Budgeting: Tips for Buying Last Minute Gifts

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Time to do everything last minute, fa la la la la la la la. Alright my last minute shoppers, now is your time to shine! To those who like to get their shopping done back in July, it might seem like all hope is lost, but you and I know that that’s not the case. So in today’s post we’re going to go over your last minute shipping dates, where to buy the best last minute gifts (I think you know the answer to this one), and what some great last minute gifts are). Finally, we’ll discuss a question I’ve gotten asked a few times: the best way to pack presents if you’re traveling. Let’s get to it.

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Tips for Buying Last Minute Gifts

The Shipping Dates You Need to Know

Now, if you’ve signed up for my mailing list, then you’ve probably already gotten your copy of How to Never Pay Full Price This Holiday Season, which has a full list of important shipping dates. If you haven’t yet, I’ll wait for you to go download it now, and then we can discuss the important dates.

First up, are you mailing things to loved ones? Well, you have two last chances to mail things on your own.

December 20th

That’s your last day to ship Priority Mail 2nd Day Air. And yes, that’s TOMORROW. 

December 21st

Your last chance to ship UPS Next Day Air. Well, I never said it would be cheap to wait. Also, remember, Christmas is on a Tuesday, so you’re playing touch and go with weekend mail here.

Shipping Through Retailers

So another way you can play this is that you can order something directly through a retailer and pay to have them wrap and ship it. Just remember, you’re going to pay for it.

Amazon

Have you joined Amazon Prime? If not, now may be a good time to start your 30 day free trial, if only for the free shipping benefits. Why? Well let’s go over the shipping options that Amazon Prime Members have.

Wednesday, December 19

Last day for Standard Shipping Free for Prime members on qualifying orders.

Saturday, December 22

Last day for Prime FREE Two-Day Shipping No minimum purchase

Sunday, December 23

Last day for Prime FREE One-Day Shipping (in select areas)

Monday, December 24

Last day for FREE Same-Day Delivery (in select areas)
Last day for Prime FREE 2-Hour Delivery with Prime Now (in select areas)

See, it really is worth it just for the shipping.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom is also a great option, even if you aren’t a card holder! Plus, I love going through their home goods and beauty section for great options.

Dec. 20th

Last day for Free Standard Shipping on Gift Cards (order by 3pm ET).

December 21st

Last day for Free Standard Shipping on qualifying merchandise (order by noon ET).

Last day for Saturday Delivery on qualifying merchandise (order by noon ET).

December 22nd

Last day for Next-Business-Day Shipping (order by noon ET).

December 25th

Last day to send an eGift Card for Christmas

The Best Last Minute Gifts and Where to Buy Them

Well, if you were just reading above, you’ll see that Amazon and Nordstrom are great options for last minute gifts. Especially if you’re in a time crunch.

But what if you aren’t in a time crunch, you’re just in a gift buying crunch? I have some great suggestions. Let’s go!

Gift Cards

People always shut down gift cards, which seems so silly to me. It’s really not impersonal (which is the answer I get the most) if it’s to somewhere where someone will actually use it.

Gift Certificates to Restaurants

Personally, I think this idea is super cute. Ask around and find out if there’s a restaurant someone loves, or if there’s a new one in town that they haven’t tried yet. Then get them a gift certificate so they can try it out or go back to a favorite.

Museum Memberships or Theater Tickets

Again, think along the lines of experiences! Give them the chance to try something new or visit a favorite in their city. 

Check Out Amazon….

When all else fails, I only made one gift guide this year for a reason guys. You really can find everything at Amazon, so check out my list and get to it.

Finally, How to Pack Your Gifts

Alright, for the brave holiday travelers, let’s talk about packing those gifts. I have a few tips that I think will help! For the record, all of these tips assume that you’re flying. If you’re driving, basically all of them go out the window since you have ample space (in theory).

Sacrifice The Space or Bring a Larger Suitcase

This advice isn’t fun, but it’s necessary. You have to pick and choose here. If you’re me, I’m going to try to bring less of my things in favor of more space for the presents. I really don’t want to bring a larger suitcase that I can’t check.

Wrap the Presents When You Get There

Sorry, I just don’t have faith that my wrapping job won’t get crushed or torn open for some security reason. It’s not worth the risk. Instead, I’d pack a bunch of gift bags and tissue paper and put everything together once I get there. (Sorry, wrapping paper just isn’t going to happen.)

Know What to Pack and What to Carry

This is up to your own judgement. I would say put the more durable stuff in your suitcase and carry on the more delicate presents. If you’re really smart though, don’t get any delicate presents. You’re just asking for trouble. 

J.Crew Lace Top
AEO Jeggings
Talbots Pumps c/o (Old, Similar, Similar)
Fitbit Band
J.Crew Hair Bow (Similar, Similar)

That’s it for Tips for Buying Last Minute Gifts

Okay, I think we’ve officially covered all of the questions you could have in regards to last minute gifts. Did I miss anything? Ask in the comments! 

Photos by Alex Good