The holiday season always seems to move faster than we expect, and despite our best intentions, Christmas Eve often finds us with a few names still left on the gifting list. If you find yourself in the “eleventh hour” of holiday shopping, there is no need to panic. While shipping windows for online orders have likely closed, local brick-and-mortar retailers are buzzing with festive energy and stocked with items that can save the day. From high-end department stores to the reliable convenience of big-box giants, the options for physical shopping remain surprisingly robust even as the clock ticks down.
The Power of Big-Box Retailers
For those who need a “one-stop shop” to cover everyone from a tech-savvy nephew to a home-chef spouse, big-box stores are the ultimate sanctuary. Retailers like Target and Walmart are legendary for their last-minute availability.2 In 2025, Target has positioned itself as a leader in convenience, offering “Drive Up” services that allow you to purchase via an app and have the gift brought to your car within hours—ideal for avoiding the crowded aisles. Walmart follows closely, with deep inventory in electronics, toys, and cozy apparel. These stores are particularly useful for grabbing “stocking stuffers” like gourmet chocolates, festive candles, and beauty sets that add a finishing touch to your holiday spread.
Department Stores for Curated Finds
If your goal is to find something with a bit more “wow” factor, department stores like Macy’s or Kohl’s are your best bet. These retailers specialize in curated gift sets that are already elegantly packaged, saving you the precious time usually spent on gift wrapping. Macy’s often features “Gift Shops” within their stores, categorizing items by price point (e.g., under $25, under $50), which streamlines the decision-making process. Whether you are looking for a designer perfume, a high-quality leather wallet, or a plush throw blanket, these stores offer a level of sophistication that is hard to find in a grocery aisle.
Retailer Hours and Gift Ideas for 2025
Before you head out, it is vital to know when the doors will close. Most major retailers operate on a truncated schedule on December 24th to allow their employees time with family. Below is a quick reference guide to help you plan your route.
| Retail Store | Typical Christmas Eve Hours | Best Last-Minute Gift Ideas |
| Target | 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM | LEGO Sets, Board Games, Beauty Gift Boxes |
| Walmart | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Air Fryers, Smart Watches, Holiday Sweaters |
| Best Buy | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Noise-Canceling Headphones, Streaming Sticks |
| Macy’s | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Designer Fragrances, Winter Coats, Jewelry |
| CVS / Walgreens | Open Late / 24 Hours | Boxed Chocolates, Greeting Cards, Gift Cards |
| Barnes & Noble | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Bestsellers, Stationery, Decorative Journals |
Specialty Shops and Local Gems
Don’t overlook the charm of local bookstores and specialty shops. A trip to a local bookstore like Barnes & Noble or an independent shop offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the frantic pace of a mall. Books are timeless gifts that show a deep understanding of the recipient’s interests. Similarly, local craft markets or “pop-up” holiday shops often stay open until the afternoon of the 24th. These venues are perfect for finding unique, artisanal products—such as handmade soaps, local honey, or hand-poured candles—that carry a personal touch and support your local community.
Tech and Toy Hubs
For the children and the gadget enthusiasts in your life, stores like Best Buy and GameStop are the primary destinations. Best Buy remains the go-to for “hero gifts” like the latest tablets, gaming consoles, or kitchen tech. If a physical item is sold out, these retailers also offer digital codes for gaming subscriptions or software that can be delivered via email or printed out instantly. Meanwhile, toy stores or the toy sections in major retailers are usually well-stocked with the year’s trending items, ensuring you won’t show up empty-handed for the morning festivities.
The “Emergency” Savior: Pharmacies and Convenience Stores
When every other store has locked its doors, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens become the unsung heroes of Christmas Eve. Many of these locations remain open 24 hours or until very late into the night. While they may not have large appliances, they are excellent for high-quality chocolates, photo-printing services (perfect for a framed memory), and a vast array of gift cards. A gift card to a favorite restaurant or a streaming service, placed inside a thoughtful card, is a versatile and highly appreciated gift that requires zero shipping time.
Final Strategy for Success
To make your last-minute dash as stress-free as possible, always check local store hours online before leaving, as times can vary by zip code. Use “Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store” (BOPIS) features where available to ensure the item is actually in stock before you make the drive. Most importantly, remember that the spirit of the season is about the gesture and the thought behind it. Even a simple, well-chosen gift from a nearby store can bring immense joy when given with sincerity.
FAQs
Q1: Is Walmart open on Christmas Day 2025?
No, Walmart is closed on Christmas Day to allow employees to spend time with their families.3 They typically close at 6:00 PM on Christmas Eve.
Q2: What is the best gift to buy if everything is sold out?
A gift card to a popular retailer or a digital subscription (like Netflix, Spotify, or Kindle) is a fail-safe option that provides the recipient with total flexibility.
Q3: Can I still get same-day delivery on December 24th?
Some retailers like Amazon (for Prime members in select cities) and Target (via Shipt) offer same-day delivery on Christmas Eve, but slots fill up very quickly, so morning orders are essential.
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