Santa Says Tick Tock: Christmas Shipping Deadlines & Gift Guide

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)