Hey everyone, Summer here, and welcome back to the podcast

Okay, let's be real for a second. It's December 24th. Christmas is literally tomorrow. And if you're listening to this right now, there's a pretty good chance you're either:

A) Panicking because you still have gifts to buy, B) Frantically searching for deals because your budget is tighter than you planned, or C) Both of the above, plus wondering why you do this to yourself every single year.

Don't worry—I see you. I've been you. We've ALL been you at some point.

So today, we're doing a quick survival guide for last-minute Christmas shopping. Where to find the deals, what strategies actually work when you're down to the wire, and how to not completely lose your mind in the process.

This is your Christmas Eve shopping lifeline. Let's dive in.

PART ONE: ONLINE OPTIONS - WHEN SHIPPING ISN'T AN OPTION  

First, let's address the elephant in the room: if you're shopping on Christmas Eve, traditional online shopping with shipping is probably out. But that doesn't mean the internet can't save you.

Digital Gift Cards and E-Gifts

This is your best friend right now. Almost every major retailer offers digital gift cards that deliver instantly via email. Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Starbucks, iTunes, streaming services—you name it, they've got digital options.

Here's the thing: digital gift cards get a bad rap for seeming impersonal, but you can make them thoughtful. Pair a Spotify gift card with a custom playlist you made for that person. Send a restaurant gift card with a note saying "Let's go together in January." Add an Amazon card to a small physical item you already have at home—suddenly it feels more complete.

Subscription Services

This is huge. You can gift subscriptions to Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify Premium, Audible, MasterClass, or dozens of other services. Most let you purchase and deliver gift subscriptions immediately. The recipient gets access right away, and you've given them entertainment or education for months.

Gaming and Entertainment

If you're shopping for gamers, Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, Nintendo eShop cards, or Steam gift cards all deliver digitally. For movie lovers, consider Vudu, iTunes, or Google Play credits so they can build their digital library.

The beauty of digital options is they're instant, they're often exactly what people want, and you're not contributing to the last-minute shopping chaos at physical stores.

PART TWO: PHYSICAL STORES - STRATEGIC SHOPPING  

But let's say you need to buy physical gifts. You want something they can unwrap tomorrow morning. Here's your game plan:

Big Box Stores Are Your Friends

Target, Walmart, Best Buy—these places are open late on Christmas Eve, they're well-stocked, and they know last-minute shoppers are coming. Here's what to look for:

• Pre-packaged gift sets: These are literally designed for people like you. Beauty gift sets, tool sets, gourmet food baskets, book bundles—they look thoughtful and they're ready to go.
• Clearance endcaps: Stores are trying to clear inventory before the holidays end. You can find some genuinely good deals if you're willing to browse.
• Store brand quality items: Target's brands (like Threshold or Goodfellow) and Walmart's premium lines offer decent quality at lower prices than name brands.

Grocery and Drug Stores

Don't sleep on CVS, Walgreens, or your local grocery store. They carry:

• Nice candles and home fragrance items
• Premium chocolates and gourmet snacks
• Small kitchen gadgets and tools
• Beauty and personal care gift sets
• Books and magazines
• Wine and specialty beverages (if they sell alcohol)

These aren't desperate options—they're actually solid gifts if you shop strategically.

Bookstores

Barnes & Noble or local independent bookstores are fantastic for last-minute shopping. Books are always appreciated, they have café sections with gourmet items, they stock board games and puzzles, and the atmosphere is way less chaotic than other retail environments.

Plus, supporting a local bookstore on Christmas Eve? That's a feel-good move.

Home Improvement Stores

Hear me out. Lowe's and Home Depot are open Christmas Eve, they're not crowded, and they carry way more than tools. They have:

• Nice flashlights and work gear
• Quality knives and multi-tools
• Grilling accessories and outdoor items
• Home décor and organizational products
• Gift cards

For the practical people in your life, this can be a goldmine.

PART THREE: THE DEALS - WHERE TO FIND THEM  

Now let's talk about actual deals, because last-minute doesn't mean you should pay full price.

Store Apps and Websites

Before you even leave your house, download the apps for stores you're planning to visit. Many offer:

• App-exclusive coupons and discounts
• Digital coupons you can load directly to your account
• Same-day pickup options so you can order online and grab in-store
• Inventory checkers so you don't waste time looking for out-of-stock items

Target's app, Walmart's app, Best Buy's app—all worth having on your phone right now.

Cashback Apps

Rakuten, Ibotta, and similar cashback apps offer percentage back on purchases at major retailers. It's not instant savings, but getting 5-10% back on purchases you're making anyway is basically free money. Takes two minutes to set up.

Store Credit Cards

This is situational, but if you're making a large purchase at a single store, some store credit cards offer immediate discounts for opening an account—like 20% off your first purchase. Do the math on whether it's worth it, and obviously only do this if you can pay it off immediately.

Price Matching

Many stores will price match competitors, including their own online prices. If you see something cheaper online but need it today, ask if they'll match their web price. Worst they can say is no.

Bundle and Save

Look for items that naturally go together and see if there's a bundle discount. Many electronics come in bundles during the holidays. Beauty products often have "buy 2 get 1 free" deals. Stack your purchases strategically.

The Reject Pile

Seriously—check the customer service desk or returns area. Sometimes returned items that are perfectly fine get marked down significantly. It's worth a quick look.

CONCLUSION 

Alright, here's the bottom line for last-minute Christmas shopping:

Stay calm. Panicking doesn't help anyone, and stressed shopping leads to impulse buys you'll regret.

Be strategic. Make a list of who you still need to shop for, set a budget, and stick to it. Don't wander aimlessly through stores hoping inspiration strikes.

Remember that thoughtfulness beats expense. A $20 gift that shows you know someone's interests beats a $100 generic item every time.

Digital is your friend. Don't dismiss gift cards and subscriptions—they're often exactly what people want, and they're instant.

Shop off-p...