When do I have to order online on Walmart or Amazon to guarantee my package arrives before Christmas?
If you’re not fully prepared for the big day of present-giving, then keep an eye on the calendar if you’re wanting one of the retail behemoths to deliver.
Despite our best efforts to have all holiday gifts prepared in advance, there’s often a couple that slip by unnoticed, resulting in a frantic scramble to secure those final presents for loved ones. Thankfully, the modern era spares us from frenzied physical searches.
Now, of course, we can conveniently shop from the comfort of our homes, a stark contrast to the days of exhaustive telephone directory searches. Online shopping offers a soothing solution, yet it’s important to remember that time is of the essence, as delivery deadlines are quickly approaching. Two of the monster retailers, Amazon and Walmart, will be at their busiest as we all demand items in the final week, but knowing the key dates is crucial.
Amazon and Walmart Christmas order deadlines
Christmas dates for final Amazon orders
As far as we can see, Amazon’s official last order dates for 2023 Christmas delivery are not yet announced. They likely back themselves to really push the envelope, and smiley cardboard box, as close to the sleigh ride as possible. As with normal purchases from the online store, your location will have an effect as will the item you are purchasing. The best thing to do therefore is assess each product on the website as it will tell you by when it should arrive.
Historically, 22 December has been the final day for Prime members or purchases with two-day shipping. Additionally, Amazon provides the option to purchase gift cards on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for last-minute shoppers.
Walmart Christmas deadlines and costs
Walmart has announced their holiday delivery schedule, offering various options for last-minute shoppers. Orders placed by 2 p.m. local time on 21 December are eligible for two-day shipping, ensuring gifts arrive just in time for Christmas. For even later purchases, express delivery is available until 4 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve, at an additional cost of $10.
Walmart+ members benefit from one free express delivery in December. Additionally, customers can opt for curbside pickup, available for orders placed by 12 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
What if the gifts don’t arrive by Christmas Day?
OK, so if this happens, hang your head in shame. You’ve had a whole year to prepare!
But, we do have some advice for you to cover your tracks. First, why not adopt a new holiday occasion, one that’s already a huge part (more than Christmas for many) in other countries like Spain. That is the day of the Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos), which takes place on 6 January. Surely the gifts will arrive by then, although remember just to put your shoes out instead of using stockings.
The other idea is to just play a little dumb and when the item arrives a few days late, wrap it and leave it somewhere that could have been missed amid the 25th unwrapping frenzy. “Oh, what is this? How did we not see it?” If appropriate in your house, blame the sherry!