When do I have to order online on Walmart or Amazon to guarantee my package arrives before Christmas?

Every year no matter how hard one tries to make sure that all the presents are ready well before Christmas there always seems to be one or two that fall through the cracks. This inevitably leads to a last-minute mad dash to find what you are looking for for that special someone.

Fortunately though, nowadays we don’t need to run around like a chicken with its head cut off but, instead can let our fingers do the walking, albeit not like in the days of Ma Bell. The wonders of ordering online from wherever you are these days provides great comfort. But deadlines still exist, and the window of opportunity is closing fast.

Amazon online order deadline to get a package by Christmas

The fortunate Amazon Prime members that live in a part of the country that have access to the company’s same-day delivery service may be able to order their desired gift as late as 24 December.

Otherwise, for those that pay for the subscription service, take into account that the to get your package before Christmas Day using free two-day delivery you’ll need to order by the 22nd and for expedited one-day delivery the latest you can make your order is the 23 December.

However, the sooner the better for both Amazon Prime and non-Amazon Prime shoppers to insure against any potential delays. Shipping times for the latter group will likely take longer or be more costly.

Walmart online order deadline to get a package by Christmas

Depending on how much you spend and whether you are a member of the Walmart+ subscription service you may have access to free two-day shipping from Walmart, or even next-day shipping.

While Walmart can’t guarantee that the gifts will make it there by Christmas, all Walmart customers receive two-day shipping for free on orders $35 and over. You will need to make your purchase by 22 December in order for the package to arrive on time.

Another option for customers is to order online and pick-up the gifts at the store to avoid crowds and shipping costs. Or you could select same-day delivery to your home from your local store but fees vary depending on the time of day and it will cost you an extra $10 on top if you choose Express delivery.

Same-day drone delivery is now available in three states, Arizona, Florida and Texas. However, you need to live within one-mile of participating stores. As well, customers in five cities at limited locations in Arizona can have their package delivered by self-driving Cruise vehicles.

And if the gifts don’t arrive by Christmas?

If all else fails you can always adopt a new tradition from Spain, if not already part of your family’s celebration. That of the Three Kings, which takes place on 6 January. However, you’ll need to put some shoes out for the gifts to be placed by instead of using stockings.