social media, this may be the best time in the history of capitalism to be a gift giver or recipient. You can now set up wish lists on Pinterest, Amazon and a number of specialty retailer sites. The age of supermarket last-minute gifts may be over!

First step: check if your loved one has a wish list on the sites mentioned above. If not, turn to Pinterest (the website or app) for gift inspiration. When you find something you like on Pinterest, click on the photo to purchase the item on the original retail site. Our Downtown Traveler holiday gift list on Pinterest has several items from Amazon, which offers free 2-day shipping to Amazon Prime members. Other items can be purchased at stores in your neighborhood, or websites with free shipping deals.

Below are my top 10 last minute gift ideas from Pinterest. If you have any fresh ideas, please add a comment below! Note, we aren’t receiving ANY compensation for these gift picks.

#10. Picture Book

Pick up a coffee table book for photography and art lovers, like "Humans of New York"

#9. Instant Camera

Pick up an instant camera for about $60 on Amazon, or shell out more at an Urban Outfitters store

#8. Broadway Tickets

Gift tickets to a Broadway show, like "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" starring Neil Patrick Harris

#7. Art Supplies

Aspiring street artists and illustrators will appreciate rainbow-colored Sharpies, available at Staples or art supply shops

#6. iPhone Camera Lenses

Gift a set of lenses especially designed for cell phones. They turn ordinary snaps into artsy photographs!

#5. Artwork

Affordable art is available at holiday markets and local galleries, like Ground Floor in Park Slope (where this painting is on sale)

#4. Classes

Gift certificates are available at community centers and schools for a variety of classes. Learn to sew or knit at the Textile Arts Center in NYC

#3. Nostalgic Decor

Inspire memories of grandma's house with a retro home furnishing, like this Kit Cat clock

#2. A Night Out

The best gift is often an experience you can share with your friend or loved one. Pre-pay for a bowling party or arrange a restaurant night out

#1. Travel

Give the experience of travel with an airline gift certificate, easily purchased online at the last minute. Personally, I'm hoping for a Jet Blue gift card...

Happy shopping and have a wonderful holiday!

About Leslie Koch

I'm a New Yorker with a passion for travel and art. I founded DowntownTraveler.com after returning from a year-long backpacking trip around the world. Find me on Twitter at @leslietravel.