The Very Best Last-Minute Gifts You Can Buy at the Grocery Store, According to Kitchn Staffers

There is a special place in holiday hell for that feeling when someone unexpectedly gives you a (socially distanced) gift … and you left them off your list. There’s no time left to order anything. And you certainly shouldn’t be making any special (read: unnecessary) trips out to the malls. We have an idea, though: Why not pick up something nice while you’re at the grocery store, shopping for your holiday breakfast or mini-feast?

Kitchn staffers are experts at grocery shopping and we’ve picked out some gifts that won’t look like afterthoughts at all. Let’s start with the obvious, shall we?

“Josh Cellars Red Blend is the perfect last-minute holiday gift to pick up at the grocery store (if you’re in a state that sells wine!). It’s classy yet not too fussy and you can pretty much always find it anywhere that sells wine. Plus, who doesn’t like wine?” — Jesse Szewczyk, Studio Food Editor

Buy: Josh Cellars Red Blend, prices vary depending on location and availability

“Activity gifts are typically my favorite type to give — concert tickets, cooking classes, etc. This year, I’m getting creative with indoor, at-home activities, like gifting someone indoor s’mores supplies! Just grab a box of graham crackers, Hershey’s bars (or Reese’s, for S’meeses), and a bag of marshmallows. Then, just tie ‘em all up with a bow. ” — Grace Elkus, Deputy Food Director

Buy: Jet-Puffed Jumbo, $2.99 for 24 ounces at Target

“One great gift you can probably find at the grocery store is good-quality jam. Like, top-of-the-shelf jam, not utility jam. Give this to a friend who loves breakfast or cheese. (Hopefully all of them do!)” — Patty Catalano, Contributing Writer

Buy: Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserves, $4.49 for 13 ounces at Target

“If someone bought me a gift from the grocery store, I’d want a pack of Mikawaya Mochi Ice Cream Green Tea. Whenever I treat myself to these, I can’t stop at one (or five).” — Sholeen Damarwala, Commerce Editor

Buy: Mikawaya Mochi Ice Cream Green Tea, $6.69 for 12 ounces

“For some reason, these chocolate-dipped biscuit cookies feel special to me. And they’re European, so, fancy.” — Nina Elder, Food Director

Buy: Lu Le Pims Milk Chocolate Biscuit Cookie, $3.69 for 15.2 ounces at Target

“Pick out a ‘nice’ bottle of vanilla extract if the store has multiple options. I’ve seen Ina Garten’s favorite (Nielsen Massey) at some grocery stores!” — Patty

Buy: Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, $19.95 for 4 ounces

“I lived in Oregon for a few years and developed quite the Stumptown habit. Luckily I can still get my fix (all the way in Connecticut!) at my closest Whole Foods. A bag of this stuff — or any specialty coffee beans your store carries — will be much appreciated by the gift recipient. Promise!” — Lauren Kodiak, Managing Editor

Buy: Stumptown Coffee, $14.62 for 12 ounces

“Based off of personal preference, these nut butter cups wouldn’t make a half-bad gift! Plus they’re always in the checkout aisle in my Whole Foods so you can grab and go — literally.” — Ariel Knutson, Features Director

Buy: Justin’s Dark Chocolate Nut Butter Cups, $4.99 for 4.7 ounces at Target

“Even if your grocery store lacks a super-fancy cheese section, I’m guessing you can still find plenty of gift-worthy wedges. Get a few options and, if you want to go all out, pick up some cured meat, nuts, olives, and other accoutrements. Put everything in a gift bag with tissue paper and you’re done!” — Lisa Freedman, Lifestyle Director

“I love flowers (which you can pick up at the grocery store), but I think greenery is an even better holiday gift. Particularly, this 10-inch centerpiece wreath from Trader Joe’s.” — Caroline Schnapp, Social Media Manager

What’s your go-to grocery store gift?