christmas

The Shopping Deadlines You Need To Know to Guarantee Delivery by Christmas (Plus, What to Buy!)

updated Dec 15, 2020
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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Looking for a silver lining this holiday season? How about three: no stressful hunts for a parking spot at packed malls, no battling long lines to enter stores, and no dread of facing empty shelves. Our holiday shopping is happening from the comfort of our couches, and we’re not complaining one bit! But be warned, the increase in online shopping means that deliveries will likely take even longer than usual this year, so make sure you get your orders in as early as possible to avoid the stress of dealing with delays. Below, we’ve rounded up the very last shipping dates from some of our favorite retailers to ensure that your gifts will arrive in time for Christmas morning. We even included some gift suggestions to save you even more time. Be sure to read the fine print on each retailer’s site to make sure you’re getting the latest shipping details. And check back often, because we’ll be updating this list as more dates are confirmed. Now get shopping!

1 / 10
Amazon
$99.00
was $199.99

The very last day to get free shipping on Amazon orders for non-Prime members is Dec. 12. Prime members have until Dec. 24 to get free same-day delivery. And if you're eligible for Prime Now, you can get your gifts delivered in two hours or less until Christmas Eve. Imagine the foodie in your life unwrapping this do-it-all multitasker, making all of their frying, baking, broiling, and toasting dreams come true with one gadget!

2 / 10
Etsy
$59.00

Your last day to scoop up gifts from Etsy is Dec. 17, although several individual shops will have their own shipping cutoff dates. So if you're looking for personalized and customized gifts, like this adorable polka dot mug, get a jumpstart STAT. Handmade Danish pottery puts will have everyone saying Happy "Hygge"-adays all season long.

3 / 10
Macy's
$33.99
was $69.99

This is the last week to order your Macy’s gifts with standard shipping, so don't wait! This classic Analon stainless steel skillet is layered with aluminum for superior heating and will last for many more holidays to come. Or if you're looking for more gift ideas, here's what else we're eyeing.

4 / 10
Nordstrom
$30.00

The latest that Nordstrom will ship your orders for free is by noon on Dec. 22. Make a celebration warm and bright with this thermal mug, which keeps beverages hot (or cold!) for up to 12 hours. Or check out our favorite gifts under $50 for more gifting inspiration!

5 / 10
Walmart
$79.88
was $119.00

To receive your Walmart packages by Christmas morning, order by Dec. 21 and enjoy free shipping (over $35) and next-day delivery on eligible items. Looking for some inspiration? Try this Instant Pod Coffee Maker that is compatible with both Keurig K-cups and Nespresso capsules eliminating the need to choose, or check out these 10 gifts that look way more expensive than they really are.

6 / 10
Parachute
$23.00
was $29.00

Your luxe sheet sets, plush towels or these beautiful napkins from Parachute will arrive just in time to set the holiday table if you order from Parachute by Dec. 16.

7 / 10
Urban Outfitters
$22.00
was $24.00

As long as you get your order in by midnight on Dec. 18, you're guaranteed your gift from Urban Outfitters will arrive by Christmas Eve. We all get starry-eyed around pie this time of year, and this pie dish seems to know just what we're thinking.

8 / 10
Target
$319.99
was $379.99

Shoppers using their Target Red Cards will receive free same-day shipping until Dec. 21. For members, the cutoff for free two-day shipping on orders over $35 is also Dec. 21 or you can choose to pick up your order at your local store. Bakers dream of owning a KitchenAid — the five-quart capacity, the ten-speed options, the three attachments included — and then on top of that, this exclusive color? Best gift ever!

9 / 10
Best Buy
$99.00
was $159.95

The electronics retailer offers free next-day shipping on thousands of items and will waive the $35-minimum order requirement for My Best Buy Elite and Elite Plus members. Even a sleepy Grinch will perk up at the sight of this sleek, limited edition matte black Nespresso machine under the tree!

10 / 10
World Market
$27.96

Dec. 9 is your last day to order heavy items and rugs from World Market, and you have until Dec. 13 to order small-sized gifts like these highball glasses, handcrafted and perfect to toast a little holiday cheer.

Mail Services

FedEx — Whether you’re sending cookies or holiday cards, the last day to ship with FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery is Dec. 15. If you’re opting for FedEx Express, you have until Dec. 21. As for FedEx Standard or Priority Overnight, the cutoff date is Dec. 23. Here is the full list of FedEx shipping deadlines.

UPS — The last day to ship with UPS Ground is Dec. 15, and the last day to ship with UPS Three Day Select is Dec. 21. UPS Second Day Air must be sent by Dec. 22, and the last day to ship with UPS Next Day Air is Dec. 23.  Here is the complete list of UPS shipping deadlines.

The U.S. Postal Service — The last day to ship using Postal Service Retail Ground Service is Dec. 15. The last day to ship with First Class Mail Service is Dec. 18, and the last day to ship with Priority Mail Service is Dec. 19. Priority Mail Express Service must be sent by Dec. 23. Here is the full list of Postal Service shipping deadlines.

AnnMarie Mattila contributed to reporting.