Last-Minute Amazon Christmas Orders: When's The Cut-Off?

If you're a last-minute Christmas shopper, you're in luck! Amazon offers various fast, convenient delivery options to ensure your gifts arrive on time. While the official cut-off dates for 2023 have passed, here's a guide to help you plan for the upcoming holiday season. Amazon Prime members typically have until December 22 for two-day shipping, with one-day shipping available until December 23. Non-Prime members should order by December 17 for standard delivery. Same-day delivery is also an option, but availability may vary. Additionally, e-gift cards are always an option for last-minute shoppers. So, while you can't rely on next-day delivery right up to Christmas, Amazon provides several choices to save you from paying extra for last-minute delivery.

Amazon Prime members can order as late as 23 December

To ensure your packages reach their destination on time, check the deliver-by date listed on each item's description page. Eligible products will be marked with a green "arrives by Christmas" label.

If you're not an Amazon Prime member, you'll need to place your order earlier. Your best bet for last-minute Amazon shopping is to place your order by 22 December with Prime one-day delivery or 21 December with Prime two-day delivery.

If you miss the shipping deadlines, you can still order Amazon e-gift cards or Amazon Prime memberships on 25 December for immediate arrival on Christmas Day.

Non-Prime members should order by 17 December

If you're not an Amazon Prime member, you'll need to order your Christmas gifts by 17 December to ensure they arrive on time. This is because non-Prime members need to meet a minimum spend of $35 to qualify for free standard shipping, and 17 December is the last date to order before Christmas with this delivery option.

While it's possible that some items may still arrive on time if you order after 17 December, this is not guaranteed. To be safe, it's best to place your order by the cutoff date.

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you have a bit more flexibility. The last day to take advantage of Prime two-day shipping and have your gifts arrive before Christmas is 22 December. However, keep in mind that the two-day period starts when the item is shipped, not when you place your order. So, it's still a good idea to order as early as possible to ensure your gifts arrive on time.

For those who are really cutting it close, Amazon offers same-day delivery in select locations. This option is available to both Prime and non-Prime members, but availability may be limited on 24 December.

If all else fails, you can always purchase Amazon e-gift cards or Amazon Prime memberships, which can be ordered as late as 25 December and will arrive immediately on the same day.

Amazon's Same-Day Delivery option

Amazon offers a Same-Day Delivery option for customers in select zip codes and metro areas across the US. This option is available seven days a week, excluding certain holidays and high-volume shopping days such as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Black Friday, and Prime Day.

To qualify for Same-Day Delivery, Amazon Prime members must place their orders before the cutoff time and select Same-Day Delivery at checkout. The order must be shipped to a residential address within an eligible zip code and include a minimum number of eligible items. Non-Prime customers can also access Same-Day Delivery for a cost calculated by adding the "Per Shipment" and "Per Item" costs.

In eligible cities, customers can place orders as late as 5 pm and receive their deliveries within hours. Orders placed by midnight will be delivered by 11 am the following day. Eligible items are marked as "Today" or "Overnight".

Amazon also offers a Same-Day Delivery option from local retailers, allowing customers to shop from nearby stores and receive their purchases on the same day. This service is available in select areas.

Amazon's in-garage delivery option

To use the in-garage delivery service, you must first set up a compatible smart garage or garage Wi-Fi activation device. You can then link your garage door to Amazon Key in your smart garage app to activate the in-garage delivery option. Once you've activated Amazon Key, you can shop on Amazon.com as usual and select the in-garage delivery option at checkout.

Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery costs $1.99 per order for 1-2 day delivery. However, this fee is waived if you use Amazon Day with Key, which allows you to choose a specific day of the week to receive all your in-garage deliveries together. This reduces the number of boxes used and the number of times drivers need to access your garage.

You can also choose to switch between in-garage and doorstep delivery options whenever you like, either at checkout or in the Amazon app under Amazon Key settings. Amazon will notify you every step of the way, and you can even add a compatible camera to watch deliveries live.

Amazon's real-time delivery tracking

Amazon offers real-time delivery tracking through Amazon Map Tracking. This feature is available via the Amazon mobile app, where you can access your orders and track them in real time on a map. You can also access Amazon Map Tracking by clicking the "Track Package" link from your Amazon account or your shipment confirmation email.

Amazon Map Tracking shows you where your Amazon delivery driver is and how many more stops they have before reaching you. This can help you arrange to be at home when your parcel is due or nominate a safe place for delivery. You can also use Amazon Map Tracking to intercept surprise packages before they are delivered.

It is important to note that Amazon Map Tracking is not available for packages shipped through traditional carriers like UPS, FedEx, or the US Postal Service. It is only available for packages shipped via dedicated Amazon vehicles or Amazon Logistics.

In addition to real-time delivery tracking, Amazon offers various convenient delivery options for the holiday season, such as Same-Day Delivery, in-store pickup, and Amazon Day for Prime members to choose their delivery day.

As for the last date to order from Amazon for Christmas delivery, historically, it has been December 22 for Prime members or purchases with two-day shipping. Amazon usually pushes the deadline as close to Christmas as possible, and specific delivery dates depend on the product and your location.

Frequently asked questions