And just like that, Christmas is less than two days away, which is too soon for most items bought online to arrive in time. That said, you aren’t alone if you waited too long to start buying gifts this year, and you definitely aren’t alone in feeling guilty for considering digital gifts instead of something your recipient can unwrap. But here’s the thing: digital gifts can still unlock memorable experiences, be it movies, games, or music. They also let your giftee choose exactly what they want from the store, making them both convenient and versatile.
Below, we’ve curated a list of some of the best digital goodies that folks at The Verge have used or gifted. The list is curated by interests, too, so you can find the perfect present whether your loved one is into the arts, exercise, or something else entirely. That way, you’ll at least be able to gift something more thoughtful than an Amazon or Walmart gift card — even if those are still totally viable options in our book.
Gifts for film and TV buffs
Whether you’re shopping for a movie buff or an avid sports fan, there are a number of subscriptions that’ll grant your giftee access to a wide range of content. Below are some of the most popular, as well as a few catered toward anime diehards, horror lovers, and those looking for something more niche.
Disney Plus gift card $ 25 $ 25 You can buy Disney Plus gift cards in increments of $25 up to $200. They’re usable toward Disney Plus subscriptions and bundles that include access to Disney Plus and Hulu, which start at $12.99 a month. That way, the family can stream everything from Andor and Percy Jackson to The Bear and Alien Earth. Read More $25 at Disney
Netflix (Amazon, Best Buy, Peacock ( Paramount Plus (Amazon, A gift card to a major streaming service like Walmart ), Peacock ), or Best Bu y, Walmart ) is a good gift that’ll cater to all kinds of passions. On Netflix, they can spend their holiday binging KPop Demon Hunters and Stranger Things, while Peacock provides access to shows like The Paper, Parks and Recreation, and Poker Face. A Paramount Plus subscription, meanwhile, lets you dive into Dexter, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and the entire Taylor Sheridan universe — including newer series like Landman and the latest Yellowstone spinoff, 1923.
Criterion Channel gift card grants access to more than a thousand classic and contemporary Hollywood, international, arthouse, and independent films. It also features programming that spotlights directors, stars, genres, and themes, including a “15-minute-a-month film school.”
For the anime lovers in your life, a Crunchyroll gift card provides access to hundreds of anime shows and films shortly after they air in Japan, including Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Lock, and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. They can even use the gift to purchase Crunchyroll’s extensive collection of anime figures, vinyl records, and clothes.
Gifts for the gamers
If you’re not sure which type of games your giftee prefers, you can gift them an Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo subscription. Not only will these memberships grant them access to free digital games, but they also include perks such as online multiplayer and cloud saves, among other incentives.
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