40 Actually Good Gifts on Sale (That Will Still Arrive by Christmas)
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We’re officially down to the wire for shipping deadlines. For the most part, you’ll have to order gifts today to get them before Christmas (especially if you don’t want to pay $20-plus for expedited shipping). Luckily, I’ve found dozens of things on sale that would make thoughtful gifts, and they should still arrive on time if you order today. Just make sure you double-check arrival times for items below, as they can vary by location, and arrival times are changing rapidly (sometimes by the hour).
Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are your best bets for fast (and free) shipping, and that’s largely what you’ll find below. But Sephora is offering free same-day shipping with the code QUICKGIFTS through 3 p.m. ET on December 24, and Nordstrom still has a few items remaining with fast, free shipping. Depending on the product and when you order it, you may have to pay for expedited shipping, but that should sting a little less since you’re getting your gift on sale. And where applicable, you can always choose in-store pickup.
If want more ideas, you can find every single Strategist gift guide right here, or you can try asking the Strategist Gift Scout.
Under $25
100 easy New York Times crossword puzzles
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This booklet of not-too-challenging Times crosswords is a good stocking stuffer for older kids and adults.
On-sale beauty sets
A ton of gift sets (that they’d actually want to receive) are on sale at Amazon.
Trompe l’oeil teether
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A kitschy teething toy that’s also completely biodegradable and ecofriendly. You may have to upgrade to expedited shipping at checkout (or choose in-store pickup, if available) to get it by Christmas.
Just-hard-enough floor puzzle
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This two-by-three-foot floor puzzle is great for the kid who is currently obsessed with dinosaurs.
A toy that will encourage open-ended play
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The 3-year-old who’s becoming more curious and creative will have plenty to keep them busy with this set of colorful wooden blocks that will let them build all kinds of open-ended structures.(Note: You may have to select expedited shipping if ordering from Melissa & Doug’s site.)
Monster High dolls
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For older kids, a Monster High doll is still a great gift that doesn’t feel babyish.
Status candles
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Both of these candles from Voluspa, a brand we’ve recommended time and time again, hit that under-$25 gift sweet spot.
For the tennis player
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Senior writer Lauren Ro, who is learning to play tennis, wears this visor both on and off the court.
Under $50
r.e.m beauty’s new Wicked: For Good collection
For musical-theater nerds, Ari fans, and the younger cousin who won’t stop belting “For Good.” Standard delivery won’t get it to you in time, but depending on your location, you may be able to select same-day delivery.
An electric lunch box — no microwave needed
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A useful gift for anyone with an office job, this self-heating lunch box can warm up leftovers in minutes.
Best (and most giftable) cookbooks of 2025
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Our senior kitchen and dining writer, Emma Wartzman, rounded up all the cookbooks that are worthy of gifting this holiday season, and we noticed that several are significantly marked down right now.
A speaker for kids
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This cute little speaker can play music, read a bedtime story, answer questions, and more.
LEGOs for adults under $50
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A bouquet that will last a lifetime.
Under $100
Fresh herbs whenever you need them
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For the home cook, this indoor garden makes it easy to grow fresh herbs, veggies, or flowers even in the dead of winter.
A nice-looking dish
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We spotted this cast-iron casserole dish that’s very similar to our favorite Dutch oven pick from Lodge but can be used as a braiser since it’s wide and shallow.
The coziest, fluffiest throw blankets
For the giftee who is always cold, Barefoot Dreams’ fluffy throws are recommended by celebrities and beloved by teens. You may have to pay for expedited shipping to get these by Christmas; enter your location to check.
AirTags for anyone
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A practical choice for anyone who wants to keep tabs on their keys or luggage or even a pet. (They’re what Eric Ripert says he would gift to someone he’s never met.)
Our No. 1 portable Bluetooth speaker
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It makes a good gift for college kids. “If we’re going to a park or if somebody’s not sure if one of the other apartments has a speaker that they can just connect to, it’ll get brought with,” one student told us.
And a nice clip-on option
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JBL Clip 5
This model is also Strategist-approved and can easily be clipped onto their bike. “In my testing, it managed to sound clear and vibrant even with outdoor sounds like waves and wind in the background,” says tech writer Jordan McMahon. Its battery lasts up to 12 hours, and it comes in a variety of colors.
Colorful Fujifilm instant cameras
Teenagers are notoriously hard to shop for, but a recurring theme that we’ve noticed over the years is that they all love instant cameras. A few from Fujifilm (and bundles too) are on sale at a handful of retailers. Note that you may have to choose in-store pickup if you’re shopping at Walmart.
A classic Cricut
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Cricut Joy Machine
Crafter approved and currently less than $100. (If you want to order from Cricut, check out by tonight to get free delivery by Christmas.)
Under $200
At-home massages any time of day
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A small Theragun (it’s less than six inches wide) will help out the always-achy dad.
Noise-canceling AirPods
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Apple AirPods 4
Noise-canceling Beats
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For students or a loved one with a long commute, here’s a very nice set of headphones that easily pairs with Apple devices.
On-the-go gaming console
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Backbone’s latest controller turns their phone into a Switch-like device. It also has Bluetooth pairing, so it can connect with dedicated consoles and PCs as well.
More From The Strategist
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- The Strategist Fall 100
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
