You are currently viewing 20 Funny and Practical Gifts for Someone Who is Always Late

20 Funny and Practical Gifts for Someone Who is Always Late

We all have that one friend or family member who just can’t seem to be on time for anything. Whether it’s showing up late to a dinner party, missing the start of a movie, or arriving just as the event is wrapping up, their chronic tardiness can be a source of endless amusement and occasional frustration. So, why not give them a gift that’s both practical and a playful nudge about their perpetual tardiness? I’ve put together a list of both practical and funny gifts for someone who is always late, designed to help them stay on track (or at least give them a good laugh about their tardiness)


Key Takeaways

  • Consider  stylish watches and smart satches.These can be both practical and fashionable, serving as constant reminders to keep track of time.
  • Time-saving products such as programmable coffee makers, quick-dry towels, and dry shampoo can help streamline morning routines and potentially reduce lateness.
  • Organizational tools like smart planners, desk organizers, and reminder apps can assist in better time management and scheduling.
  • Funny  gifts such as funny t-shirts, posters, and custom mugs acknowledge the person’s tardiness in a playful way, showing understanding while gently addressing the issue.
  • Some gifts, like time management books or smart watches, offer more comprehensive solutions by providing strategies and technology to help change habits in the long term.

When you make a purchase through any of the links on this website, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can read the full affiliate disclosure here. Product prices and availability are accurate as of time writing this article and are subject to change.


Practical Gifts for Someone Who is Always Late

1. Stylish Watches

Let’s start with the classic solution to lateness: a watch. But not just any watch—a stylish one that they’ll actually want to wear. A sleek, modern watch can be a perfect gift for someone who is always late. It’s both a practical tool for keeping time and a fashionable accessory.You can wrap it and include a message like “Now you can keep to time”. Maybe they’ll finally have no excuse for not knowing what time it is! This can also be a wonderful Christmas gift.

Fossil Townsman Men’s Automatic Watch

Photo: Amazon

2. Alarm Clocks

For those who struggle to get out of bed on time, a good alarm clock can be a practical gift. Look for ones with unique features like gradual wake-up light, multiple alarms, or even an alarm that runs away and hides until you catch it! Trust me, nothing gets you out of bed faster than chasing a beeping clock around your room.

Peakeep 4 Inches Twin Bell Loud Alarm Clock 

Photo: Amazon

3. Smart Planners

A well-organized planner can work wonders for time management. Look for a smart planner that not only helps track appointments but also includes goal-setting sections and productivity tips. Some even come with built-in reminders and time-blocking features. It’s like having a personal assistant in paper form!

gifts for someone who is always late

Reusable Smart Planner and Notebook

Photo: Amazon

4. Programmable Coffeemaker

For the friend who travels a lot, consider gadgets that can save time on the go. For many of us, mornings don’t truly start until we’ve had our coffee. A programmable coffeemaker can be a game-changer for the chronically late. Set it up the night before, and wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee – it might just be the motivation needed to get out of bed on time!

12 cup programmable coffeemaker

Photo: Amazon

5.Fun Desk Clocks

Desk clocks come in all shapes and sizes, from minimalist designs to quirky, novelty ones. A fun desk clock can add a bit of personality to their workspace while also serving as a constant reminder to keep an eye on the time. Plus, it’s harder to ignore than a phone notification.

Gifts for someone who is always late

Digital Alarm Clock and Mirror Desk Clock

Photo: Amazon

6.Desk Organizer

A cluttered desk can contribute to a cluttered mind. A desk organizer can help them keep their workspace tidy and their schedule on track. Look for one with plenty of compartments to hold all their essentials.

Desk Organizer with sliding tray

Photo:Amazon

7. Quick Dry Towel

A quick-dry towel is perfect for the friend who always seems to be running late because they spent too much time getting ready. These towels dry quickly, helping them speed up their morning routine.

OlympiaFit Quick Dry Towel

Photo: Amazon

8. Key Finder and Item Locator

How many times has your friend been late because they couldn’t find their keys? A key finder or item locator can be a lifesaver. These nifty devices attach to commonly misplaced items and can be activated with a smartphone app. No more frantic searching when it’s time to leave!

Key Finder and Item Locator

Photo: Amazon

9. Dry Shampoo

For those days when there’s no time for a full shower, dry shampoo can be a lifesaver. It’s a practical gift that allows them to freshen up their hair quickly and still make it out the door on time.

Baptise Dry Shampoo

Photo: Amazon

10.Smart Watch

Another practical gift you should consider is a smart watch. These devices do much more than tell time – they can track schedules, set multiple alarms, and even monitor sleep patterns to help improve morning routines. Plus, they’re stylish accessories that your friend won’t mind wearing every day.

Smart Watch for Android and Iphone

Photo: Amazon

11. Time-Management Books

For the friend who’s always late and might need a bit more guidance, time management books can be incredibly helpful. Titles like “Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day” by Jake Knapp or “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg can offer tips and strategies to help them manage their time better. Pair the book with a funny bookmark or a note that says, “Read this on time!” to keep the mood light.

Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day Hardcover 

Photo: Amazon

12. Subscription to a Reminder Service

Lastly, consider gifting a subscription to a reminder service or app. Services like Todoist or Evernote can send alerts and reminders for important tasks and appointments. It’s a subtle way to help them stay on top of their schedule.

Funny Gifts For Someone Who is Always Late

13. Funny Wall Clocks

A broken wall clock can be both a funny and practical gift. You can find clocks with funny messages like “Whatever, I’m Late Anyway” or “Who Cares? I’m Late” to give them a chuckle every time they look at the time.

Whatever. Scrambled Numbers Always Late Clock 

Photo: Amazon

14. Always Late Funny Poster

An “Always Late” funny poster is a perfect gift for someone is always late. This adds a touch of humor to their habitual tardiness. This poster can bring a smile to their face and light-heartedly acknowledge their perpertual tardiness. Whether it’s hung in their home office, bedroom, or entryway, this playful piece of decor serves as a gentle reminder to keep an eye on the clock.

Vintage Always Late Poster

Photo: Amazon

15. Funny T-Shirts and Mugs

Sometimes, a bit of humor is the best way to address a chronic issue. T-shirts with slogans like “I’m Not Late, I’m On My Own Time” or “Better Late Than Never” can be a funny, lighthearted gift. Every time they wear the shirt, they’ll be reminded of their lateness—and hopefully, your thoughtful gift will inspire a change (or at least a laugh).

Probably Late For Something Funny Meme Saying Quote 

Photo: Amazon

16.Custom Mug

Start the day with a smile and a gentle reminder to be on time with a custom mug. You could go for something motivational like “Today is the day I’ll be on time” or humorous like “This coffee is as cold as your punctuality.” It’s a fun way to incorporate time awareness into their daily routine.

Custom Photo Coffee Mug, Personalized Text, Name 

Photo: Amazon

17. “Never Be Late Again: 7 Cures for the Punctually Challenged” Book

This book by Diana DeLonzor is a must-read for anyone struggling with chronic lateness. It offers practical strategies and insights into why some people are always running behind. Many readers have found this book particularly helpful in understanding and changing their tardiness habits.

Never Be Late Again: 7 Cures for the Punctually Challenged

Photo: Amazon

18.Custom License Plate with a Funny Tag

For the car lover late friend, a custom license plate can be a hilarious gift. Think along the lines of “SORRY4L8” “ALWAYSL8” or “L8AGAIN. It’s a great way to show off their sense of humor about their tardiness to the whole world!

gifts for someone who is always late

Custom License Plate

Photo: Amazon

19.Toilet Timer

Yes, you read that right. A toilet timer can be a hilarious yet practical gift for someone who tends to lose track of time in the bathroom. These sand timers usually run for about 5 minutes, gently reminding users not to dawdle too long on the throne.

Katamco The Original Toilet Timer

Photo: Amazon

20. A Custom Doormat with a Funny Message

Welcome guests (or warn them) with a personalized doormat. Options like “Come in, I might be ready” or “Sorry we’re late” can add a touch of humor to their entryway while acknowledging their tendency to run behind schedule.

Personalized Doormat

Remember, the best gifts for someone who is always late are those that combine practicality with a good sense of humor. Whether you choose something to help them manage their time better or something that pokes fun at their tardiness, the most important thing is that it comes from a place of love and understanding.

Leave a Reply