Christmas is coming up fast, and if you're still needing to check off some shopping from your list, you're probably wondering when the last day to buy online is. Have no fear, we're here to help make your list and check it twice to get everything you need. Below, we've detailed shipping information from a variety of different retailers - Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target - so you can figure out the best time to buy gifts from them ahead of Christmas.
Some locations, like Amazon, will offer information on each item's sale page about whether or not it'll arrive before Christmas. Stores like Best Buy and Target also offer same-day pickup from a local store if you just want to run out and grab it. You can find more detailed information on each location below so you can be as prepared as possible for the big day on December 25.
What is The Last Day to Buy Online at Amazon for Christmas?
Amazon has a helpful little note above their 'Add to Cart' button that usually states whether or not an item will arrive before Christmas (it just says 'Arrives before Christmas' in green), which is great if you're doing some last-minute shopping right now. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can utilize the two-day shipping on select items as well. However, in the event there are shipping delays or any problems, it's good to order even earlier to be prepared. For this, make sure to place any orders you have by December 20, to give yourself a nice bit of padding before the big day.
What is The Last Day to Buy Online at Best Buy for Christmas?
The beauty of Best Buy is you can pick up some items at your closest store, which is incredibly helpful with online shopping. If you find something you like, just scroll down to the 'Add to Cart' button and see if it's eligible for pickup at a nearby store. This link is usually just above the 'Add to Cart' button, in a section titled 'Availability'. However, if you just want to order online, Best Buy does offer same-day or next-day delivery on select items, which can also be found in the 'Availability' section. Per a press release from Best Buy, "Place an order up until noon local time on Dec. 24 for free delivery by 7 p.m. Stores will be open until 7 p.m. local time on Dec. 24. Store Pickup and Curbside are available at all locations for orders placed by 5 p.m."
If you're a My Best Buy Plus or Total member, you can even get free two-day shipping. Similar to Amazon, though, it's better to play it safe and give yourself a nice five-day window to make sure you get everything, so aim to purchase items by December 20.
What is The Last Day to Buy Online at Walmart for Christmas?
Much like Best Buy, you can choose Curbside Pickup or Delivery from your local store to have something brought to your home. According to a Walmart press release on their holiday shipping, "Customers can place an order by 12 p.m. local time on Dec. 24 for same-day pickup and delivery through 4 p.m." So, if you're stuck needing to get gifts on Christmas Eve, Walmart is ready to help. They also offer Express Delivery on select items for an extra $10, which will bring your items from your local store to you in under two hours.
As far as their shipping cutoffs go, Walmart stated in that same press release that you can, "Order by 2 p.m. local time Dec. 21 for delivery by Dec. 25." Walmart+ members also get free shipping for online orders with no order minimum, free delivery, and one free Express Delivery during the month of December.
What is The Last Day to Buy Online at Target for Christmas?
Target also offers same-day delivery and order pickup from your local store, so you can grab items as late as December 24. Per a Target press release, "Guests can place orders as late as 6 p.m. local time at most stores on Christmas Eve and get their purchases using Target's same-day services, Drive Up and Order Pickup." If you want to use Same-Day delivery from them through Shipt, place an order "before 4 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve and have them delivered in as soon as one hour," to get everything you need before the 25th.
If you're using standard shipping, select orders should be placed by December 20 at 12pm CST to get what you need before Christmas Day. The items you choose will have a date underneath the 'Shipping' option to show you when you'll get it, so you can plan accordingly. The item's sale page also shows Delivery and Pickup options so you can see if it's at your local store.
If you're curious about some fun gift ideas to give over the holidays this year, we have an excellent selection of gift guides to look through. If you want to buy something for the gamer in your life, make sure to check out our PlayStation gift guide, Xbox gift guide, and Nintendo gift guide. Or, if you want something more focused around fandoms, check out our Marvel gift guide or Star Wars gift guide, amongst many others.
Hannah Hoolihan is a freelance writer who works with the Guides and Commerce teams here at IGN.
