9 Last-Minute Gifts You Can Buy At CVS

You're headed out to a holiday party and you have no gift in tow. It's okay, we've all been there, and no one wants to show up empty-handed. While department stores and big-box retailers require navigating a swamped parking lot, only to get stuck between other last-minute shoppers at the register, you might be able to find something appropriately festive at your nearest drugstore.

We dropped by CVS to see what culinary items might be available to present as stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, white elephant contributions, or just a fun surprise for anyone on your list. Here's the ultra-last-minute holiday guide for when you need to get someone a gift, fast.

Gingerbread house kits are just plain fun, and adults love constructing them with kids. CVS has multiple options, such as a Peanuts gingerbread house kit for $14.50 or a Pez version for $14.99, the latter of which comes with a Santa Claus Pez dispenser. Everything you need to assemble the houses are included: gingerbread panels, icing, and candy decorations. If you're feeling extra generous, bundle this with a plastic disposable tablecloth.

Hot chocolate bombs are an interactive form of entertainment, and they look great in the box, too. It's fun to watch your chocolate sphere melt and turn into delicious cocoa—bonus points if you have a glass mug—and there's an infinite variety of flavors you can pair with any hot liquid of your choice (including alternative plant-based milks). They're emminently giftable and you can get a different style for everyone on your list. The set of four pictured above costs $11.79, though the selection at your local CVS might vary.

Everyone has received a popcorn tin at some point in their lifetime. You know the type: festive exterior, with an interior divider that separates the buttered popcorn, cheese popcorn, and caramel popcorn. Once the snacking is done, those tins have endless uses. When I was a kid, I stored my loose toys in one, and I had that thing for decades. (Great size for storing Christmas tree ornaments, too.) All in all, a popcorn tin makes for a great nostalgic gift, and it'll run you around $10.

I have to admit, I'm a bigger fan of the dispensers than the candy, and I assume most people agree on that—but still, there's something really satisfying about being able to dole a treat out with a specialized character dispenser. I have a few around the house for decoration, and they'll always appeal to the collector in your life. If you're shopping for any kids, just know that being the first person to introduce them to Pez will make you a hero in their eyes. Not a bad deal for $3.59 each (a cost that includes the candy).

Chocolates always make a good gift, but the themed packaging seems to step up its game every year. CVS has a ton of different varieties, such as this cute Godiva penguin box for $6.99. You can also get gift boxes of hazelnut Ferrero Rocher chocolates adorned in gold ribbon, which cost $4.99 and save you on wrapping paper.

CVS has expanded upon its line of fun Hanukkah supplies, such as candles, menorahs, candy, and toys (including a robot that played and danced to Hanukkah music, much to my delight). These Milk Chocolate Maccabees come in a set of eight for $6.99.

Gift cards are always an easy option for a present, and if you select the right one, it's a genuinely thoughtful gift that you can tailor to your recipient's interests. There are plenty of cards for chain restaurants available at CVS, such as Jersey Mike's, Cheesecake Factory, Applebee's, and many more. There's a variety of both fast food and sit-down restaurants, so you'll find something to fit every taste.

The revolving lineup of As Seen on TV products will never cease to amaze me. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens almost always have an aisle dedicated to them, and not all of them are gimmicky unitaskers—some are genuinely useful, like this Nutri Chopper, which goes for $19.99. (Of course, you could always go for the silliest product on the shelf if you're headed to a white elephant gift exchange.)

Here's something to give you some warm holiday cheer: CVS stores that are legally allowed to sell alcohol usually have various gift sets on offer, including this variety pack of holiday RumChata (a horchata-flavored liqueur), which goes for $26.99. My nearest CVS offers multiple gift boxes of wine as well, which means you can grab a quick host gift before you head to a party.