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Admin
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May 8, 2025
Last Minute Christmas Shopping? Here’s How to Save the Day in 2025
So here we are. It’s a couple days before Christmas. Again. You swore this year would be different—that you’d have your shopping done by Thanksgiving, gifts wrapped by December 10th, hot cocoa in hand, just watching snow fall.
And yet… here you are, frantically Googling last minute Christmas shopping ideas, wondering how you ended up back in this same old holiday panic spiral.
Don’t worry. You’re not alone, and it’s not too late. In fact, you still have more options than you might think—including some great last minute shopping deals and fast ways to score gifts without looking like you totally forgot someone.
Here’s your updated 2025 guide for last minute Christmas deals, including a few tricks, tips, and backup gift ideas you can still pull off.
If you’ve got Amazon Prime, you’re in luck… maybe. Two-day shipping is a lifesaver if the item’s in stock and your area is covered by a nearby warehouse. But don’t push it too close to Christmas this year. With demand high, some items may take 3–5 days, even if they used to show up next-day.
Quick tip: if you don’t have Prime, sign up for a free 30-day trial. You’ll get free shipping on millions of items, and if you cancel in time, you won’t get charged a dime.
Keep in mind: If you live somewhere like Salt Lake City or Denver, you’re probably golden. But if you’re out in the sticks, shipping might not be so kind this close to Christmas.
Want to avoid crowded aisles, long lines, and the horror of an empty shelf? Use the “buy online, pick up in-store” feature on most major retailer sites. Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and even some grocery stores offer it.
Now, not everything is going to be in stock. That’s just how it goes this late. If the site says “unavailable,” you can always call the store and ask if they’ve got one left. (Won’t guarantee it’s there when you arrive, but it’s better than guessing.)
Pro tip: If you’re near one of our Xtreme Pawn locations, we’ve got tons of last-minute gift ideas in-store—tools, electronics, instruments, gaming systems, you name it. And you’ll get better deals than you would brand new.
The early bird gets the worm—and the last PS5. Stores restock overnight, so shopping early in the morning gives you a better chance of scoring what’s left.
Late-night shopping works too, but be warned—by then, the good stuff might be gone. If you have to go after 8 p.m., be ready to dig or ask if there’s more in the back.
Also: Some stores extend their hours the week of Christmas. In 2025, Target is open till midnight, and Walmart’s running till 11 p.m. every night through Christmas Eve.
Last minute shopping doesn’t have to destroy your wallet. Even this close to the holiday, you can still find deals if you know where to look.
Use these sites to compare prices:
And check these out for promo codes:
Heads up: Once you’re physically in a store, don’t waste time scanning barcodes and comparing prices for hours. Pick your item and keep it moving. You’re on the clock.
When you’re shopping this last-minute, you don’t have time to be picky. You might have to settle for a color or model that wasn’t your first choice. But if your gift recipient is a little…particular, just make sure you include a gift receipt.
No prices listed, easy exchange options. Everyone wins.
Here’s the move: Buy a subscription box and print out the confirmation email. Wrap that. Boom. Thoughtful and fast.
Some killer options for 2025:
Or just browse CrateJoy.com—it’s basically the search engine of gift boxes.
Instead of a DVD or a book they might already have, go digital:
Subscriptions are instant, and they can enjoy them all year long. It’s a sneaky-good last minute Christmas deal.
Yeah, we know. Gift cards feel like the easy way out. But let’s be real—people actually love them.
You can buy them online, get them emailed to you, or grab a few at your local gas station or grocery store. Look for ones on sale, too—especially places like Target, Amazon, or GameStop.
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t things—they’re experiences. Here’s what to look for:
Sites like Groupon and Eventbrite can help you find good deals on experiences in your area.
This isn’t just us plugging ourselves. Well… maybe it is a little. But seriously—pawn shops are one of the best places for last minute shopping deals.
At Xtreme Pawn, we’ve got:
And because it’s secondhand, you’re paying a fraction of retail prices. You can walk in and walk out with something awesome the same day—no shipping stress, no sold-out drama.
No, it’s not ideal to be shopping last-minute. But that doesn’t mean you can’t crush it. With a little hustle and some smart choices, you can still pull off a Christmas miracle—and maybe even save money doing it.
Just don’t forget the wrapping paper. And maybe… let’s set a reminder for next November?
Happy holidays from all of us at Xtreme Pawn—where we believe in second chances, even for last minute Christmas shoppers.
