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While virtual gifting is the refuge of last-minute shoppers given its no-shipping-required nature, digital gifts don't need to feel like an afterthought. They allow you to get creative and give your loved one the gift of a unique experience that'll last far beyond the occasion at hand, whether it's their birthday, your anniversary or Christmas.
While there are endless options for electronic gift cards out there, when it comes to virtual gift ideas, you'll also want to consider the best subscription boxes and services, which can offer access to special classes, curated product bundles and more. Plus, one of the best parts of gifting a digital subscription service or gift certificate is that it allows you to pick the exact amount you want to spend, making it easy to stick to your budget.
Here, our gift editors have gathered up a whole list of the best virtual and digital gifts for your best friends, beloved mom, impossible-to-shop for boyfriend and everyone else on your list. So this year, don't stress about when stores will be open — every gift on this list will arrive instantly in their inbox the second you press "purchase." (Even better: Often you can also choose which day you want it to be sent, so they can receive it on Christmas Day with no shipping delays.)
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When You Just Can't Decide
Uncommon Goods Uncommon Experiences
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When You Just Can't Decide
Uncommon Goods Uncommon Experiences
Gifting mecca Uncommon Goods recently started offering virtual gift experiences, and there are so many great options, including live mixology classes, flower arranging sessions and more. Browse dozens of Uncommon Experiences to find the one that's just right for your loved one.
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For the Person With a Sweet Tooth
Single Serve Pie Gift Box
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For the Person With a Sweet Tooth
Single Serve Pie Gift Box
No matter where they live, they can experience the joy (and sugar-high) that these mini pies bring. This box of four pies, which are made and shipped in Austin, Texas, highlights the bakery's most popular flavors: pecan, apple, cheery, and Texas Two-Step (pecan and chocolate brownie).
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A Great Idea for Your Sister
TheraBox Self-Care Subscription Box
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A Great Idea for Your Sister
TheraBox Self-Care Subscription Box
Give her everything she needs for a night of all-out pampering with this monthly self-care subscription box. In addition to a mood-boosting activity, each box comes with up to eight wellness-focused gift items, including bath bombs and face masks, to encourage more "me-time." Choose from one-, three-, six- or twelve-month subscription options.
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For Anyone Who's Hard to Shop For
Choose Their Own Adventure eGift Card
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For Anyone Who's Hard to Shop For
Choose Their Own Adventure eGift Card
Giving someone a Virgin Experiences gift card is like giving them a real-life Choose Your Own Adventure book. The site offers experiences ranging from spa treatments and wine tastings to sky diving and race car driving — you name it. Plus, these gift cards never expire.
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Especially Perfect for Your Husband
MasterClass All-Access Pass
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Especially Perfect for Your Husband
MasterClass All-Access Pass
Because they're never too old to learn new tricks, MasterClass gives them access to the minds of today’s top performers, athletes, entrepreneurs, and creators with over 180 on-demand video classes across 11 categories. There are hundreds of experts to choose from, including Steph Curry and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
RELATED: Is MasterClass Really Worth It?
This book club, which was relaunched in 2016, originally dates back to 1926 — so it's safe to say they have a pretty good track record when it comes to choosing can't-put-them-down reads! Sign your loved one up for a three-, six- or twelve-month plan, and they'll get to choose which books they receive from a carefully curated selection.
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If you missed every shipping deadline for holiday delivery but still want to get a unique and thoughtful gift, turn to the Artroom Expo Etsy shop. It creates custom works of art which are sent to you or the gift recipient via a downloadable link for DIY printing and framing. The best part is that they're able to turn around most orders within a week.
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This Has Mom Written All Over It
BloomsyBox Original Subcription Box
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This Has Mom Written All Over It
BloomsyBox Original Subcription Box
Send a colorful, floral surprise their way each month with a BloomsyBox subscription. Each bouquet of 20 to 32 stems arrives within five days of being picked for maximum freshness. You can opt for a month-to-month plan, or prepay for a three-, six- or twelve-month subscription.
Since scent is so personal, let the gift recipient pick a fragrance that they actually like. Scentbird makes it possible for them to sample different options until they find their signature scent: Simply pick a three-, six-, or twelve-month gift subscription, and then they get to pick out travel-size fragrances from top brands like Burberry, Marc Jacobs, and Gucci.
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If they love to snack, this is the gift for them. Each month, they will receive a box filled with delicious Japanese snacks and treats. You can pick from a one-, three-, six- or twelve-month subscription. There's even an adorable Hello Kitty and Friends version!
Found: the perfect membership for the craft-lover in your life. With Craftsy, they can learn how to make just about anything money can buy — embroidery, sewing, knitting, baking, you name it — with their own two hands. You can gift a monthly membership for $10 or an annual membership for $97.
If your loved one is a history buff, this is a great subscription gift for them. Each month, they'll receive replicas of historical documents, such as Albert Einstein's correspondence with FDR and Rosa Parks’ police report when she refused to give up her seat. Six month subscriptions start at $40.
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Something for Your Girlfriend
The Sill Gift Subscription Box
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Something for Your Girlfriend
The Sill Gift Subscription Box
For the right person (read: a devoted plant parent!), nothing says "I love you" like a new addition to their collection. The Sill has an impressive variety of houseplants to choose from, grown to the perfect size for safe shipping. The brand offers three-, six- or twelve-month subscription box plans, with options to focus on easy-care plants, pet-friendly varieties or orchids.
For the person that loves to get their sweat on, gift them access to their favorite fitness classes with a ClassPass gift card. Who knows, you might even give them a boost of motivation to try something new!
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For Any Woman In Your Life
FabFitFun Subscription Box
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For Any Woman In Your Life
FabFitFun Subscription Box
FabFitFun is one of the original subscription box services for women. Give her a gift card towards an annual subscription, or pay for a few boxes upfront (quarterly boxes cost $59.99 each). At the start of each season, she'll receive a box packed with up to $200 worth of goodies that showcases the latest products in beauty, fashion and home, all based on her preferences.
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For the Coffee Lover
Blue Bottle Coffee Coffee Subscription
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For the Coffee Lover
Blue Bottle Coffee Coffee Subscription
A coffee subscription, like this one from Blue Bottle Coffee, is the best way to help java junkies perfect their at-home cup of joe. Customize the subscription to match their tastebuds by selecting from among categories like dark roast or cold brew, or just go with a classic three- or six-month whole bean plan.
The practice of journaling offers some major health benefits, so get them started with the practice by signing them up for Silk + Sonder's guided self-care journal subscription service. Every month, they'll get a curated journal full of prompts, planning pages, intention setting activities and more.
If your favorite bookworm wants to give listening to the latest reads a try, an Audible Premium Plus membership is the way to go. They'll get full access to the Plus Catalog, which includes thousands of audiobooks, podcasts and original titles, as well as a credit for one title per month, including new releases and bestsellers. Choose from one-, three-, six- or twelve-month subscriptions.
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For three months or a full year, your loved one can experience less stress, better sleep and a personalized exercise routine if you sign them up for a subscription to this popular meditation app. For more than a decade, Headspace has offered members access to its vast library of guided meditations, music tracks designed to build focus and workouts meant to align mind and body.
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A Luxury Virtual Gift Idea
NEST New York Candle & Reed Diffuser Subscription
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A Luxury Virtual Gift Idea
NEST New York Candle & Reed Diffuser Subscription
You can’t go wrong with a good candle or reed diffuser, and Nest New York makes some of our all-time favorites. Their monthly candle and reed diffuser subscription is an indulgent luxury they probably wouldn't buy for themselves, but will be oh-so grateful to receive.