15 gift ideas for last-minute shoppers still available at Walmart, Target, Best Buy and more
This story is part of 2021 Holiday Gift Guide, our list of ideas, by theme, by recipient and by price, to help you discover the ideal gift.
Christmas morning is almost here. It’s a critical time, but many retailers are trying to help you get your freebies on time. Even in the midst of continued supply chain congestion and shipping delays, there is still some time to receive those latest gift orders and receive them in time to be wrapped and under the tree. While major carriers like UPS and FedEx have detailed their Christmas shipping times, retailers operate more on a case-by-case basis at the moment, so there are several options.
A few stores still offer in-store pickup, so you can take shipping out of the equation altogether. Here are some of our favorite gift ideas that you can order now and receive today.
We have checked shipping times and local stocks in several areas, but the time and availability may vary depending on your location. Be sure to check back to make sure you get your gift on time.
Helen H. Richardson / MediaNews Group / The Denver Post / Getty Images
Gift card offers
Due to the looming deadlines, it is worth considering offering an electronic gift card, which is truly a way of letting your loved ones choose what they want the most. Gift cards are a great option also for last minute shoppers, and a few of them are on sale or have nice extras. Take a look at some of the gift card offers we’ve spotted below:
Apple
While you pay full price for your gift cards, with every purchase comes great bonuses, including:
- Apple Music free for 6 months
- Apple News + free for 6 months
- Apple TV + free for 3 months
These free articles are only for new subscribers, but that still represents a significant amount of add-ons. The offer is available on all Apple Gift Cards at Best Buy, from $ 200 to $ 15.
google play
Like Apple, this card comes at full price, but when you buy a $ 50 gift card or $ 100 gift card for Google Play, you get 3 months of YouTube Premium for free.
Other great gift card offers:
Give access to a course
Another option worth considering is to offer a digital course. Lifelong learning is something anyone can enjoy, so if gift cards aren’t your thing, consider purchasing a subscription for a loved one to a service like MasterClass, where attendees can. choose a course that interests them. Stimulate creativity and passion. Read our full roundup of learning opportunities and see which service best meets the interests of the people on your list.
Master class
2 for 1 membership
Master class
Take lessons from the older ones. With topics covering everything from cinema to cooking, there is something for everyone. Buy a one-year subscription and get a second one for free, until December 28.
Pickup and delivery items ready today
Some items are still available for in-store or curbside pickup, so take a look below and receive your orders soon. Keep in mind that availability will depend on your location, so pay close attention to what’s in stock near you as well as local store hours, as many retailers will close early for Christmas Eve.
Apple
The SE is Apple’s entry-level smartwatch, but offers many of the same features that have made some of the more expensive models so popular. Boasting water resistance and up to 18 hours of battery life, it features activity tracking, heart health notifications, and stylish iPhone integrations. Right now, you can pick up the 40mm model at Target for $ 50 off, just $ 10 more than its lowest price during Black Friday.
David Carnoy / CNET
The Sony WH-XB910Ns are a great budget option for noise canceling headphones. They offer up to 30 hours of battery life and can support two Bluetooth connections simultaneously for almost effortless switching between devices. They have been named one of our favorite pairs of Sony headphones of this year.
Bella
Air fryers have been one of the most popular items this holiday season, and there’s a good reason for that. This 4.2 quart model from Bella can reach temperatures up to 400 degrees F, cooking food in a fraction of the time of a conventional oven or deep fryer. And with removable and dishwasher-safe parts, cleaning is much easier too. You can pick up this model for $ 30 off at Best Buy now.
Lexy Savvides / CNET
If you’re looking to take your health a little more seriously in 2022, or know someone else who could, the Fitbit Charge 5 is a great companion to keep them on track. It has health monitoring, sleep tracking, and recently added ECG functionality. Take one now.
Mega-blocks
A perfect gift for your little architect, these oversized building blocks provide endless hours of fun and creativity. This bag comes with 80 classic color blocks that all fit inside the storage bag for easy cleanup.