Why You Can Trust CNET Christmas 2012 online shopping deadlines
Last-minute shoppers: Here are your 2012 online shopping deadlines to get those last-minute tech gifts delivered by Christmas.
If you're reading this, it probably means you haven't finished your Christmas shopping yet. There's still time, however. We've put together a list of some popular online retailers and their deadlines for getting those last-minute tech gifts delivered by Christmas.
These deadlines apply to the 48 contiguous U.S. states only and on items that are in stock. Some retailers with physical stores may have last-minute in-store pickup options as well. Check out the links to each store's deadlines for more details.
Amazon.com
Choose these shipping options by the listed cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.
| Cutoff date | Shipping option |
| Dec. 19 | Standard shipping or free Super Saver shipping (by noon PT) |
| Dec. 20 | Two-day shipping |
| Dec. 21 | Two-day shipping by 4 p.m. PT or one-day shipping |
| Dec. 22 | One-day shipping by noon PT |
| Dec. 24 | Local express delivery (where available) |
| Dec. 25 | E-mail and printable gift cards only |
Apple
Deadline for iPad with Retina Display, iPad 2, iPod, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, and Apple TV. Note that these items are all nonengraved or noncustomized.
| Cutoff date | Shipping option |
| Dec. 18 | Free two- to three-day shipping (order by midnight) |
| Dec. 21 | Next-day shipping (order by midnight) |
Barnes & Noble
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your Nook order by December 24.
| Cutoff date | Shipping option |
| Dec. 18 | Free standard shipping |
| Dec. 19 | Express shipping |
| Dec. 21 | Expedited shipping (by 8 a.m. PT) |
Best Buy
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.
| Cutoff date | Shipping option |
| Dec. 19 | Standard shipping, before 10 a.m. PT |
| Dec. 20 | Expedited shipping, before 10 a.m. PT (not guaranteed; best attempt) |
| Dec. 21 | Express shipping, before 10 a.m. PT (not guaranteed; best attempt) |
Buy.com
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.
| Cutoff date | Shipping option |
| Dec. 20 | Second-day air (excludes sports and bags) |
| Dec. 21 | Next-day air (excludes sports and bags) |
Newegg
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.
| Cutoff date | Shipping option |
| Dec. 19 | Three-day, ordered and verified by 3:30 p.m. PT |
| Dec. 20 | Two-day, ordered and verified by 3:30 p.m. PT |
| Dec. 21 | Next day, ordered and verified by 3:30 p.m. PT |
Target
Qualifying items that show the Seasonal Shipping option will be delivered by December 24.
| Cutoff date | Shipping option |
| Dec. 19 | Premium delivery (order by 9 p.m. PT) |
| Dec. 20 | Express delivery (order by 9 p.m. PT) |
ThinkGeek
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.
| Cutoff date | Shipping option |
| Dec. 19 | UPS Ground & three-day (order by 5 a.m. PT) |
| Dec. 20 | UPS two-day (order by 9 a.m. PT) |
| Dec. 21 | UPS next-day |
Walmart
Choose the shipping options by the cutoff date to receive your order by December 24.
| Cutoff date | Shipping option |
| Dec. 18 | Home free shipping and standard shipping |
| Dec. 20 | Expedited shipping |
| Dec. 21 | Rush shipping |