The Savvy Shopper’s Guide to Last-Minute Christmas Gifts

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It’s almost Christmas, but you still have time to shop. Find out what shopping strategies could help you get what you need in the final days before Christmas. 

Christmas will be here before you know it. But there is still time if you have yet to complete your Christmas shopping. While you may not save as much money as those who shopped during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events, you can still finish shopping at the last minute without draining your bank account.

Ready to find the best presents for your favorite folks? Here are a few tips for a more successful holiday shopping experience.

Don’t ignore gifts that can be delivered by email

It can feel extra special to hand someone a physical present. But that isn’t always possible for numerous reasons. There may be limited gifts on store shelves when you shop at the last moment, and the risk of shipping delays may be too great.

An alternate solution is to purchase gifts that can be delivered to your recipients by email. This is ideal if you’re short on time. Not sure what to buy? Here are some great gift ideas you can order online and send to your loved one by email for a stress-free shopping experience:

Streaming app subscriptions (like ESPN+)A grocery delivery or food delivery app subscription (like Instacart+)Virtual retail and restaurant gift cards (like Target or The Cheesecake Factory)

Extended shopping hours and fast delivery may be available

Many retailers have extended store hours this month. Target is one company that makes it easier for you to complete your last-minute holiday shopping. Now through Dec. 23, the popular retailer will be open from 7 a.m. to midnight. Stores will also be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 24, so you may want to shop here if you’re busy and still need to finish shopping.

Other retailers may have similar offerings, making it easier to squeeze in time to shop. Paying attention to holiday delivery and shipping timelines at your go-to retailers can also be wise. Some companies offer same-day or next-day delivery or pick-up on eligible online orders in the days leading up to Christmas.

Additionally, don’t neglect fast, free shipping perks offered with subscriptions and memberships like Amazon Prime. But be sure to carefully review all delivery and pick-up estimates before you place an order so you’re not left disappointed and without a gift.

Regift a present that someone else will put to good use

This one may be controversial to some, but it could save you if you find yourself in a tough spot right before Christmas. You’ve likely received gifts from others in the days leading up to the holiday. If you need a last-minute gift for a loved one, you may be able to find a new home for a present that isn’t a good fit for you.

I’m not suggesting you give away a meaningful present from your grandma, but that $20 or less White Elephant present you received at your office holiday party? If you have no use for it and think it would be loved by someone else, you could wrap it up and give it a new home.

You’ll free up clutter and keep more money in your wallet. Plus, you won’t be showing up empty-handed without a gift. If you do this, be cautious that you don’t get caught. Don’t give personalized gifts to others or exchange an item you received within the same social circle.

Spend within your means

As you finish up your Christmas shopping, keep your finances in mind. Don’t feel tempted to overspend because you waited until the last minute to shop, and there are fewer deals to score. You don’t want to start a brand-new year with expensive credit card debt.

But as long as you stay on budget, using a rewards credit card is an excellent way to earn rewards as you shop. Check out our personal finance resources for ways to save money.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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