If you have reached late December and realised your festive shopping list is still a blank page, don’t panic yet. The last-minute New Year gifts in the Middle Eastern scene are surprisingly rich. In Cairo and Beirut creativity is basically a national sport and “last-minute” is more of a lifestyle than a crisis. Whether you are after quirky accessories, contemporary art, or something handmade with meaning, both cities are packed with places where you can find thoughtful presents without resorting to supermarket chocolates.

Below is a guide to the best spots for last minute gifts in Cairo and creative gifts in Beirut, with options that support local artists, small businesses and independent designers. Consider it your shortcut to looking like the most organised person in the room — even if the gift was purchased 45 minutes before midnight.

Beirut has always had a talent for turning everyday cultural icons into design objects. Many of the best art gift shops in Lebanon combine craftsmanship, wit and a generous dose of Lebanese humour — ideal for people who appreciate art with personality.

Sarah’s Bag — 100 Rue du Liban, Mhanna Building, 1st floor

If your recipient enjoys accessories with a story, Sarah’s Bag is one of the best places for creative gifts in Beirut. The brand empowers Lebanese underprivileged women by providing them with handcrafting jobs, and the results are anything but ordinary. Their triangle-shaped Bonjus-carton clutches, Kaakeh charms and Manoosheh bags are equal parts fashion statement and cultural time capsule. For anyone searching for local artist gifts in Beirut for holidays, this is as authentic — and delightfully quirky — as it gets.

Art Inn — Online shop, local delivery

For something wall-friendly, Art Inn creates Lebanese-themed art prints and scarves that blend modern illustration with regional heritage. The designs reference everything from traditional chairs (“karasi”) to cheeky local sayings, making them perfect for anyone who loves art prints and handmade gifts Beirut style.

These prints also pack easily, making them excellent last minute New Year gifts from the Middle East for travellers.

Luanatic — Charles Corm Street

If you want humour with your art, Luanatic’s posters are a strong contender. Their prints celebrate Lebanese breakfasts, busy lifestyles and Sunday rituals, all through bright graphics and sharp cultural references. Ideal for anyone who appreciates framed jokes — or for a friend moving abroad who needs daily visual reminders of home.

Orient 499 — Physical stores in Beirut & Dubai

For something more refined, Orient 499’s hand-hammered pomegranate boxes are elegant gifts rooted in Levantine symbolism. Available in brushed brass or silver-plated finishes, they work as decor, trinket storage or a statement piece. Perfect for recipients who prefer timeless objects.

Cultural institutions with shops

Many museums in Beirut have gift shops but — for instance, Sursock stands out with its curated selection of items by Lebanese creators. It is one of the art galleries with gift shops in Beirut worth visiting, especially if you want something unique without browsing dozens of boutiques.

Cairo’s creative scene is energetic, eclectic and very good for last-minute shoppers. Whether you’re after artwork, handmade pieces or cultural souvenirs, there are plenty of places offering unique creative gifts in Egypt with zero panic required.

Pop Up Shop — 90 street, Downtown Mall, New Cairo

A great stop for quick gift ideas in Cairo for New Year 2025, especially if you have no idea what the recipient actually likes. The store gathers glass art, woven baskets, jewelry, ready-to-wear pieces and more from local makers. It feels like a curated craft market — but with better lighting and less chance of getting lost.

TAM Gallery — Cairo–Alex Desert Road, KM 2

TAM Gallery is one of the biggest hubs of Egyptian contemporary art, and the selection covers everything from painting and photography to sculpture — with prices ranging from accessible to investment-level. It’s a reliable place for art gifts in Cairo or where to buy art gifts in Cairo when you need something meaningful and unique. And yes, presenting a new painting as a New Year’s gift does make you look impressively organised.

Cairopolitan — 8 Dar El Shefa St, Garden City

If you want gifts with Egyptian humour, design references and cultural nostalgia, Cairopolitan is one of the best design gift stores in Cairo and Beirut. Their homeware includes artichoke-shaped candles, miniature broom brushes (for your keyboard’s crumbs — a shockingly practical invention) and coasters featuring Egypt’s most recognisable objects. Ideal for anyone looking for handmade gifts in Cairo with personality.

Whether you are picking up cultural souvenirs in Lebanon or searching for where to find creative last minute gifts in Cairo, a few rules help:

If you are rushing between Cairo’s talent-filled galleries and Beirut’s playful design boutiques, you will quickly realise that both cities make last-minute gifting surprisingly effortless. With plenty of local artists, clever concept stores and cultural icons reimagined as art, your gifts will look like they were planned weeks in advance — even if you chose them on the way to the party.

These spots offer some of the best options for last minute gifts in Cairo, creative gifts in Beirut, and thoughtful New Year-ready surprises across the region.