Last Minute Christmas Gifts 2013

Looking for last minute Christmas gifts? Have you been procrastinating? Still don’t know what to get that special someone? Couldn’t score those super, stellar holiday deals? For me, my excuses come down to I just don’t know what to get the person. Let’s just put aside, whatever the reasons are for being in the predicament of looking for last minute Christmas gifts. You’re short on time and you need to find something fast and in time for Christmas.

We’ve put together a quick rundown of last minute christmas gifts you can get delivered (and even wrapped) just in time for Christmas.

Streaming Media

In the last few years we’ve seen streaming media become more prevalent and not just a hobby for tech enthusiasts. From being embedded on smartTVs to gaming consoles, DVD players and set top boxes streaming media is everywhere. If you’re cutting the cord and distancing yourself from cable operators, streaming media is more important than ever for the home entertainment center.

Roku

Roku is one of our favorite streaming media set top boxes. Easy to set up and equally easy to use.  The cheapest model starts below $40 (Roku LT) and goes up to about $100 (Roku 3). Obviously additional features are incorporated in higher priced models but any tier Roku device is a great deal and a perfect gift for just about anyone on your shopping list.

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Google Chromecast

Google Chromecast became the little darling in Google’s 2013 product line-up. It was pitched as a little streaming media stick that sends YouTube cat videos and Netflix streams from your smartphone, tablet, or desktop to your TV. Google Chromecast seems to continue to grow and become more appealing as additional apps support the streaming media device.

Amazon currently has the Google Chromecast for $29.99, down from the original $35 price. However, if you are an Amazon Student Member, you can cut the price down even further, an extra $5.01, by entering the promo code 7CGHXJ2C during checkout. For around $25 I’d put this offer as one of the better holiday deals of the season.

If you aren’t an Amazon Student Member you can join as long as you can verify a .edu email account.

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Gaming

Purchasing video games may be a bit tough, what if you don’t know if someone already owns a specific title, or what if the person you’re buying for already has the game, or worse hates it? Why not gift an Xbox LIVE or Playstation Plus membership this Christmas! With both Xbox Live and Playstation Plus memberships you’ll get free downloadable games each month. This is literally the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.

 Xbox Live

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Playstation Plus

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Gift Cards

If all else fails, good ole trusty gift cards are great last minute Christmas gifts. Sure you could spend some frustrating hours at the local mall, looking for a parking spot, trekking through the hell that is Christmas-time shopping malls.  But what is easier than gift cards? You may not find spectacular holiday deals on any gift cards, but then again there is less risk of buying an awful gift. It goes without saying, to purchase gift cards to stores that the recipient frequents. Then again, if you’re like me, an Amazon Gift card is always appreciated and will be spent promptly on just about whatever you want.

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Amazon Prime Membership

While we’re on the subject of Amazon, I personally think an Amazon Prime Membership is the best bargain in all of the Internet. An Amazon Prime Membership is $79 a year, though you could get a discounted rate if you are a student. Amazon Prime gives you free two-day shipping on most goods. Along with a ton of free streaming movies and TV shows. Plus, if you are a Kindle owner you get access to free Kindle books that would normally cost you $5-$10 a copy.  And recently Amazon Prime Memberships became available to gift.

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What are some of your last minute holiday gift ideas?