In a repeat of a trend from last year, many retailers have rolled out special last-minute shipping deals for procrastinating consumers who finally want to get their shopping done—only without going to the store, and without paying for shipping.
Sure, at this stage in the e-commerce game, when free shipping is fairly commonplace, the prospect of complimentary shipping isn’t that exciting. For true bargain hunters, the bar has been set higher—say, with the likes of free shipping and 40% off sitewide.
But at this point in the season, with the clock ticking, consumers who are still trying to check off the holiday wish lists of loved ones are probably desperate, and free shipping—particularly free shipping guaranteed to arrive in time to get goods under the tree on Christmas morning—is quite welcomed.
(MORE: Why Free Shipping Is Almost Universal — and Why You Should Be Wary of It)
Below is a list of deals and deadlines from retailers with last-minute offers for shipping that’s free and sure to arrive by December 24. And if you don’t see a preferred retailer here, check out the possibility of a free ship-to-store option. Major chains like Home Depot, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Sears offer this service, and shoppers can usually place orders and make pickups as late as December 24. And if your heart is set on free shipping, consider the following:
Order By Thursday, December 20
Bloomingdale’s: Free shipping available on almost all orders (a few exclusions apply, like for rugs and mattresses) placed by midnight EST.
Land’s End: Purchases of $100 or more that are finalized by December 20 qualify for free shipping with a delivery date of December 24.
Macy’s: Order at least $99 of merchandise by midnight EST and shipping is free—and the goods should arrive by December 24.
Victoria’s Secret: Enter the code SHIP2DAY to get free two-day shipping, with December 24 arrival guaranteed for orders placed by 5 p.m. EST.
(MORE: Parent Holiday Conundrum: How to Walk the Fine Line Between Treating and Spoiling Kids)
Order By Friday, December 21
Amazon: All Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping, and the deadline for making purchases that’ll arrive by December 24 is 7 p.m. on Friday. And if you’re not a Prime member (annual fee: $79), right about now may be a good time to sign up for a free one-month trial membership.
Barnes & Noble: Orders that total at least $100 qualify for free expedited shipping—make your purchase by 11 a.m. EST on Friday to ensure delivery by December 24.
L.L. Bean: All orders completed by noon EST on Friday, December 21, are shipped for free, with an expected delivery date of December 24. No minimum purchase required.
Nordstrom: 3 p.m. EST on Friday is the deadline for free shipping with delivery on Christmas Eve.
ShopRunner: Orders placed by noon EST on Friday will arrive by December 24 for members of ShopRunner, a service with two-day shipping from a host of participating retailers, including Toys R Us, American Eagle, Timberland, RadioShack, Sports Authority, Calvin Klein, Lord & Taylor, and Domino’s. Normally, membership costs $8.95 monthly or $79 per year. But with a special end-of-the-year promotion, ShopRunner membership—and unlimited two-day shipping for free—can be yours for an entire year. Just enter the promo code RUNNER and register by December 31. After 12 months of the service for free, you’ll be charged $79 for the next year, unless you cancel, of course.
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Order By Saturday, December 22
BlueNile: While purchase deadlines for guaranteed delivery by Monday vary depending on what you’re ordering with this jewelry specialist, some orders—like Blue Nile Signature Diamonds—can be made as late as 7 p.m. EST on Saturday and still arrive by Christmas Eve.
The North Face: Free overnight shipping is being offered on purchases of $99 or over. Place orders by noon EST on Saturday for delivery by December 24.
Saks Fifth Avenue: Use the code HOLIDAY for free shipping (and free returns) on orders placed by 4 p.m. on Saturday. Purchases should arrive by December 24, but some exclusions apply—for one thing, merchandise must be in stock to qualify.
Zappos: Free standard shipping and returns are always available with Zappos. But with a holiday season special, free shipping guaranteed to arrive by December 24 is offered on purchases made as late as 11:59 PST on Saturday night.