30 Gift Cards That Make Surprisingly Thoughtful Last-Minute Presents

When it comes to gift-buying, not everyone makes it easy. One of my family members who shall remain nameless (OK, it's my husband) always buys himself everything he needs, even around the holidays. To make matters even more challenging, my brother also lives by the "treat yourself" motto and if he wants a new video game, a new pair of sneakers or the latest book by his favorite author, he just clicks "add to cart."

Beyond the frustrating shopping habits of my close family members, I know I'm also not alone in always seeking a couple of gifts for those people I just don't know all that well, whether it's a contribution to the office White Elephant exchange, a secret Santa gift or that holiday gathering at a friend-of-a-friend's house that calls for a host offering. Say nothing of that person who gets you a present that you weren't expecting, leaving you scrambling for a last-minute gift. When confronted with these challenging situations, especially during the holidays, a gift card can be the best option.

Luckily, the best gift cards are anything but a cop-out. We love these options because they let the recipient pick out their own present (perfect for that shopaholic in your life) and may even lead your friends and loved ones to discover a new favorite retailer. Grab a festive card, write a thoughtful message inside (one of these Christmas quotes, perhaps?) and add one of these great gift cards. Holiday gift exchange = solved.