(Image credit: Getty Images)
With just days left before Christmas, you’re running out of time to find gifts for those hard-to-shop-for names on your list – the coworker you drew for Secret Santa that you hardly know; the second cousin twice removed that just decided they’re coming for Christmas this year; the grandkid whose interests seem to change overnight.
Whatever the reason you’ve been procrastinating on those last few gifts, there’s no need to panic. While you might miss the holiday shipping deadlines for the post office, many retailers still offer fast, free shipping (for members, at least) that will get your gift where it needs to be on time.
From crowd-pleaser gift ideas eligible for one- or two-day shipping to popular gifts for grandkids of all ages, everything on the list below should make it to your delivery destination before Christmas (as long as you order it on or before December 23). Amazon and Walmart are particularly fast shippers, which is why I’ve highlighted them here.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more – straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice – straight to your e-mail.
If you’re reading this on Christmas Eve (or Christmas morning), skip right down to the gift cards and subscriptions section for last-minute gift ideas that don’t need to be shipped at all.
Best last-minute gifts at Amazon
Best last-minute gifts at Walmart
Walmart has made great strides in expanding its inventory over the past couple of years. Luckily for you, that means this year’s top tech gifts and other surprisingly high quality finds can arrive as soon as the same day.
They may even be eligible for pickup at your nearest Walmart if you’re really cutting it close to the deadline.
The best gift cards and subscriptions that don’t need shipping
If you’ve run out of time to even order something for next-day delivery, don’t despair. A well-picked gift card or subscription can feel just as thoughtful (and useful) as a physical gift.
Here are some of the easy wins that you can get even if it’s Christmas morning and you’re already en route to the in-laws.

