Last-Minute Christmas Gifts and Stocking Stuffers You Can Still Get

It seems like Christmas falling on a Monday would make life easier, because you have two full days off right before to go shopping, right? Yeah, along with the rest of the known universe. I don't know about you, but I hit CVS yesterday afternoon and swore that was my last brick-and-mortar shopping attempt. Then I went home to order more stuff from Amazon and realized that even there, my options for gifts arriving before the 25th were shrinking. But never fear! Here is a list of items that can still be purchased in stores or delivered before the 25th.

CVS

CVS is my absolute go-to for stocking stuffers. Dental floss, lip gloss, chapstick, hair accessories, funny socks, small toys like wind-up cars and action figures, travel sizes of everything, candy and gum. I literally just wander up and down the aisles grabbing stuff that's just a smidge higher-quality than what the recipient would get for themselves: Burt's Bees lip balm instead of boring old Chapstick, Neutrogena moisturizer instead of store brand, character band-aids instead of sheer, nice gel pens instead of Bics, Lindt chocolates instead of M&Ms, etc. But don't forget to check out the seasonal aisle for other, larger gifts that you might not have thought of. I found a great Nerf game for my son and a super-cute miniature stuffed animal keychain for my daughter. They do a great job of bumping up their toy selection at Christmas, so this is a great place for one-stop last-minute shopping. Here are a few of my particular favorites:

• Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer, $4.27
• Tonka Toughest Toy Cars, $9.99
• Doc McStuffins' Doctor Bag Set, $19.99
• Avocado and Oatmeal Facial Mask, $2.99

Target

Target is my go-to for last-minute kids clothes. Their Cat & Jack line is well-made, cute, and reasonably priced. I can always find a handsome (but not dorky) sweater for my son and a cute top or dress for my daughter. Target is also great for accessories, so pick up that belt, purse, necklace, gloves, socks, or scarf to polish off an outfit or add one more (bulky!) thing to that stocking. Their toy selection is the best, so grab a family game, some sports equipment, a puzzle, a stuffed animal. Great items still in stock: Hatchimals, Zuru Fidget Cubes, tons of Lego kits, multiple styles of cell phone grips and stands, great art supplies, and even gifts for your pets, in case Fido accidentally got left off your list. Some examples:

• Mega Construx Pokemon Set, $11.99
• Star Wars Rogue One Action Figure Set, $39.99
• Men's Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves, $17.41
• Boy's Cat & Jack Pullover Sweater, $16.00

Amazon

If you're a Prime member, take advantage of the free 2-day shipping to get those last few items. Here are some examples of items that can still arrive in time for Christmas:

• Dashboard cell phone mount, $17.47
• Gorgeous hand-blown wine decanter, $29.95
• Leakproof travel mug, $6.39
• Non-stick BBQ mat, $13.85
• 4-pack of charging cables, $11.16

JC Penney

Online or in-store, Penney's has lots of great last-minute deals. Their costume jewelry selection is always excellent, and the clothing department, from pajamas to fancy dresses to sweaters to socks to hats and gloves, is terrific. Right now you can get a 30% off deal online for all of the following:

• Men's sweaters, various styles
• Girls' leggings, various styles
• Twin-size sheet sets (other sizes still at excellent prices)
• Protocol brand luggage, sets and individual pieces
• Kitchen-Aid stand mixer (!!!!)

TJ Maxx

TJ Maxx is a great go-to for last-minute clothes, accessories, and kids' toys. They don't have a huge toy selection, but what they do have is high-quality and reasonably priced. I love them for men's accessories like gloves and neckties, plus the occasional sweater or pajama set. Their kids' clothes are also a small selection but good quality and prices. And their collection of random stocking stuffers and small gifts is always unusual without being weird. Here are some of their current winter clearance items:

• Adrienne Vittadini Laptop Tote, $28.00
• 3-in-1 Hooded Jacket, $39.00
• Jan Brett Board Books Boxed Set, $12.00
• Christmas Train Snow Globe, $15.00

The Paper Store

I'm not sure how extensive this chain is, but there's one near me and it's fabulous for slightly unusual gifts. They're not cheap, but if you're looking for a unique piece of jewelry, book, or article of clothing that has a bit of personality, it's your store. They have terrific kids' books, charming tchotchkes, and weird but cool stocking stuffers. Here are a few of the items they have available at my location:

• Light-up karaoke microphone and speaker, $29.99
• Mermaid Color-Changing Sequin Journal, $9.99
• Sno-Scapes Snow Coloring and Stencil Kit, $18.99
• K'Nex Building Set, $32.99
• The Essential Scratch-and-Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert Book, $19.99

Walmart

Don't scoff; you can shop in-person, order online with 2-day delivery, or order online for in-store pickup in time for Christmas. They have everything you could possibly need, including the following items, currently in stock:

• Pie Face Showdown Game, $14.82
• Kids' Bikes, starting at $54.99
• Lightweight Ozark Binoculars, $6.86
• The Secret Life of Pets DVD, $16.94

So if you still have some last-minute shopping to do, go do it now! Don't waste time! Don't be one of those crazy people still shopping on the 24th!