It wouldn’t be the gifting season if you didn’t promise to start your shopping early—only to frantically google “fast shipping websites” as the clock ticks loudly over your shoulder. But 2021 doesn’t mess around: The current shipping delays due to COVID-19 have all but demanded that you actually start whittling away at your holiday shopping list as early as possible.
Luckily, the shipping situation has improved since last year, but delivery windows are still somewhat unpredictable—meaning the expected two-day shipping may actually turn into a 10-day shipping ordeal. Of course, this is completely understandable given the once-in-a-lifetime events of the last two years, but the below brands have done their best to safely maintain the fast and affordable (or free!) shipping that their customers have come to rely on. Many have also introduced alternative shipping and delivery options, like discounts for Shipt members and contactless curbside pickup—so much so that the acronym BOPIS (which translates to “buy online, pick up in store”) is becoming a thing.
If you don’t want to leave your holiday shopping to the last minute (again), browse 17 fast shipping websites, and start crossing off your to-do list now.
Amazon
Amazon raised the bar on fast, free shipping years ago, and other retailers have been forced to step up their game as a result. Prime members score free two-day shipping on all orders, while non-Prime members will still receive their package within four to six business days. Of course, combing through everything the mega-retailer has to offer can be exhausting, so we curated a comprehensive edit of Amazon gift ideas to get you started.
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Zappos
Have a sneakerhead or shoe lover on your list? Zappos has been known for its great discounts on brand-name items since its 1999 inception. The retailer offers free four-to-five-day standard shipping, $15 two-day shipping, and $25 one-day shipping. (Psst: Amazon Prime members can now also link their account to score the ’Zon’s signature two-day shipping on any Zappos-related order.)
Nordstrom
Nordstrom is famous for (1) its customer service, (2) impeccable gift selection, and (3) fast and free shipping. The department store offers free standard shipping at all times, with delivery within three to six business days. Two-day shipping will run you $12, while next-day delivery checks out at $22. If you have a Nordstrom in your area, it also offers free in-store pickup or curbside delivery.
Sephora
Holiday gift sets abound at Sephora, and the beauty retailer offers standard one-to-three-day shipping on all U.S. orders over $50. Shipping is $6.50 for orders that don’t meet the minimum requirement or $11 for two-day shipping. If you sign up for its $15 Flash Shipping subscription, you’ll score free one-to-two-day shipping with no order minimum for a full year.
Gap
Gap (and sister brands Athleta, Banana Republic, and Old Navy) offers free five-to-seven-day shipping on orders over $50. Receive your package in three to five days for $7, two to three days for $17, or one to two days for $22.
Shopbop
For a curated mix of high-end brands and buzzy designers, head to Shopbop. The online retailer offers free one-to-three-day shipping and free returns on any order placed before 7 p.m. CT. Two-day shipping costs $10, or you can pay $25 for next-day delivery. ICYMI: Amazon owns Shopbop, so if you have a Prime membership, you can take advantage of those free two-day shipping perks.
Best Buy
If you’re looking for holiday deals on gadgets or smart home upgrades, Best Buy has plenty of options to choose from. The retailer offers free next-day delivery on thousands of items, with a $35 minimum purchase required. Have a Best Buy near you? Pick something out for your dad or your boo and get it the same (or the next) day with free in-store pickup or curbside delivery.
Madewell
Madewell is a go-to for affordable and stylish denim, athleisure, and leather goods. Madewell Insiders can score free economy or standard shipping on all orders, while the rest can choose between eight-to-ten-day economy shipping for $3, five-to-eight-day standard shipping for $5, two-to-three-day expedited shipping for $15, or overnight shipping for $25.
Glossier
Cult-favorite beauty and skin-care brand Glossier offers free standard three-to-five-day shipping on orders over $30. Orders under the minimum requirement ship for just $4.50, or you can select rush one-to-two-day delivery for $25. Plus, the pink bubblewrap packaging is priceless.
Net-a-Porter
For the luxury fashion lovers in your life, a gift from Net-a-Porter can’t be beat. Net-a-Porter is one of the first online fashion sources; not only does it stock the latest pieces from designers like Gucci, Ganni, and The Row, but the multibrand retailer offers free three-day shipping on all orders over $250, and $25 for next-day delivery.
Apple
While Apple is obviously synonymous with the iPhone and iPad, it also sells top-of-the-line stocking stuffers like iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and more. You can get free next-day delivery on most items in stock, or order online and pick up your item in-store for free.
Everlane
Anyone due for a basics overhaul can count on Everlane to serve up quality options at fair prices. The eco-conscious brand gets a five-star for customer service, and so does its shipping policy. The San Francisco–based brand ships all orders within one to two business days and offers free four-to-seven-day economy shipping on all U.S. orders over $75. Shipping for orders under $75 is just $5 for economy, $15 for express, and $25 for next-day.
Walmart
Walmart offers free two-day shipping on hundreds of items emblazoned with the “free shipping” logo. The retailer requires a minimum order amount of $35—but you have to place your order before 2 p.m. in your delivery time zone to qualify.
Target
With its stylish and affordable decor, clothing, and household essentials, Target is a destination for gift-giving year-round. The brand offers free two-day shipping on all orders over $35, plus free drive-up or in-store pickup or free same-day delivery for all Shipt members. Nonmembers can still cash in on the deal for just $10 per order.
ASOS
U.K.-based e-tailer ASOS offers surprisingly timely stateside delivery. The brand offers free three-to-six-day standard shipping on all U.S. orders over $50, or $5 delivery on orders below this total. You can also sign up for an ASOS Premier Delivery membership, which gives you free next-day delivery for just $5 per order, or $19 per year.
& Other Stories
Swedish brand & Other Stories also boasts impressive U.S. delivery times. The retailer offers free two-to-eight-day economy delivery on all orders placed before 1 p.m. ET, and free one-to-four-day standard shipping on all orders over $100. Otherwise, standard shipping is just $6.
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Ulta
Whether you’re refreshing your vanity or picking something up for your girlfriends, Ulta is a one-stop-shop for both drugstore and luxury products. Qualifying orders will ship for free and arrive in three to eight business days; otherwise it’s $5.95 for standard, $9.95 for expedited, or $16.95 for premium.
