Last Minute Shopping and Sunday Morning Coffee

With only ten days left until Christmas, many of us scramble to check off the remaining names on our gift list. And we all know that last-minute shopping is stressful!

Whether you’ve been too busy to shop or need to grab those last few presents, the good news is that online shopping—especially with platforms like Amazon—can save the day. However, navigating last-minute shopping comes with challenges, so planning strategically is key to ensuring your gifts arrive on time and your holiday stress stays in check.

Cozy living room with a lit fireplace, adorned with holiday decorations. Two slim Christmas trees with lights flank the mantel, which is topped with a large painting and pinecone garland.

Season 4 Volume 49

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Last-Minute Christmas Shopping: Tips for Stress-Free Online Shopping with 10 Days to Go

Here are some tips and strategies for making the most of your last-minute shopping, with a focus on how to shop smartly online and leverage Amazon’s extensive network for quick and easy gift-giving.

1. Prioritize Your List

A Christmas table set in cranberry and rose gold colors with a DIY tree, cranberry and white plates, amber and clear glasses, rose gold chargers, and wrapped packages.

When you’re pressed for time, prioritization is everything. Start by reviewing your list and identifying the most urgent items. Ask yourself:

Who are you shopping for? Focus on the people who matter most—close family, friends, and anyone you’ll exchange gifts with on or before Christmas Day.
What’s left to buy? Identify specific categories or ideas for each person, such as “tech gadgets for Dad” or “self-care gifts for Mom.”

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

All of the items listed below arrive before Christmas Day!

Sunglasses rest on a car hood against a desert backdrop with "Carrera Eyewear since 1956" and "Alexa" logos above, hinting at exclusive Black Friday offers.

Carrera Smart Glasses with Alexa

A set of three cooking probes in a case next to a smartphone displaying a cooking app with temperature and time settings for different meats. — CHEF iQ Sense Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer

A wrist with a black and yellow magnetic wristband holding screws and nuts, with product packaging in the background. — MagSnap Magnetic Wristband

A black Theragun massager with a triangular handle and a round massage head.

TheraGun Relief Handheld Percussion Massage Gun

Gold ring with visible inner sensors, featuring green and red lights.

Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage

A multi-styler hair tool with various attachments and a storage case, including barrels, brushes, and a smoothing attachment, displayed on a white background.

Dyson Airwrap

Collage of holiday gift ideas for dads, including a jar of caramel, an e-reader, shirt, gloves, coasters, wallet, smartwatch, socks, cologne, bath bombs, slippers, and a heated mug. — Dad Stocking Stuffers

Collage of holiday stocking stuffer gift ideas for moms, including perfume, sunglasses, a scarf, mug, smartwatch, cardigan, cozy slippers, and a tumbler. — Mom Stocking Stuffers

You can approach your shopping with a clear plan by narrowing your focus and avoid the stress of aimlessly browsing for ideas.

2. Use Amazon’s Last-Minute Deals

A cozy corner with a beige armchair, a white multi-drawer cabinet, a small potted pine tree, a decorative ornament, and a mirror on the wall.

Amazon is one of the best platforms for last-minute shopping because of its fast shipping options, extensive inventory, and curated Last-Minute Deals section. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Check the “Last-Minute Deals” Page: This section is filled with discounted items still eligible for fast shipping. You can find everything from electronics to toys, often at reduced prices.
Filter by Category: Use filters to narrow down the deals by department (e.g., fashion, home, or tech) to find relevant gifts quickly.
Read Delivery Promises Carefully: Amazon often indicates whether an item can arrive before Christmas. Look for “Arrives before Dec. 25” on the product page.

All the items listed below are on sale AND arrive before Christmas Day!

Two Kindle e-readers, one displaying text from a book. Both devices have black casings and are standing upright, ready for Black Friday deals.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Red speaker box with ears, adorned with cartoon dog figures. Perfect for Black Friday finds, it features three dog toys in firefighter, police, and aviator outfits, plus a brown dog with a red ball. A U.S. flag icon is clearly visible.

Toniebox PAW Patrol Bundle

Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet

A smartwatch with a light gray band displays the time "10:09" on its screen, reminiscent of the soft elegance of a flocked Christmas tree.

Apple Watch Series 10

A smartphone displays a photo gallery app, while next to it, a digital frame captures a heartwarming moment of a baby being licked by a dog beneath the glow of a flocked Christmas tree.

Skylight Digital Picture Frame

The white RENPHO eye massager, reminiscent of the serene elegance of a flocked Christmas tree, features a sleek gray trim and an adjustable strap for personalized comfort.

RENPHO, Eyeris 1 Eye Massager

3. Take Advantage of Amazon Prime

Festive dining table with elegant dinnerware, glassware, and holiday decorations, including small Christmas trees and candles. A large mirror with a rustic frame hangs on the wall in the background.

If you’re not already an Amazon Prime member, now is the time to sign up—many items with Prime shipping can arrive in as little as one or two days.

Use Free Two-Day Shipping: Most Prime-eligible items qualify for free two-day shipping, and in many locations, one-day or same-day delivery is available for select items.
Prime Wardrobe for Fashion Gifts: If you’re shopping for clothes or accessories, Prime Wardrobe lets you order items to try at home before committing, ensuring the recipient gets something they’ll love.
Consider a Prime Membership as a Gift: If you’re truly stumped, gifting someone a Prime membership is a thoughtful idea, providing them with a year’s worth of benefits.

Collage of a farmers market outfit, includes sweaters, a quilted jacket, jeans, sunglasses, a woven bag, clogs, and platform sandals labeled as Amazon apparel. — Farmer Market Fits

A collage of clothing and accessories for a Sunday morning coffee date, including sweaters, overalls, a patterned jacket, earrings, sunglasses, and shoes. — Sunday Morning Coffee Date

4. Utilize Gift Cards for Instant Delivery

When time is running out, gift cards are your best friend. They’re thoughtful, practical, and can be delivered instantly.

Amazon E-Gift Cards: These can be emailed directly to the recipient within minutes, and you can personalize them with holiday designs and custom messages.
Restaurant or Retail Gift Cards: Amazon offers digital gift cards for brands like Starbucks, Target, and more.
Print-at-Home Options: For a personal touch, you can print the gift card at home and package it in a festive envelope or card.

Blue Southwest Airlines gift card packaging showing a $200 gift card, with spaces to fill in "To" and "From", and the slogan "Give the gift of a destination. — Southwest Airlines Gift Card

Amazon.com eGift Card

Starbucks Gift Card

The Cheesecake Factory $50 gift card featuring a slice of cheesecake with strawberries and whipped cream on a yellow background. — Cheesecake Factory Gift Card

Six festive holiday cards featuring cheerful designs and messages such as "Merry," "Peace, Love & Joy," and "Happy Holidays" with winter and Christmas-themed illustrations. — Hallmark Pastel Boxed Christmas Card Assortment

Lowe's $50 gift card with the text "The gift of home." No fees or expiration. Use in-store or online. Card requires activation by cashier. — Lowe’s Gift Card

5. Shop Local Sellers on Amazon

Colorful, marine-themed ornaments in bowls, including blue glass balls, starfish, and decorative shells.

Did you know Amazon has a section dedicated to small and local businesses? Supporting small businesses is a great way to find unique, thoughtful gifts while helping your community.

Explore Handmade Items: Check out Amazon Handmade for artisan gifts that feel one-of-a-kind.
Filter for Local Sellers: Use filters to shop products from small businesses in your area, which may arrive faster than items shipping from larger warehouses.

A slab of wood and resin art with swirling patterns of brown and cream, resembling a natural landscape. — Handmade Charcuterie Board

Handmade Pottery Ring Holder for Jewelry

Koja Hand Painted 15 oz. Porcelain Ceramic Mugs Set

Personalized Hand Embroidered Corner Bookmark

Mora Ceramic Mini Espresso Cups Set of 4

Castle Arch Pottery Irish Handmade Berry and Fruits Washing Bowl

6. Opt for Digital and Subscription Gifts

Digital and subscription gifts are a fantastic alternative if shipping deadlines are a concern. They’re delivered instantly or don’t require physical delivery at all.

Digital Subscriptions: Gift subscriptions to services like Kindle Unlimited, Audible, or Amazon Music Unlimited offer months of entertainment.
Streaming Services: Consider gifting a Netflix, Disney+, or HBO Max subscription for endless movie nights.
Online Classes: Platforms like MasterClass or Skillshare offer gift options that allow recipients to learn new skills or hobbies.

7. Bundle Gifts for Simplicity

Cozy living room with a lit Christmas tree, white couch with green pillows, a fireplace, and decorative items including potted plants and a bowl of pastel ornaments.

Save time and effort by bundling related items into a single gift.

Gift Sets: Amazon offers pre-packaged gift sets for categories like beauty, snacks, or coffee. These make for elegant and effortless presents.
Themed Bundles: Create your own bundle by grouping related items. For example, pair a cozy blanket with a mug and hot cocoa mix for a “warm and cozy” theme.
Subscription Box Gifts: Consider gifting a subscription box like snack boxes, self-care kits, or wine deliveries that will keep giving after the holidays.

Gift basket featuring Ghirardelli chocolates, cookies, and popcorn. Blue boxes are decorated with a bridge design and tied with a ribbon. — The Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift Tower by Wine Country Gift Baskets

Gift set with two striped mugs, a French press, Lavazza coffee bag, and a blue box with a silver ribbon. — Coffee Gift Set

Box set of Ouai hair products, labeled "Jingle All The Ouai," includes shampoos, conditioner, and creams. A circular label shows "$53 value. — OUAI Jingle All The OUAI Gift Set

Box set of six hot chocolate mix cups, including flavors: Double Chocolate, French Vanilla, Peppermint, Toasted Marshmallow, and Caramel, labeled "BomBombs Hot Chocolate Mix.

Bombombs Hot Chocolate Mix

COLLECTIVE HOME – Monogram Ceramic Mugs

Green and white checkered blanket, folded and tied with a ribbon labeled "Snuggle Sac. — Snuggle Sac Checkered Blanket

8. Double-Check Shipping Addresses

When ordering at the last minute, minor details can make the biggest difference. Be sure to:

Confirm Addresses: Double-check the recipient’s shipping address to avoid delivery delays.
Use Amazon Address Book: Save addresses for frequent recipients to speed up checkout.

9. Don’t Forget Wrapping Supplies

Amazon makes adding a professional touch to your gifts easy with their gift-wrapping options.

Gift-Wrap Services: Select “Add Gift Options” at checkout to have your items wrapped with Amazon’s holiday packaging.
Order Wrapping Supplies: If you prefer to wrap gifts yourself, stock up on wrapping paper, gift bags, and ribbons from Amazon’s holiday supplies section.

Collage of holiday gift wrapping supplies, including wrapping paper, ribbons, gift bags, and a white Christmas tree. — SHOP HERE

10. Stay Organized

My craft room with a Dream Box filled with craft supplies and a wrapping paper table.

Last-minute shopping can feel chaotic, but staying organized will help you get through it stress-free.

Make a Checklist: Write down each person’s name and what you plan to buy for them. Cross off items as you go. I keep a list in my Notes on my phone, as it’s easily accessible wherever I am.
Set a Budget: It’s easy to overspend when shopping quickly. Stick to your budget by tracking expenses for each gift.
Track Deliveries: Use Amazon’s order tracking tools to monitor your packages and ensure everything arrives on time.

The Bottom Line

Rattan basket with frosted pine branches and pine cones on a marble surface, flanked by glass candle holders, near a window reflecting outdoor greenery.

Last-minute Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With tools like Amazon’s fast shipping, curated gift guides, and digital gift options, you can find thoughtful presents for everyone on your list—even with just ten days to go. By prioritizing your list, leveraging Prime benefits, and exploring creative gift ideas like subscriptions or gift cards, you can wrap up your shopping and enjoy the holiday season stress-free.

So, grab your favorite holiday playlist, fire up your laptop, and start checking off that list. With these tips, you’ll have your gifts ready in no time—and maybe even a little time left to relax before the big day!

A framed image of a landscape with rolling pink hills under a pastel sky resembles the dreamy allure of a flocked Christmas tree. The words "TCL" and "NXTFAME" are elegantly inscribed on the frame, enhancing its whimsical charm.

TCL 65-Inch Class QLED 4K Smart NXTFRAME TV

A Nespresso coffee machine brewing a rich cup of espresso, perfect for those Black Friday mornings.

Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Maker by De’Longhi, White

iRobot Roomba

A sleek, silver and white ice maker with a control panel and air vents stands beside a colorful tropical drink garnished with fruit and mint, reminiscent of holiday festivities around a flocked Christmas tree.

Gevi Household V2.0 Countertop Gemi Nugget Ice Maker

Ray-Ban | Meta Smart Glasses, Wayfarer

This beige countertop oven, with three control knobs and a transparent door, features a diamond-patterned interior that adds a touch of elegance, much like the charm of a flocked Christmas tree.

Our Place Wonder Oven | 6-in-1 Air Fryer & Toaster Oven

My Latest Project

A kitchen with large windows decorated with wreaths. A sign reads "Fresh Baked Pies Served Daily." Books and baking tools are on the counter.

Thank goodness for my color-coded spreadsheet. As I frantically attack my Christmas party baking, I know deep down that everything will be fine if I stay on track with my daily tasks!

And yet, every year, I convince myself I won’t get it all done and that I am way behind. Dave smiles at me when I freak out and reminds me to “check the spreadsheet.” Hehe.

KitchenAid Mixer

Mora Ceramic Large Mixing Bowls

Quarter Sheet w/ Cooling Rack

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My Biggest Challenge This Week

A kitchen decorated for the holidays with wreaths on windows and chairs, flowers on the table, and a sign that reads "Fresh Baked Pies Served Daily.

It’s been a very stressful week. I am getting ready for our party. Plus, I have a bit more shopping to do. And I have presents to wrap. And I need to send out our Christmas cards.

But it will all be fine, and it will get done.

Because it always gets done. Somehow.

see above. hehe.

Cookies topped with festive decorations under clear domes, surrounded by white sprinkles on a white surface.

These Snow Globe Cookies from Happy Happy Nester are adorable!

A jar of pink scrub with a wooden spoon, surrounded by candy canes and festive lights.

Michael, at Inspired By Charm, shared this fabulous Peppermint Sugar Scrub.

Christmas-themed mantel with stockings, pinecones, a wreath, and greenery. Decorative jars with snow and a small house sit on top, creating a festive winter scene.

The Idea Room shared How to Create a Holiday Mantle using a Christmas Jar Village. I love this.

Two espresso martinis in cocktail glasses, each topped with three coffee beans, on a white surface.

A Beautiful Mess shared this wonderful Espresso Martini recipe.

Three clear glass ornaments filled with colorful dried flowers and tied with checkered ribbons on a marble surface.

I love these DIY Dried Flower Ornaments.

A plate of brown Christmas ornaments with a glittery pattern, surrounded by pine cones and greenery on a lace tablecloth.

Christmas Ball Ornaments

Lysenn Vintage Coupe Glasses Set of 4

Silicone Baking Mat with Measurements

And what a week it was!

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Red rectangular pillow with five white stylized Christmas trees and the words "Merry Christmas" in cursive.

Merry Christmas Pillow Cover 12×20

Five rolls of sheer ribbon in maroon, red, green, teal, and gold are elegantly arranged in a row, perfect for adding a touch of flair to gift wrapping.

5 Rolls Holiday Color Organza Ribbon

Snow-covered evergreen wreath with frosted branches, arranged in a circular shape.

Puleo International 24″ Artificial Flocked Spruce Wreath

Ceramic Fluted Quiche Baking Dish

12 Vintage Style Ball Ornaments

Five metal cookie cutters designed for crafting holiday desserts, featuring shapes like a gingerbread person, snowflake, tree, snowman, and candy cane.

Christmas Cookie Cutter Set

Magazine cover featuring colorful Christmas ornaments with text about holiday decorating and planning.

Martha shared 33 Years of Holiday Covers From Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Which one is your favorite?

I can’t believe it’s nearing the end of sharing Christmas inspiration. This week, I have so many fun ideas to share. I have recipes for Christmas Eve dinner, handmade decor, and DIY Christmas tags. I am also sharing Ten Things You Shouldn’t Do When Hosting Christmas, Tips to Setting your Table for Christmas Dinner, and gift ideas under $25.