Santa Says Tick Tock: Christmas Shipping Deadlines & Gift Guide

Aether ApparelAthletalululemonMiscellanyNikeSorelSweaty BettyThe North Face

If you’re like me, then every year you squeak the end of your holiday shopping in JUST IN TIME, but you swear that next year you’re going to do better. The next year comes, things get busy, you think “eh I have plenty of time” and then the cycle repeats itself.

I feel personally victimized by these “ACT NOW FOR LAST MINUTE SHIPPING” emails I’ve been receiving in the last week or so, thinking “I’ve still got two weeks, whatever”… but today I wake up realizing it’s December 16th and Christmas is in 10 days.

So. Here we are. If you want to avoid the mall (or any other version of brick & mortar retail hell) to finish up (or start) your Christmas shopping, here are some key dates you need to know.

2018 Christmas Shipping & Shopping Deadlines

If you’re in a rush (ha!) here’s the short version. Scroll down for top picks from these retailers below.

Retailer
Date
Time
Time Zone
Arc’Teryx
12/17
The North Face
12/17
Hunter Boots
12/17
2:00 PM
Eastern
Nike
12/17
5:00 PM
Eastern
Sweaty Betty
12/18
Nordstrom
12/18
12:00 PM
Eastern
Athleta
12/18
11:59 PM
Eastern
Marmot
12/18
11:59 PM
Pacific
Aether Apparel
12/18
11:59 PM
Pacific
Sorel
12/19
10:00 PM
Pacific
Columbia Sportswear
12/19
10:00 PM
Pacific
REI Co-Op
12/20
9:00 AM
Pacific
6pm.com
12/20
1:00 PM
Pacific
Lululemon
12/21
5:00 PM
Pacific

Details & Top Picks

Note: Items highlighted in blue are things I personally own and love. Yes, price points are all over the damn place. Sometimes, the heart face emoji just doesn’t think.

Arc’Teryx
Cost: FREE
Deadline: 12/17

Top Gift Picks: Delaney Legging ($80) / Fernie Toque ($35) / Rho LT Zip Neck ($125)


The North Face
Cost: FREE
Deadline: 12/17

Top Picks:  Shelbe Raschel Hoodie ($149) Shinsky Beanie ($30) / Thermoball Parka II ($230)


Hunter Boots
Cost: FREE
Deadline: 12/17, 2:00p EST

Top Picks: Original Chelsea Boot ($135) / Original Nebula Tall ($165) / Original Tall Rain Boots ($150)

Note: Hunter is offering a free pair a boot socks with purchase of any full-priced boot.


Nike
Cost: FREE
Deadline: 12/17, 5:00p EST

Two-day Shipping: Order by 9pm EST on 12/20. Next-day Shipping: Order by 1pm EST on 12/21

Top Picks: Metcon 4 Training Shoe ($130) / Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top ($50)


Sweaty Betty
Cost: FREE
Deadline: 12/18 for shipping, free gift with purchase on orders over $150 ends TONIGHT, 12/16

Note: Free gift wrapping on orders over $100, SB is located in and ships from the UK, therefore if you are going to tempt the free shipping deadline, best to finish your shopping by tonight or tomorrow… because time zones.

Top Picks: Glisten Bamboo Long Sleeve Workout Top ($70) / Luxe Invigorate Hoodie ($165) / ANY Base Layers, Really ($105/piece)


Nordstrom
Cost: FREE
Deadline: 12/18, 12:00p EST

Top Picks: Classic Camo Canada Goose Rideau Slim Fit Down Parka ($750) / PAIGE Transcend Verdugo Ankle Skinny Jean ($134.25) / Spanx Faux Leather Legging ($98)

(Yes, I am aware that parka is an insanely-priced pipe dream for many. But you all know I’m camo obsessed. This jacket stopped me dead in my tracks on my last two trips through Nordstrom. So, if you’ve got the means…)


Athleta
Cost: FREE on orders over $50
Deadline: 12/18 11:59p EST for free shipping & arrival by 12/21.

Later shoppers miss out on free shipping, must order by 12/20, 3:00p EST for two-day shipping in time for Christmas, and the latest shoppers must order by 12/21, 3:00p EST for pricy one-day shipping.

Top Picks: Criss Cross Sweatshirt ($39.99-$69) / Headlands Hybrid Cargo Tight ($108) / Sculptek Skinny Jean ($79.99) / Stripe Contender 7/8 Tight ($66.99)


Marmot
Cost: FREE
Deadline: 12/18, 11:59pm PST

Top Picks: Cassidy LS ($65) / Everyday Tight ($37.50) / Minimalist Waterproof Jacket ($189)


Aether Apparel
Cost: FREE on orders over $250
Deadline: 12/18, 11:59pm PST

Top Picks: Zurich Anorak ($350) / Aether x Mystery Ranch Backpack ($235) / Polartec Cowl Pullover ($135)


Sorel
Cost: $6 for Expedited shipping on orders over $100
Deadline: Expedited – 12/19, 10:00p PST. Rush shipping – 12/20, 10:00p PST

Top Picks: Joan of Arctic Wedge ($240) Out n’ About Plus Boot ($120) / Phoenix Moto Boot ($190)


Columbia Sportswear
Cost: FREE shipping on orders over $99 within the Lower 48
Deadline: Expedited – 12/19, 10:00p PST. Rush shipping (not free) – 12/20, 10:00p PST

Top Picks: OutDry™ Ex ECO Rain Shell ($89.98) / Winter Challenger Hooded Vest ($150) / Winter Dream Pullover ($55)


REI Co-Op
Cost: FREE
Deadline: 12/20, 9:00a PST

Top Picks: Osprey Dyna 6 Hydration Vest ($110)  / Osprey Raven 14 Hydration Pack ($99.93) / YETI 20oz Rambler w Magslide Lid ($30)


6pm.com
Cost: FREE (Choose 2-Business Day shipping at checkout for free upgrade to delivery by 12/25) on orders over $50
Deadline: 12/20, 1:00p PST for free shipping.

Orders placed on 12/21 will arrive in time, but shipping won’t be free.

Top Picks: Frye Melissa Button Short ($115.99) / Sorel Cozy Knit Scarf ($24.50) / Sorel Ella Sandal ($36-$60) / Joanie Sandal II ($67.50) 


Lululemon
Cost: FREE
Deadline: Order by December 21, 5pm PST (8pm EST), get it by December 24.

Top PicksBaller Hat ($38) Down For It All Jacket ($198) / Fast & Free 7/8 Tight II ($128) / Zoned In Tight ($148) / Swiftly Tech LS Crew ($78)

What Do You Think?