The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the rush for last-minute gifts and the quest for the best deals. Retailers are vying for your business by offering attractive shipping options and extended return policies. Understanding these policies can significantly reduce the stress of holiday shopping and ensure your gifts arrive on time, or can be easily exchanged if needed. This comprehensive guide summarizes the holiday shipping deadlines and return windows for several major retailers, empowering you to make informed purchasing decisions this season.
Amazon: For Prime members, the free same-day delivery option is available until December 24th, provided the order meets a minimum threshold. One-day delivery with no minimum purchase requirement is available through December 23rd, while two-day delivery extends to December 22nd. Non-Prime members can find shipping details on individual product pages. Amazon’s extended holiday return policy allows items purchased between November 1st and December 31st to be returned until January 31st, 2025, with Apple products being the exception, requiring return by January 15th, 2025.
Apple: Free delivery for in-stock items ordered by 9 PM ET on December 21st guarantees Christmas Eve arrival (excluding engraved items). Two-hour delivery is available for a fee in most metro areas, and in-store pickup is also an option. Apple’s return policy allows products purchased between November 8th and December 25th to be returned until January 8th, 2025, excluding T-Mobile and Verizon financed iPhones. Purchases made after Christmas are subject to the standard 14-day return policy.
Target: Free two-day shipping is available for orders over $35 or for RedCard holders. Orders placed by 1 PM ET on December 23rd are guaranteed to arrive before Christmas. Same-day delivery and in-store pickup options are also available. Target’s extended return window allows electronics and entertainment items (excluding Apple products) purchased between November 7th and December 24th to be returned until January 24th, 2025. Apple products and mobile phones purchased within the same period must be returned by January 8th, 2025.
Walmart: Free next-day, two-day, and standard shipping options are available for eligible orders over $35. The Christmas delivery deadline for these options is 12:30 PM local time on December 23rd. Walmart Plus members enjoy free next-day and two-day shipping with no minimum purchase requirement. Same-day delivery and pickup are available for orders placed by 12 PM local time on December 24th. Express delivery within two hours is also available for a fee, with a deadline of 4 PM local time on Christmas Eve. Walmart’s extended return policy covers items purchased between October 1st and December 31st, allowing returns until January 31st, 2025 (some exclusions apply).
Best Buy: My Best Buy Plus and Total members benefit from free next-day and two-day shipping on eligible items. Non-members receive free next-day shipping on qualifying orders over $35. The Christmas delivery deadline for free shipping is 11:30 AM ET on December 23rd. Free same-day delivery is offered for orders placed by 12 PM local time on December 24th, with a 7 PM delivery cutoff. In-store and curbside pickup orders can be placed until 5 PM local time on December 24th. Best Buy’s extended holiday return policy allows purchases made between November 1st and December 31st to be returned until January 14th, 2025, with exceptions for items with third-party contracts and holiday-specific products.
Other Retailers: B&H, Costco, GameStop, Dell, DJI, Google, HP, Microsoft, Newegg, Sam’s Club, and Sonos also offer varying shipping options and return policies for the holiday season. It’s crucial to consult each retailer’s website for specific details regarding shipping deadlines, costs, and return windows to ensure a smooth and stress-free holiday shopping experience. Remember to factor in potential shipping delays and plan accordingly to avoid disappointment. By being aware of these policies, you can maximize your chances of receiving your gifts on time and have the peace of mind knowing you have options for returns and exchanges.
