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Gift Ideas for People Who are Always Late

We all know the type. Ten minutes before you have to leave, they decide to start the laundry, or wash their hair.

Or, maybe they just can’t wake up in the morning on time. They hit the snooze 17 times to instill panic solely to be able to get up.

Being that I AM one of these wretched people who are always late, I’ve put together this gift guide of things that help me manage my time a little better.

A watch with text saying "gift ideas for people who are always late."

Why are They Always Late?

It’s helpful to figure out why the person is always late. Figure out the root cause to choose a helpful gift to treat the problem.

Sleepy Heads

If your person struggles to get enough sleep or can’t seem to get up on time, the right alarm clock could be a huge help.

My all-time favorite alarm clock is one that works with my natural circadian rhythms. With a sunset and sunrise right next to my bed, waking up is less of an assault.

For a more invasive wakeup, there are alarms that actually shake the bed or force you to get up and chase them around the room to turn them off. Nothing says good morning like stubbing a toe!

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02/14/2023 06:20 am GMT
Sunrise Alarm Clock
$59.99 $39.98
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02/14/2023 05:55 am GMT

Time MIS-managers

Time management is one of my biggest struggles everyday. I know many people work very well with an online calendar but I’m the type of person who needs it all laid out in front of me. I love my planners–they end up being like a journal that I save too.

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02/14/2023 11:50 am GMT

For something a little less bulky and overwhelming, I’m liking this adulting notebook. No need to commit to filling out a whole planner, just tear off a sheet when you have a busy day!

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02/14/2023 06:30 am GMT

With a perfect planner, you also need the right color-coordinated pens. Personally, I love vibrant super thin, Stabilo marker pens–they don’t bleed to the other side of the page at all!

Animal paperclips are also a fun way to hold important pages or keep coupons for shopping.

STABILO Fineliner Pens
$82.00 $53.41
  • Versatile Writing Tool: Great for structuring texts, underlining, note-taking, or full-on writing.
  • Fine .4mm Tip: Perfect for precise and detailed work.
  • Long-Lasting Ink: Ventilated caps help keep the ink fresh for longer.
  • Comfortable Grip: Hexagonal body design for a comfy hold.
  • Odor-Free: No strong smells, just smooth writing.
  • Durable Design: Metal enclosed tip for extra sturdiness.
  • Complete Color Set: The set that contains all 65 vibrant colors.
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01/11/2024 12:39 am GMT
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02/14/2023 06:15 am GMT

Another way to help manage time is to set timers for each task. I love my cube timers. You simply put them on the side with the amount of minutes and they start the countdown.

I use these to make sure I don’t spend an ENTIRE day checking email, for cleaning, and for getting ready in the morning. Knowing I have a set time helps me stay focused and realistically set goals for the day.

Cube Timer
$10.99 $9.99
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02/14/2023 06:20 am GMT

Time? What’s that? Most of us have smartphones and use them as time keepers, but sometimes the feel of a watch makes you more aware of where the day is going.

Plus, it’s a great excuse to make a fashion statement. We are, of course, partial to the Starling Pocket watch for its glorious Disney steampunk design and glowing lights.

The collectible Starling Steampunk Pocket Watch comes in a limited edition resin box designed by Disney artist Terri Hardin Jackson. Just gorgeous.

Apologies and Warnings

It happens. Sometimes you are just going to be late. Weather, traffic, just one of those days, whatever the case, you can always be prepared to be apologetic about your tardiness with cute pug stickers.

Get your late person a pack of several adorable stickers to hand out to people as apologies for being late. Receiving a sticker is sure to help recover any moods affected by someone’s tardiness. At the very least, it will throw them off with confusion.

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02/14/2023 06:45 am GMT
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02/14/2023 06:40 am GMT

You can also encourage the person to wear an always late t-shirt as a warning to all. Lighten the mood a little by showing up and owning it!

Let us know if you have any other cool products to suggest to buy for people who are always late!

Who do you know that is always late?

Sarah L

Thursday 15th of December 2016

I hate being late so I'm usually early or right on time. I feel that it is a courtesy to others to not keep them waiting.

aaronica (the crunchy mommy)

Friday 4th of December 2015

i feel like you wrote this for me!!!

vickie couturier

Sunday 29th of November 2015

I have several ppl in my family that are always late,,it drives me nuts,,i have never been late to anything

Sarah L

Saturday 28th of November 2015

I have a friend who is just about always late. She even puts alarms on her phone but they don't seem to help.

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