Oh, no! It’s your friend’s birthday this weekend, and you can’t show up to her party empty-handed. We’ve all been there. Sometimes life can simply get away from you, and shopping for a gift takes effort and more time than some of us have. It also takes some creativity. So don’t catch yourself Googling “liquor store near me” before you head to the party. Instead, grab one of these simple, last-minute birthday gifts that your friend, sibling, cousin, or anybody else in your life is sure to love.

Gifts for $50 or Less

Liquor, Wine, or Cocktail Kit
Like we said, you don’t want to be caught searching for the nearest liquor store as you’re on your way to the party, but that doesn’t mean you should cross a nice bottle of liquor or wine off your list of potential gifts. Who doesn’t appreciate a nice bottle of tequila on their birthday? Whether you’re heading to the closest liquor store or you’re getting your alcohol delivered, we promise that the birthday girl or guy in question will appreciate a little something to help them get the party started. And if you want to take things up a notch, get them everything they need to create their favorite cocktail, bartender kit and all. Put the power in their hands.

Candles
Candles are one of those items that everybody loves and appreciates, but few people really want to spend the money on. Giving a candle as a gift is not lazy or unoriginal. It’s simple, it’s classic, and it’ll help light up their life - literally. Gifting someone a candle can also be a great opportunity to shop small, as some of the best candles out there are found at small businesses and made locally. So don’t feel like gifting a candle is the low-hanging fruit, because sometimes all it takes to appreciate a quality candle is simply receiving your first one as a birthday gifts for mother.

Games
I’m a firm believer that every adult should have a copy of a game like Cards Against Humanity, and one of the best things about bringing it as a gift is that not only does it serve as your present, but also as some entertainment for the birthday event (if that’s the vibe). If you’re celebrating someone who likes to host friends and be social, that person should always have some sort of game on hand, whether they know it yet or not. So if they don’t, you can show them exactly what they’re missing by being the one to give it to them.

Framed Photo
Sometimes, it genuinely is the thought that counts, and a framed photo, though simple and easy, is one of the most thoughtful gifts out there. It shows that you know what this person loves. You can frame a photo of you and the birthday person in question, a photo of just them, or a photo of something they care about, whether it’s their favorite view, a restaurant or spot that has a special place in their heart, or even their pet. Framed photos are one of the easiest gifts, but they’re also one of the most special. It’ll be sure to elicit a heartfelt “aww” upon reception.

Unlocked Cell Phones

An unlocked cell phone is a great gift for anyone, but especially for someone who loves to travel. An unlocked phone means that the owner can use any SIM card from any carrier when they’re in another country, which is a total game-changer when it comes to international travel. If you know someone who is constantly jet-setting to different countries, an unlocked cell phone should be at the top of your list. It’s a small, practical gift that will make a big difference in their life - and maybe even save them some money on roaming fees.

Gifts from $50 to $100

Air Fryer
Just as I believe every adult should have a deck of Cards Against Humanity, I also believe every adult should have an air fryer. These small machines are revolutionary. They can do it all. They’re like a microwave, quickly heating up leftovers, but also an oven, cooking marinated chicken to perfection. Seriously, if you give someone an air fryer, you could change their life. And they can be easily found for under $100.

Subscription Box
Subscription boxes are the perfect gift that keeps on giving. They’re easy to get last minute, as you can do it online and show up with the certificate that explains about the subscription you’ve ordered, and there’s a kind of subscription box for most things you can think of. Candy, ice cream, flowers, teas, wines - you name it. You can also get niche ones, like international foods, unique spices and seasonings, and hot sauces, or you could give them the gift of self care with skincare or wellness boxes. Whatever they want or need, you can level up by giving them a year’s worth of unique products.

Mini Instant Camera
iPhone photos are great, but being able to take photos and print them on the spot is even better. Instant cameras aren’t just popular because of the trendy, old-style photos they produce; they’re also just extremely useful. Mini instant cameras are usually under $100, but with a pack or two of film, it may add up to three digits. But if you gift your friend or family member an instant camera at the party, you at least know you’re sure to show up on their wall, in their waller, or on their bedroom corkboard, smiling in the instantly-printed photo.

Gifts Over $100

Spa Day
Looking to splurge a little? Give the person you’re celebrating a spa day. You can either coordinate and schedule an appointment for them, or you can give them a gift card to a great spa and leave it to them to pick out the services they need. No one will ever be caught complaining about this gift. We could all use a day at the spa.

Wine Tasting
Another way to give someone a great time is to take them wine tasting. There are numerous ways you can go about this. If you live somewhere where it’s available, you can do it on a boat. New York City, for example, has weekly wine tasting cruises on a schooner and they usually come with charcuterie and music, too. You could also go to a restaurant known for its wine list, or go to a vineyard if there’s one nearby. It may cost you $100 or more per person, but it’s worth it for the delicious wines and the experience.

Don’t Panic
Hopefully this list has given you a few ideas for your budget so you don’t show up to a birthday empty-handed. From a day at the spa to the gift of quick, delicious food (from an air fryer), you’ll hopefully never be caught looking for liquor stores near you as you rush to a party again. All of these gifts can be purchased quickly and easily, and they’re sure to please whoever you’re celebrating, whatever their taste is.