As the calendar flips to December, time seems to slip away faster than ever. One moment, we’re polishing off the last of our Thanksgiving leftovers, the next we’re in a frenzy wrapping up our holiday shopping. With most of our gift hunting done online these days, the race is on to ensure that those presents make it under the tree by December 25 or ready to be unwrapped on the first night of Hanukkah just ten days earlier.
The looming question on everyone’s mind is when to place those final orders with major retailers to guarantee delivery by Christmas Eve. Each retailer has its own deadlines to consider, but let’s focus on the standard shipping cutoffs for some of the big players, so you can avoid those pesky expedited shipping fees.
From online giant Amazon to household names like Target and Walmart, here are the must-know ordering deadlines as you make your list and check it twice.
Amazon’s AI shopping assistant, Rufus, advises non-Prime customers to order by December 15 for standard shipping. However, for Prime members, the cutoff date is extended to December 22, especially for items with two-day Prime shipping. Be sure to check for the two-day Prime shipping label on product listings to ensure timely delivery. And don’t forget to factor in the potential for weather delays.
At Target, orders placed with standard shipping should be in by December 18 to ensure delivery by Christmas Eve. Standard shipping is free for orders over $35 on Target.com, or for Target 360 members with no minimum order.
Walmart shoppers should place standard shipping orders by December 17 for Christmas delivery. Orders over $35 qualify for free standard shipping on Walmart.com, but Walmart+ members can push their order deadline to December 22 for free delivery.
Costco has yet to set a hard deadline, but advises ordering early due to expected shipping delays. Look to “Same-Day Delivery” options for guaranteed Christmas delivery for members.
Meanwhile, Kohl’s standard delivery timeline typically takes three to six days. Orders must be placed by 1 p.m. CST for same-day processing. Aim for December 17 as your cutoff for Christmas Eve delivery via standard shipping.
Macy’s has made it clear that orders must be in before December 21 at 5 p.m. ET for continental U.S. residents to receive their items by Christmas Eve. Free standard shipping is available on qualifying orders over $25.
Shopping at JCPenney? Orders over $75 qualify for free standard shipping, with a typical delivery time of three to five business days. Aim for December 18 as your cutoff to receive items by Christmas.
Five Below sets a firm cutoff of December 17 for Christmas orders, with standard shipping costing $7.95.
The clock is ticking, so make sure to mark those calendars and get those orders in before it’s too late!
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.