Christmas is just a few days away, and there’s bound to be a lot going on. Whether you have family or friends coming into town, or if you’re arranging for your kids to see Santa, there’s a chance that you might be nervous about gifts arriving on time. This is especially true if your chances for shopping at a brick-and-mortar store are impeded by holiday and family events.
Knowing when the gifts you’ve ordered online will arrive can be incredibly stressful. Thankfully, there are a few ways to check and see if your gifts will arrive on time.
Check the Product Page
Major retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart have made their delivery expectations easier than ever to find.
On Amazon, you can determine whether an item will arrive before the holidays if you see green text underneath the pricing stating “Arrives before Christmas.” Red text stating “May Arrive after Christmas” indicates that the item will likely not be delivered on time.
On Target, you should see the notice at eye level with the product image on the right-hand side. You’ll see the expected delivery date under “Shipping.”
For Walmart, this notice will appear under the “Add to Cart” button, which is directly under a prompt asking, “How do you want your item?” You’ll then see options for receiving your gift and shipping, as well as the anticipated delivery date.
Check for Pickup Options
If you have time to head over to the store and already have the gift in mind, check to see what your pickup options might be if you want to be sure it’s in your possession before Christmas.
More often than not, shops such as Best Buy or Norstrom will offer same-day pickup services. This way, you can purchase the gift you want on their website but head over to your local store and pick it up in person rather than waiting for it to arrive via an online order.
Express Delivery May Be Available
If you’re willing to spend extra on shipping for more peace of mind, consider checking to see what type of express delivery options are available.
Even if you aren’t subscribed to Prime on Amazon, you can opt for two-day delivery. It will most likely cost over $10, but this can speed up the shipment process.
Next-day shipping is available at shops like Abercrombie & Fitch. However, you’ll likely pay over $20 for these services.
If you choose express shipping, you will likely incur extra fees wherever you shop. However, if you’re in a rush, paying a little extra may help your item arrive sooner.
If You’re in a Hurry, Opt for Digital Gifts
While there is always the hope that you will be able to secure a physical gift for your friend or family member, there are times when gifts will not arrive on time. This could be due to many factors, including the weather, the shipping departments, and the time of year. Thankfully, digital gift cards can help you navigate the panic of last-minute gift-giving.
Digital gift cards are like electronic gift cards in that they do not have shipping deadlines. You can purchase them from your home or while on break at work from your phone or laptop. All you need to do is enter your friend or family member’s email address, and it’ll arrive in their inbox either immediately or on a pre-determined date and time. It’s just like Christmas, but digital!
Gift cards aren’t the only digital gifts you can buy, though. If your friends are interested in a new hobby, consider Masterclass or Skillshare, or if they’re into wellness, consider Headspace or Strava. There are endless options available online. All you need to do is find them!
