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Last-minute shopping? These stores will deliver your presents on time

There are numerous excuses to be gift shopping at the last second, but with these stores, there's no excuse not to have them delivered by the end of the week.

Written by June Wan, Tech Editor on Dec. 20, 2021

Whether you've been busy at work, occupied with final exams, or just lazy (no judgment), not everyone has the time to shop for gifts weeks in advance. So if you're just starting to fulfill those holiday wish lists, let us help. Not only has the ZDNet team thoughtfully curated an ongoing guide of the best holiday presents this season, but I also broke down the top stores that will deliver your presents on time -- even if you order on the day before. Check it out and start checking out.

Amazon

As fast as same-day shipping

Amazon is the prime choice for timely deliveries of a catalog of gifts and goods.

With Prime membership or an order of $25 or more of eligible items, Amazon may offer two-day, one-day, or same-day delivery on virtually all "Ships from Amazon" products.
In select US cities, Prime members can shop groceries and produce from the online Whole Foods Market pantry, and have it delivered within two hours.
Shipping times will vary depending on the size and type of product you order, where you're shipping to, and whether the product is fulfilled by Amazon or by a third-party seller. It's good practice to double-check the delivery dates at the checkout page.

View now at Amazon

Best Buy

Curbside pickup ready in one hour

By Ken Wolter -- Shutterstock

Best Buy is another top choice for timely deliveries. And unlike Amazon, there are physical, brick and mortar locations that provide in-store and curbside pickup the same day you place an order.

Best Buy offers free (no membership required) next-day and same-day delivery on thousands of items. To qualify for the latter, you must place your order of eligible items by 3 PM to receive it by 9 PM.
Depending on stock availability, your local Best Buy may also provide in-store and curbside pickup as soon as an hour after you place an order.
Note that Best Buy will be closed on Christmas Day (December 25), so December 24 is the last day you can use the pickup option.

View now at Best Buy

Target

Same-day shipping via Shipt

Shutterstock

Target is also offering a slew of delivery and pickup options, but you'll have to pay to reap the benefits.

As a Target RedCard member, you'll be eligible for free two-day shipping on the retailer's broad range of items. That means it's best if you place your order(s) in by December 21.
If you're not a RedCard member, you can still qualify for free standard shipping (three to five business days) if you order over $35.
Target also offers same-day shipping through a third-party service, Shipt. With a $99 per year subscription or per-order fee, Shipt will source your local Target store and deliver to your designated address on the same day.
Lastly, Target, like Best Buy, gives you the option to pick up at the store. You can expect your order to be prepared and ready at least three hours after it's placed.

View now at Target

Walmart

No order minimums

Wolterk, Getty Images

Walmart doesn't offer same-day delivery but also doesn't require an order minimum for free shipping.

As a Walmart Plus subscriber, you'll receive free next-day or two-day delivery on the retailer's selection of tech, appliances, clothing, and even groceries. You can also register for a free 15-day Walmart Plus trial.
Not a member? Shop from a list of qualifying items and receive fast, free shipping as soon as the next day.
Walmart uses a time slot system for pickups to which you'll be able to assign upon checking out. You can have a time slot reserved for up to four days.

View now at Walmart