Doing your holiday shopping online is great, except for last minute shoppers, that last minute is a lot earlier—and a lot more slippery. Here's a list of when you've got to order by to make sure you don't ruin everyone's Christmas.
The following stores are listed alphabetically, but be warned; some of those deadlines are coming up quick.
Amazon
Standard: Monday, December 19
2-Day: Tuesday, December 20 (Last Full Day); Wednesday, December 21 (Some items until 8PM PST)
Next Day: Wednesday, December 21 (Last Full Day); Thursday, December 22 (Some items 4:30PM PST)
"Last Minute Christmas" (Prime only): Friday, December 23
Local Express (Prime Only, Select Cities): Saturday, December 24
Apple
2-3 Day: Monday, December 19
Next Day: Wednesday, December 21
Exceptions: iPhone 4S deadline was December 5; Customized Mac deadline is Wednesday, December 14
Barnes & Noble
Standard: Tuesday, December 20
Expedited: Wednesday, December 21
Manhattan, NYC: 11AM Saturday, December 24
Availibility varies based on Ships within 24 hours or 2-3 days
Best Buy
Standard: 11AM ET Tuesday, December 20
Expedited: 11AM ET Wednesday, December 21
Express: 11AM ET Thursday, December 22
Guaranteed by $10/20 gift card
Dell
5-7 Day: December 14
3-5 Day: December 16
2-Day: December 21
Next Day: December 22
National Geographic
Standard: 11:59PM ET Sunday, December 18
2-Day: 1PM ET Wednesday, December 21
Next Day: 1PM ET Thursday, December 22
Newegg
Egg Saver/UPS Ground: Wednesday, December 14
Large Item/Front Door/White Glove (Rush): 3:30PM PSTFriday, December 16
3-Day (Rush): 3:30PM PST Tuesday, December 20
2-Day: 3:30PM PST Wednesday, December 21
Next Day: 3:30PM PST Thursday, December 22
Local Same-Day: 11AM Local time Friday, December 23
RadioShack
Standard: Friday, December 16th
2-Day: Tuesday, December 20
Next Day: Wednesday, December 21
(Based on year-round shipping guidelines)
Sharper Image
2-Day: Wednesday, December 21
Next Day: Thursday, December 22
(Based on year-round shipping guidelines)
Staples
2-3 Day: Sunday, December 18 All US; Thursday, December 22 local
Next Day: Tuesday, December 20 All US; Friday, December 23 local
ThinkGeek
West Coast Standard: 12PM EST Friday, December 16th
East Coast Standard: 12PM EST Monday, December 19
2-Day: 12PM EST Wednesday, December 21
Next Day: 12PM EST Thursday, December 22
Tiger Direct
Ground: Thursday, December 15
2-Day Ground: Tuesday, December 20
Next Day Air: Wednesday, December 21
Toys R' Us
Standard: 3PM Tuesday, December 20
2-Day: 3PM Wednesday, December 21
Next Day: 3PM Thursday, December 22
Urban Outfitters
5-7 Day: December 14
3-4 Day: December 17
2-3 Day: December 19
1-2 Day: December 20
(Based on year-round shipping guidelines)
Walmart
Standard/Site to Store/Home Free: Tuesday, December 20th 11:30pm PT
Rush: Wednesday, December 21st 11:30pm PT
Next Day: Wednesday, December 21
Pick Up Today: Friday, Dec. 23rd 11:30pm PT -orders can be picked up until 6pm (local time) on 12/24
Free shipping for electronics until Dec 19
(Based on year-round shipping guidelines)
We'll update with more info on Target, CostCo, Sears, OfficeMax, Office Depot if and when it's made available, but their shipping timeframes are a little more nebulous.