Among the many benefits of Amazon Prime (exclusive member discounts, free two-day shipping, Fleabag), one of the less-known perks is Prime Now. If you live in a major city where it’s offered (check here), you can buy products — from Amazon and even some local retailers — delivered to your door within two hours. Much of it is necessary household stuff, but there are actually some 11th-hour gifts to be had, too. Below, we went through and found the best gift options in New York, Chicago, and L.A., but if you don’t live in these cities, you’ll notice that the options change depending on your zip code, so enter yours at the top left to see what’s on offer. And if you’re not a Prime member, sign up already.
For the dad who’s really into the weather: real-time barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity notifications on his phone via a sleek weather station.
It’s not the Hatchimal, but the hot holiday toy of yesteryear — updated with an app — is a close runner-up.
A stainless-steel and programmable coffee maker would be a thoughtful gift that’ll remind them of you every morning.
A hydrating facial mist is one of those things you don’t know you need until you try it — especially one from culty Mario Badescu.
A scalp-massaging brush with real boar bristles from the famed Mason Pearson.
It doesn’t look like much, but the smart adapter turns any device into a smart one — plug in a lamp and you can turn it on and off with your phone or make it programmable.
Celebrity hairstylist Oribe has earned a fanatical following for his line of shampoos and styling products for good reason.
An automated burr grinder creates uniform grounds that a coffee connoisseur would appreciate.
A fluorescent Carhartt beanie (that’s practically exclusive to L.A. because we couldn’t find it in orange on Prime Now anywhere else).
An $80 spinning carry-on from Samsonite is a no-brainer. If it’s unavailable in your zip (we noticed it wasn’t on offer everywhere), try this one that fits more for just $129.
The most popular Ray-Bans for a reason: that classic square-shaped lens flatters nearly every face.
Chicago is blessed to enjoy the wares of classic Merz Apothecary, where you can find a slew of tasteful Diptyque candles.
Our early-adopter’s pick for the best affordable VR headset now available in two hours.
For someone who’s always misplacing things, the Tile Mate can slip in a bag or on a keychain. It starts beeping when you activate it on your phone. Ah, and if they lose their phone, double-tapping a tile makes it ring, even on silent.
What better way to brave a harsh Chicago winter than with a soothing-balm set from Dr. Hauschka?
The so-called bra-like eye mask that’s a Strategist favorite for blocking out light without messing up eyelashes.
The serious chef’s answer to sous vide cooking at home (we know at least one significant other who’d love this).
The Strategist is a new site designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best notebook, black T-shirts, fashion-editor-approved jeans, toothbrush, and apartment décor. Note that all prices are subject to change.
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