Last Minute Gift Guide

Published December 13th, 2023 at 12:03 am, Last Updated December 20th, 2023 at 8:30 am

We’ve all been there: Despite every ounce of good intentions to make this year different, those dang holidays are already right around the corner and there’s still a list of loved ones, sans presents. 

Luckily, we’ve got a handy-dandy last-minute gift guide, which may have been filed at the last minute. Since we’re big fans of shopping locally, we wanted to offer up some classic local spots that feature online ordering for those who really don’t have a moment for leisurely shopping. We’ve also curated some local businesses that offer gift cards, since everyone has that one uncle who buys himself everything he wants, leaving the rest of the family scratching their heads. Also included are some bonus ideas for a day or night out with those hard-to-shop-for friends and family.

Online Shopping

We’re not saying you have to get the rest of your gifts online, but it sure makes things a lot easier. Sure, you can try snagging something from that big shopping website that must not be named, but we all know how good it feels to support a local business. 

Albuquerque Dukes Store
Abqdukes.com
Even if you don’t remember the Albuquerque Dukes, someone on your list probably does, and there’s a good chance they would be stoked to get some gear with Mike Piazza donning a Dukes uniform. The Dukes store also has a bunch of Lobo gear for those college sports fans in your life. According to their website, online orders can usually be picked up at the store within about 24 hours of your purchase. But if you want to roll the dice on getting something shipped to your home in time, they do that too. 

3500 Central Ave. SE Suite 8
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 255-0219

Beer Merch
There’s almost as many breweries as there are dispensaries around the city these days, so it’s safe to say your resident beer expert has some strong opinions about which one is the best. Of course you can always roll up to a holiday party, six-pack in-hand, but it’s so much cooler to gift your favorite beer lover with swag from their number-one suds-slinger. This, by no means, is an exhaustive list of top-drawer breweries in town, so consult your local beer expert and check your local listings. While we’re all about the convenience that comes with online orders, you may have to pop into some of these places to grab a shirt or hat. But at least you can try some of their seasonal offerings while you’re there.

Buffett’s Candies 
Buffettscandies.com

This iconic and local candy shop has been around for generations, and it seems they’ve got more than enough choices for each decade they’ve been satiating Albuquerque’s collective sweet tooth. Buffett’s will ship their themed gift sets, but it’s also worth popping in when you have the time in order to truly appreciate what they offer. 

7001 Lomas Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 265-7731

Desert Rose Trading Outlet Store
www.desertrosedirect.com
Desert Rose has you covered for reasonably priced, New Mexico-inspired jewelry. Nothing beats seeing earrings and necklaces in person, but that’s not always in the cards. Check out their ongoing sales and deals as well as free shipping for some orders. 

8001 Wyoming Blvd. NE suite b-5
Albuquerque, NM 87113
(505) 821-6723

Fly By Provisions
flybyprovisions.com
It’s hard to go wrong with New Mexico-themed baskets, especially for those kids you just shipped off to college or those loved ones who ditched town and need a reminder of what they’re missing. Fly By Provisions’ curated baskets each have a theme of sorts, including Taste of New Mexico, Los Poblanos and Lavender Love. But they also have baskets for those who already live within arm’s reach of New Mexico’s bounties such as the Missing You Gift Box, the Slow Down and the Tarot Card Gift Box. You can always pop by in person and put together your own unique box too. 

201 Coal Ave. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 525-5494

Good Company NM
goodcompanynm.com
We discovered this Burque-centric retailer on the local craft fair circuit this year and, boy, did they ever tap into the essence of living in the city. Their physical store shouldn’t be overlooked, but they definitely have a bounty of cool apparel available online. Their gear is perfect for anyone who’s proud to rep Albuquerque, but it’s also a good choice for that one carnale who moved away and just hasn’t figured out they’re eventually coming back. 

2117 Central Ave. NW A-3
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 800-4663

New Mexico Piñon Coffee
nmpinoncoffee.com
If you’ve been around long enough, you’ll probably recognize this company’s notable labels from your neighborhood grocery store and the distinct smell of coffee and piñon from your kitchen. You may not be aware, though, that this decades-old coffee roaster has expanded its inventory to include roasting equipment such as grinders, presses and pour-over rigs. If turning your kitchen into a coffee bar is more your speed, they’ve also got pods for those fancy single-cup machines and flavored syrups to up your at-home coffee experience. 

2420 Comanche Road NE Suite D2
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 298-1964

Remedy Day Spa
theremedydayspa.com
Let’s be real: This time of the year, regardless of cultural and religious backgrounds, can really wear down even the most mindful and present of all of us. Sure, maybe a good soak and a round of yoga is the ideal gift for that tightly wound friend or relative. But maybe it’s you, dear reader, who deserves a special spa day. Go ahead, book some time for yourself. If anyone asks, tell them The Paper. said it was cool. 

113 Vassar Drive SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 265-9219

Worth Leaving Home For

Sure, finishing all of your holiday shopping with some strokes on the keyboard and some clicks of the mouse is cool and all, but sometimes you just have to “get down from the car” to find the perfect present. Go on, get some fresh air, make eye contact with someone. It’s good for you. 

Blake’s Lotaburger
lotaburger.com
Look, we’re not going to take up the space necessary to list every single Blake’s location. We’re also not going to try and sell folks on this iconic burger joint’s perfectly thin patties that don’t require unhinging of jaws to eat. We won’t waste your time selling you on their seasonal shakes, perfectly cooked fries or their underrated Frito Pie. As the kids say: IYKYK. We’re not suggesting you throw a bag of fast food under the tree this year, but you do you. We are suggesting, though, that a Blake’s gift card might be the perfect way to say you care.

Jubilation
jubilationwines.com
If there were such a thing as a booze scavenger hunt, this is where we would set up camp. Yeah, we know, there’s a big chain store in the center of town, but Jubilation is the classic neighborhood shop where you can easily find an employee who can advise you on the perfect bottle to bring to a holiday party or which peaty Scotch is the best choice to impress that aficionado uncle of yours. 

512 Lomas Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106  
(505) 255-4404

The Next Best Thing to Being There
beingthereabq.com
The name nearly says it all. This quaint, Old Town-adjacent shop offers finds from all over the globe, without the requirement of a passport. Originally planned as a puppet shop, the store now has fun imports for hard-to-shop-for worldly travelers. 

1315 Mountain Road NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104 
(505) 433-3204

Experiences To Share (As In: Make a Date with Someone)

Sometimes you just have to bust out the construction paper and glitter in order to make that special homemade gift certificate, promising a special night out with that special someone. There are a few places on our list this year that are really more about an experience to share. The key is you have to actually follow through. 

Guild Cinema
guildcinema.com
We’re going to let you in on a secret only Guild regulars know: They use real butter on their popcorn. If that’s not enough to spur a night out with that special someone, maybe the unique list of films this iconic theater offers will. Folks of a certain age will appreciate the nostalgia of showing up early and lining up to get the best seat and getting an old-school ticket before plopping down for an indie film. 

3405 Central Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 255-1848

Lobo Theatre
loboabq.com
Remember before the internet when the historic Lobo Theater used to show all those cool movies? Well, the Lobo is back at it with some modern updates such as online ticket sales and dinner or brunch and a movie. Tacos paired with the classic Christmas story of John McClane saving the Nakatomi Plaza, all while barefoot? Count us in. The theater has started hosting concerts for those who are more inclined to catch a live show. 

3013 Central Ave. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 876-7176

Restaurant Forty Nine Forty and Fancies Bakery, Market & Cafe

fanciescorrales.com
Nothing says, “You’re special to me” like a fancy brunch in Corrales. OK, a lot does, but you get the drift. This gem, just several minutes out of town, offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus that are the perfect experience to share with someone. Maybe consider offering to be the clear-eyed driver for the night so your date can enjoy a couple craft cocktails such as the Caribbean White Christmas. 

4940 Corrales Road #400
Corrales, NM 87048
(505) 554-3850