Last Minute Christmas Gifts and Shopping Tips!

We are down to the last 6 days before Christmas! While it should be an exciting time as we prepare to spend time with our families, it is often a stressful time for parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and care givers who are often responsible for ensuring that the children in their lives have a memorable experience. Then count in the judgment of those on the outside looking in, worrying about the gifts you bought…in your business when they should be minding theirs, I digress. It can truly breed more stress than happiness. So, I want to say take a deep breath and give yourself some grace. The best gifts are usually not the most expensive ones, but the ones with the most thought. I know we are down to just a few days so I want to give you a few ideas for last minute gifts and shopping tips.

Please note that all these opinions are my own, through my own research. I am not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned in this article.

Lets start with the gifts!

Gift Cards I know that I am guilty of trying to tell my husband what he doesn’t need or shouldn’t want because he has enough of something. However, if that is his thing I should give him exactly that. So, instead of stressing this year about something new and thoughtful I should buy him (after I just got him a 75 inch TV for his birthday) I just got him a gift card to buy him some shoes or sweatshirts from Nike because I know that is what he likes. I don’t care if he reads this because it is what it is lol. I say all of that to say get them a gift card at a store they love. Please don’t think that gift cards are not a thoughtful gift, because you are in fact allowing someone to get EXACTLY what they may want. You can pretty much get a gift card at any store. I noticed that many of the black owned businesses this year have gift cards as well. So, make sure you look into that as you are doing your last minute shopping.

Kindle books Did you know that a Kindle is not needed in order to read Kindle books? You can download the kindle app on android, apple, or computer devices. If you have any avid readers in your family this is the perfect gift. If they have an eye on a special book or you want to introduce them to a new genre this is the perfect gift.

Baked goods If you can throw down, then give someone the gift of food. I don’t know anybody who turns down good food. If your specialty is dessert look on Pinterest for fun ways to gift the cookies, cake, or brownies. If your specialty is a dinner food then surprising your loved one with a delicious home made meal will always be something to remember. You can decorate the table nicely, pull out the real plates (not at my house, we eating on paper plates lol), and just have a really good time.

Photo gifts Walgreens has the option for same day gifts that you can pick up. They have things like photo books, photo wood panels, growth charts, posters, prints, collage prints, and stationary. Perfect gifts you can personalize for your love ones.

You can also read my article on FREE thoughtful gifts here.

Let’s get into shopping tips to ensure you are able to buy last minute gifts.

First if you are shopping on line, PAY ATTENTION to what the website is telling you about delivery.

Shop on Amazon Unlike in years past prime does NOT guarantee that most items on the website will be delivered within 2 days. COVID has impacted Amazon also. Ensure that you are logged in and shop under the headers that state Same day gifts under $50 or Same day delivery on gifts, gifts under $50 delivered today, or Same day delivery for Electronics…You get the picture. If you are looking for something that doesn’t fall in these categories, when you check out pay attention to the message above add to cart. It will say Arrives after Christmas or Arrives before Christmas. This will let you know if your gift will arrive by Christmas.

Shop on Old Navy They are offering ”free delivery by 12/24 if you order before Sunday 12/20 at 11:59pm for orders $50+.” There is also an option to pay $22 for priority shipping when you order by 12/22 at 11:59 am PST. They also have the option of ordering online and picking it up at the store. What’s cool about Old Navy is they offer curbside pick up, so they will bring your items to your car. I have used it before when ordering matching pjs for Thanksgiving and Christmas during the Black Friday sales. It worked like a charm. I love the flexibility they are offering. In order to offer this type of guarantee, they must have a solid contract with a carrier.

Order online, but pick up from the store All items may not have this option, however you should look for the items that do. For example I am a Walmart + customer, but many of the items will now arrive after Christmas with the free shipping. However, many items have an option for you to pick up same day. It will say “free pick up today..in stock” and list the store where you can pick up from. For me it is usually the store I have saved. This allows you to remain home safely, social distance, and quickly get in and out of the store to just pick up your gifts. Target’s website opens right with “Get gifts today. Wrap it up with same day pick-up and delivery. It then links you to the qualifying items. It’s smart and helps you focus on items you can get right away.

Order shoes online at Finish Line by ordering them by 12/20th at 11:59pm ET. All orders qualify for free rush shipping which ensures your gifts arrive by 12/24th. Can’t beat that. On top of that they have some really cute shoes on sale. If you need some suggestions I’d recommend Big Kids Nike MD Valiant Casual shoes which women, girls, and boys or men with smaller feet can wear and are only $40 or Women’s Nike Blazer Mid Vintage 77’ Casual shoes for $60. Clearly, I’m side tracked. Hurry and order!

The other shoe stores i.e. Footlocker, Champs, and Footaction have the option of ordering online and picking it up in store. They also have some express options if you want it shipped and the price starting at $20 and will be depend on your state and the shoe if that is available. Nike does not have the option to pick up in store and the options for express shipping are limited, so I’d recommend gift cards for nike.com if the shoes or apparel can not be found at another store.

Order jewelry from Zales or Kay Currently they have an option to get gifts by Christmas! Order Ready to Ship Styles by 12 PM ET on 12/21.

The good news is there are still options to ensure you get gifts to your loved ones that don’t involve going into stores. However, you can brave it out and go into the stores if all else fails. Make sure to take your mask and sanitizer.

Happy Shopping everyone!