In a rush? Virtual gifts have got your back this Christmas, so here are 15 virtual gift ideas in case you've left things to the last minute
So you’ve missed the boat to send a Christmas gift in the post and, despite there being a few websites with next day delivery, you don’t trust the mailing schedule this time of year. Don’t fear, you’re not alone; we’ve found the best virtual gifts to send to people so that their Christmas is still merry and bright. The best part? You can put your feet up and leave it ‘til the 25th December itself to send them.
If you think about it, you’re actually being smart about things when it comes to giving someone a virtual gift. Who knows what’ll happen in the next few months - let alone year - where COVID-19 is concerned. If the past (nearly) 24 months are anything to go by, a virtual present is probably the sort of gift that’ll wind up being used the most.
Easily accessible, often sent by email, virtual gifts come in all shapes and sizes - think subscriptions to streaming services and audio versions of their favourite author’s latest book. Sure, it’s not quite the skincare gift set, luxury perfume or winter candle you might have had in mind originally, but… wait. There’s a solution for that, too: gift cards for beauty subscription boxes. Yep, there really is a virtual gift for everything.
Need something sharpish?
What can you gift someone virtually?
As previously mentioned, there’s a whole host of gifts that class as “virtual”. To give you some inspo, consider an E-voucher for their favourite shop (like Marks and Spencer or Etsy), or a subscription to something like Hayu, Disney+ or Amazon Prime. The latter is a particularly good gift if they’re a family member of yours, as chances are, you can hop on the membership and take advantage of it yourself.
If they’re a bit of a beauty buff, why not buy them an E-gift for GLOSSYBOX? You choose between a one month subscription all the way up to 12 months, then they can decide when to start it and whether they want to continue it afterwards, plus each box is packed full of five must-have beauty products every time. Got a friend who loves their grub? Gifts for foodies like a Gousto delivery box is a sure winner.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Associate Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
Scroll down to pick from the best virtual gifts we’ve found.
Virtual gifts for friends
GLOSSYBOX E-Gift Voucher, from £16.95 per month
This is the perfect gift for all beauty lovers, delivering a monthly edit of five must-have products every month. A nice little surprise every four weeks.
Virtual gifts for the whole family
Disney+ Subscription, £7.99 per month
As well as all the obvious Disney classics (think Cinderella, Moana and more), Disney+ holds every single Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars film you could think of. Endless hours of entertainment.
Best virtual gifts 2021
Amazon Prime Subscription, £7.99 per month
Not only does this give them free prime delivery (which is actually a godsend), but it also provides access to a growing lineup of award winning Amazon Originals, plus thousands of popular movies and TV shows.
Virtual gifts for wannabe chefs
Recipe Box, from £24.99, Gousto
Who wouldn't want their cooking made easier? Especially this time of year, when all you want to do is put your feet up.
Save when you shop for virtual gifts with these Gousto discount codes.
Virtual gifts for wine lovers
Online Virtual Wine Tasting Experience for Two, £85, Red Letter Days
Tantalise their taste buds with an insightful two-hour virtual wine tasting for two. They'll receive a selection of eight tempting samples of wine each before joining in with the evening event from home.
Virtual gifts for reality TV fans
Hayu Subscription, £4.99 per month
If they're into their reality TV, this is probably the best gift you could give them. From The Real Housewives to Keeping Up With The Kardashians, expect it all.
Virtual gifts for celebrity superfans
Personalised Video from Bonnie Wright, £190, Cameo
Know a Potter-head? They'll love a personal greeting video from Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley). If they're not such a fan of the wizzarding world, the good news is that Cameo offers this type of gift from a whole range of celebrities at various prices. Just browse the site.
Virtual gifts for learning something new
MasterClass Subscription, from £14 per month
With a extensive list of courses taught by pros and celebrities to choose from (think: Anna Wintour, Natalie Portman, Hilary Clinton and more), they'll love a subscription to MasterClass this Christmas.
Virtual gifts for book worms
Audible Subscription, £7.99 per month
If they love to read but perhaps find them with less time than they'd like to do so, then get them an Audible subscription. They can listen to books while they're on the go.
Virtual gifts for the shopaholic
E-Gift Card, from £10, Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer does and has it all; from fashion and beauty to homeware and food, they can choose what they want to buy with a virtual gift card.
Virtual gifts for him
Give the gift of food this Christmas, and they'll love you forever. Chances are they've been non-stop cooking as of late, preparing for the big day, so they'll be oh-so grateful for a takeaway on you.
Virtual gifts for animal lovers
Paradise Wildlife Park Animal Adoption, £75, Virgin Experience Days
Choose from a list of animals (including tigers, penguins, red pandas and meerkats) and adopt them their favourite with this epic experience gift. So cute!
Virtual Christmas gifts
Happy Christmas Experience Box, £49.99, BuyAGift
Choose from thousands of gift experiences at locations across the UK, from thrilling zip-lining adventures, super car driving and paint balling, to relaxing spa days, Champagne-fuelled afternoon teas and stadium tours - there's something to suit every taste.
Virtual gifts for the whole family
National Art Pass, from £45, Art Fund
If they're a lover of museums, particularly of the art variety, then they'll appreciate a National Art Pass from Art Fund. It gets you free entry into tonnes of places.
Virtual gifts for social butterflies
Gift Voucher, from £50, Hometainment
Hometainment provides loads of different home entertainment options for you to pick depending on their needs. From chefs to bartenders, live musicians to DJs, HOMEtainment has everything you need to make their event one to remember.
