Holiday Shopping and Spending

• Unwanted gifts and gift cards don’t have to go to waste — with the right timing and strategy, you can return, resell, exchange, or even donate them.

• Understanding return policies is key — missing deadlines, removing tags, or accepting final-sale items can limit your options and cost you money.

• Gift cards are easiest to deal with when you act quickly — selling, swapping, or repurposing them early helps preserve their value and avoids letting them sit unused.

The holidays are full of good intentions — but let’s be honest, not every gift hits the mark. 

Maybe it’s the sweater that’s not quite your style, a gadget you already own, or a gift card to a store you never shop at. Whatever the case, unwanted gifts are far more common than most people like to admit.

The good news? You’re not stuck with them. 

Between extended holiday return windows, resale platforms, and creative ways to exchange or reuse gift cards, there are plenty of options to turn an awkward present into something you’ll actually use. The tricky part is knowing where to start — and what pitfalls to avoid — especially as retailers tighten return policies or attach fine print to gift cards.

To help consumers navigate the post-holiday gift shuffle, ConsumerAffairs spoke with Bobby Ghoshal, CEO of Dupe.com, an AI-powered shopping platform designed to help shoppers find similar items at better prices. Ghoshal shared insights on how to handle returns smoothly, why gift cards often go unused, and how smarter shopping tools can reduce the chances of needing a return in the first place. 

The best and worst ways to offload unwanted gift cards

If you end up with a gift card to a store you never shop at, it can feel disappointing. But it doesn’t have to! 

“The best way to offload an unwanted gift card is to sell it or exchange it on a reliable platform like Gift Card Granny or Raise,” Ghoshal recommends. “Just know that you will not receive the full value of each card as the site does take commission. The more popular the store, the higher the value of the card.

 “If you received a gift card to a supermarket or store that sells gift cards like Walmart or Target, you can also buy another gift card through those sellers for a store you’re more inclined to shop at. This will help you retain the full value of the gift card.” 

 A final tip: donate unused or unwanted gift cards to teachers for school supplies or charities of your choice. 

On the other hand, the worst thing you can do with an unwanted gift card is forget it exists.

“It’s estimated that Americans hold billions in unused gift cards, which is pretty insane if you think about it,” Ghoshal said. “Yes, it may be a hassle to sell or use them, but at least share it with someone who will.” 

Things to think about before you return

If you end up with a gift you want to return, it may not be as easy or straightforward as you think to bring it back to the store and get something you want. Ghoshal shared some of the biggest pitfalls consumers often face when it comes time to return: 

• You missed the deadline for return. It’s crucial to understand each retailer’s return policies. Yes, a gift receipt is great to have, but many gift-givers don’t share those with their recipients. In order, to have a successful return, make sure you’re acquainted with the retailer’s policies and that you return the item by deadline. Oftentimes, you will simply get a gift card for an item with no receipt, but the key is to ensure you’re getting the highest value for the item. If you procrastinate and your item goes on sale, the store will only give you the value of the item at its current rate.

• You opened the box / removed the tag. If you’re not certain that you’re going to keep your gift, do not unbox it or remove any tags. There are certain items that absolutely cannot be returned or exchanged without these intact. They also may deduct a percentage of the value of the item if the box has been tampered with. If you want the full refund, and an easy return, don’t be impulsive when ripping your gifts open.

• You received a final sale item. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do if the item you received was purchased through a final sale. If that’s the case, regifting or reselling makes the most sense. I would suggest to gift-givers that they avoid purchasing these items as gifts just in case your recipient doesn’t fall head over heels for the items you selected.

Common gift-giving mistakes to avoid

Ghoshal said that the two most common gift-giving mistakes we often make are: getting the wrong size and getting something the gift recipient doesn’t actually want. If you keep both of these in mind, you’re less likely to unintentionally give someone a return mishap after the holidays. 

“If you don’t know your recipient’s exact sizing and overall preferences, I highly recommend a gift card to their favorite retailer,” Ghoshal said. “Sure, some think it’s impersonal, but you can never miss if you know them.” 

• Use AI to set spending caps. Split your budget by category and add rules like “no gifts over $40”

• Add hard-stop banking alerts. Turn on every-transaction notifications and a “holiday” spending cap

• Shop on a schedule. Plan your buy windows and stick to 1–2 purchase days to avoid impulse spending

If your December routine often includes a weekly “why did I even buy that?” panic, you’re not alone. Holiday overspending has a way of sneaking in through dozens of small purchases. But new data suggests that one group is actually getting better at dodging the overspend trap and it just might surprise you, it’s Gen Z.

TD Bank’s 2025 Merry Money Survey found that 88% of Gen Z respondents are considering ways to limit holiday overspending. And the modern twist is that more than half (51%) of Gen Z budgeters are using AI to help build that holiday budget.

So, what are the lessons we can take away from Gen Zers? The bottom line is you don’t need to be born between 1997-2007 or an AI power user to copy what they’re doing.

The Gen Z holiday spending playbook you can steal

1. Use AI to plan the budget, not to “shop smarter”

AI is great for helping you plan and coming up with a shopping list full of gift ideas that are within your budget. Consider these prompts that Gen Z is taking full advantage of:

• “Make me a holiday budget for 12 people with a $600 cap, including stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and wrapping.”
• Then ask for a budget breakdown with what percent should go for gifts, food, travel, etc.
• Example: “If my holiday budget is $1,000, tell me what percent (and dollar amount) should go to gifts vs. food vs. travel vs. donations.”

Then take the output and put it somewhere like your notes app, a spreadsheet, or your banking app’s budgeting tool. The point is not the AI specifically, but getting an actual number you will follow.

Pro tip: If you want AI to actually help you save money, tell it your specific rules. Examples include: “No gifts over $40. Two gifts max per kid. Include three backup gift ideas under $25.”

2. Set “hard stops” with alerts

Let’s face it, most budgets fail because they don’t have enough 'tough love' built into them. To that end, it’s time to use some techy options that most banking and credit card apps have built into them.

Consider setting up these automatic tripwires:

• Set a spending alert on your card for every purchase over, say, $50.
• Set a monthly cap alert for your total “holiday” category.
• Turn on notifications for every transaction for the month of December so you can better track your spending.

3. Time your shopping like Gen Z

The survey found young shoppers are intentionally planning around big deal days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

That doesn’t mean you should buy everything on Black Friday next year. It means you should decide when you’ll buy each category:

• Tech and appliances: you can often find deals before Black Friday and in the last week before Christmas.
• Toys: buy them earlier than you think, starting in late October, keep in mind that the hot toys of the season tend to vanish come December.
• Stocking stuffers: great deals can be found last-minute.
• Gift cards: only from secure displays and only when you know you’ll use them soon.

Pro tip: If you’re the type who keeps browsing “just to check,” you’re paying the scrolling tax. Consider having just two planned purchase days and stop shopping in between those days.

4. Copy the “set aside money all year” trick

The survey also reported that Gen Z is more likely to stash money earmarked for the holidays throughout the year.

While it may be a little too late for 2025, you can easily set this up for next December:

• Open a separate savings bucket labeled “Holiday.”
• Auto-transfer a small amount daily or weekly.

Even a few bucks a day will become a significant amount of money come next holiday season. Money you can use for gifts, travel, and decorations. Plus, you’ll completely avoid that January credit card bill moment of panic.

• Your real deadline is each store’s “order by” date for Dec. 24 delivery, not Christmas Day

• As cutoffs pass, pivot to same-day or pickup options to dodge rush-shipping fees

• Watch for exceptions: third-party sellers, heavy freight items, and custom/engraved gifts usually cut off earlier

If you’re still adding things to online carts this week, your real deadline isn’t Christmas, it’s each store’s shipping cutoff. Most major retailers now post hard “order by” dates to get packages to your door by Dec. 24. Miss those by even an hour and you’re suddenly paying for overnight shipping or scrambling to setup store pickup.

Below is a quick guide to 10 major retailers’ “last day to order” dates for Christmas delivery, plus some smart “shipping hacks” for each store.

Amazon

Last day to order for Dec. 24 delivery

• Non-Prime / standard shipping: around Dec. 16
• Prime shipping: Dec. 22 for most Prime-eligible items
• Same-day delivery: Amazon is offering Same-Day Delivery through Christmas Eve in more than 9,000 cities and towns across the U.S.

Shipping tips at Amazon:

Use “No-Rush” for freebies. If you have plenty of time to get your gifts by Christmas, consider selecting the “No-Rush” shipping option and you’ll score a free $1 digital credit that you can use to buy music and movies.

Group orders to hit the threshold. If you’re not a Prime member, let things sit in your cart until you’re over the free-shipping minimum of $35.

Walmart

Last day to order for Dec. 24 delivery

• Standard shipping: Dec. 23 at 12:30 p.m. local time (for “arrives by Christmas” on eligible items)
• Same-day pickup & delivery: Dec. 24 by 12 p.m.
• Express delivery: Dec. 24 by 5 p.m. local time in many areas

Shipping tips at Walmart:

Watch out for 3^rd party sellers. Keep in mind that 3^rd party sellers on Walmart do not play by the same rules and will not honor Walmart’s Christmas cutoff date.

Lean into free pickup. As we near the Christmas deadline, many items will start to say “after Christmas” delivery. But items that are in-stock at your local Walmart still qualify for same-day pickup, right up until Christmas Eve.

Target

Last day to order for Dec. 24 delivery

• Standard shipping: Target recommends Dec. 18
• Premium/expedited: Dec. 22 for many ZIP codes
• Same-day via Target app (pickup or delivery): available through Dec. 23, with stores open until 8 p.m. on Dec. 24

Shipping tips at Target:

Late delivery trick. When checking out from Target.com, you’ll often see one item holding up your entire order from arriving on time. Try removing that item and your entire order should then arrive before Christmas. At that point, it's smart to opt to pick-up the slowpoke item via in-store or curbside pickup.

Use Target’s free Drive Up to avoid impulse buys. Try ordering in the app and picking up curbside if you tend to overspend on impulse purchases. You’ll stay out of the aisles completely and not be tempted.

Best Buy

Last day to order for Dec. 24 delivery

• Standard shipping on most items: Dec. 17
• Expedited shipping: Dec. 21

Shipping tip at Best Buy:

Open-box + local pickup = shipping-free upgrade. Before you buy a TV and hope it gets to you by Christmas, check out their Open Box and "Pickup at this store" options. Toggle those two options on, and you just might find an “Excellent” open-box version of the TV you want at the Best Buy near you.

Macy’s

Last day to order for Dec. 24 delivery

• Standard shipping: Dec. 21
• Express shipping: Dec. 22
• Same-Day delivery: Dec. 24 at 10am local time.

Shipping tips at Macy’s:

Consider Star Rewards. Sign-up for free and get free shipping on $39 right away. The threshold is $49 to qualify for free shipping without joining.

Let the store “special order” your size. If the size or color you want is not in-stock at your Macy’s, ask an employee to special order it and they’ll have it delivered to your house for free.

Kohl’s

Last day to order for Dec. 24 delivery

• Standard shipping: Dec. 17
• 2-day shipping: Dec. 19
• 1-day shipping: Dec. 20
• Same day/In-Store: Dec. 24 by 6 pm local time.

Shipping tips at Kohl’s:

Always log-in first. Kohl’s will sometimes show Rewards or Kohl’s card-holders better free-shipping thresholds. Always log-in first to see where you stand and if you need to pad your cart a little to qualify for free delivery.

Use buy-online-pickup-in-store. It locks in online coupon pricing and lets you return stuff in-store without paying any return shipping fees.

Home Depot

Last day to order for Dec. 24 delivery

• Most shipped gifts: Dec. 17 is the key date for Christmas arrival. While not official, this is just a good rule-of-thumb with Home Depot.

Shipping tips at Home Depot:

Why so early? The December 17th cutoff date does seem early compared to many other stores on this list. But due to the size and weight of many items at Home Depot, they need more time for delivery. Smaller items at Home Depot won’t need as much time and you can probably order up until the 21^st, just pay attention at checkout.

Lowe’s

Last day to order for Dec. 24 delivery

• Most shipped orders: Dec. 16 (expect up to 7 days for delivery)

Shipping tips at Lowe’s:

Similar to The Home Depot. Due to the size of many items, and the distance between distribution centers, I recommend wrapping up your online Christmas shopping at Lowe’s by December 16^th.

Compare “same-day pickup” items. If you’re tempted by rush shipping, see whether the same tool, heater, or light set is available for free same- or next-day pickup instead.

Apple

Last day to order for Dec. 24 delivery

• Most in-stock products: Dec. 22 (except engraving or custom builds)

Shipping tips at Apple:

Customize items later. Engraving and customizations can throw a major wrench in your delivery schedule. For this reason, opt for a standard device configuration, then take it back to an Apple Store after Christmas to get it personalized.

Consider external factors. While it’s great that Apple gives you until the 22^nd, keep in mind that factors like weather could easily trip up your delivery. Shop earlier to avoid this and try not to procrastinate too much.

Costco

Last day to order for Dec. 24 delivery

• Most standard shipping items: Around Dec. 18–20
• 2-Day delivery eligible items (CostcoGrocery / select items): Around Dec. 20–22
• Same-day delivery (Instacart-powered, groceries only): Often Dec. 24, but it depends on local time slots available and demand.

Always plug in your ZIP code and check the item’s “estimated delivery” date at checkout. That’s the date you should trust, not some generic holiday chart you might find.

Shipping tips at Costco:

Try flipping between “delivery” and “warehouse pickup.” Some electronics, laptops, and gift items at Costco are available both online and in your local warehouse. If shipping is cutting it close or says after Christmas, check whether the same item is stocked at your nearby club.

Watch out for “white-glove” and freight items. Big stuff like TVs, furniture, and appliances often use freight delivery, which can add several days to your delivery, even if the website says “2–3 business days.”

• Grab free or BOGO burgers, fries, drinks, and treats all December at Shake Shack, Chipotle, BK, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Sonic, Krystal, and Starbucks

• Most deals are “free with purchase” on specific days (Fridays, certain Saturdays, or promo windows), so timing matters

• You’ll usually need the restaurant’s app, a small minimum spend, and it’s one freebie per account/order at participating locations

Do higher price tags for the stuff on your holiday shopping list this year have you feeling a little gloomy? I have some news that might cheer you up. A bunch of restaurants are offering some great freebies for December. So, when you’re out wrapping up your shopping, stop by one of these places and get a free or highly discount meal or treat.

Shake Shack – Free burger or sandwich

What’s free: One free rotating sandwich (Big Shack, SmokeShack, Chicken Shack, or ShackBurger) with a $10+ purchase.

When:

• Dec 1–7: Big Shack
• Dec 8–14: SmokeShack
• Dec 15–20: Chicken Shack
• Dec 21–31: ShackBurger

How to claim: Order in the Shake Shack app, online, or at the in-store kiosk and enter promo code SHACKCHEER at checkout.

Fine print: $10 minimum before tax. Not valid via third-party delivery apps and one freebie per order.

Chipotle – BOGO burrito or bowl

What’s free: Score a free burrito or burrito bowl when you buy one the next two Saturdays in December.

When:

• Dec 13: Buy a burrito and get a free burrito, burrito bowl, or 3 taco meal.
• Dec 20: Wear a festive sweater, buy any entrée and get one free.

How to claim: You must walk into any Chipotle location to claim either offer. Not valid with mobile or online ordering.

Fine print: The free item will be the lower-priced entrée. Limited to five free menu items per check.

Burger King – “13 Days of Deals”

What’s free: BK is offering a different daily deal from December 12–24. The deal often includes a free item with a minimum in-app purchase. Stuff they regularly give away include a free Whopper Jr., a free Frappé, and a free dessert.

When: December 12–24, 2025.

How to claim: Open the BK app each day and check the “Offers” or promo banner; tap the deal and order through the app.

Fine print: Most deals require a minimum purchase (typically around $3–$5). App and account is  also required; participating locations only.

McDonald’s – 12 days of deal

What’s free: Via the McDonald's app, you can participate in their 12 days of Christmas with new $2 deals every AM and every PM through December 23rd.

When: December 12-23, 2025.

Here are the $2 deals:

• December 12th - AM: Any Bagel Breakfast Sandwich, PM: Filet-O-Fish
• December 13th - AM: Big Breakfast, PM: 10 Pc. Chicken McNuggets
• December 14th - AM: Hot Cakes + Sausage, PM: 3 Piece McCrispy Strips
• December 15th - AM: Egg McMuffin, PM: 10 Pc. Quarter Pounder with Cheese
• December 16th - AM: Sausage Gravy Biscuit, PM: 4 Piece McNuggets Happy Meal
• December 17th - AM: Sausage McMuffin with Egg, PM: Daily Double
• December 18th - AM: Crispy Chicken Biscuit, PM: Filet-O-Fish
• December 19th - AM: Sausage Gravy Biscuit, PM: 4 Piece McNuggets Happy Meal
• December 20th - AM: Bacon, Egg, & Cheese McMuffin, PM: 3 Piece McCrispy Strips
• December 21st - AM: Big Breakfast, PM: 10 Pc. Chicken McNuggets
• December 22nd - AM: Any Bagel Breakfast Sandwich, PM: Big Mac
• December 23rd - AM: Sausage, Egg, & Cheese McGriddle, PM: McCrispy Chicken Sandwich

Bonus tip: Mickey D's is also offering a free medium fries every Friday with a $1+ purchase via their app.

Wendy’s – Free fries every Friday

What’s free: Free any-size fries with a qualifying purchase (often $5+) in the Wendy’s app.

When: Every Friday for the rest of 2025 (so yes, all December).

How to claim:

• Open the Wendy’s app, check “Offers & Coupons.”
• Look for “Free Any Size Fry w/ Purchase” or “Fryday” promo and apply it to your mobile order.

Fine print: One use per Friday; purchase minimum usually $5; app + account required.

Sonic – Free any-size Coke (with all the add-ins)

What’s free: One free Coke, Diet Coke, or Coke Zero Sugar, any size, with unlimited flavor add-ins, when you make any in-app purchase.

When: Daily through Dec 28, 2025.

How to claim:

• Order through the Sonic app, add at least one paid item.

• Apply the “Free Coca-Cola Your Way” offer before checkout.

Fine print: One free drink per day per account; app only; participating locations.

Krystal – “Krystalmas” freebies with purchase

What’s free: As part of Krystalmas 2025, select days include legit freebies with purchase, including:

Treat Yo’ Elf Tuesdays: Free 10-count Glazed Bombs with a Sackful purchase.

Festive Frydays: Free Chili Cheese Fries with a $15+ purchase.

When: Recurring daily themes all December 2025.

How to claim:

• Join Club Krystal and check the app or website for that day’s Krystalmas deal.
• Apply the offer and order through the app or in-store, depending on the promo.

Fine print: Most deals are “free with purchase”; offers may be digital-only and vary by location.

Starbucks – Daily chances at free drinks & food

What’s free: While it’s not guaranteed free food, Starbucks Rewards members can win freebies like drinks, bakery items, and even Bonus Stars.

Plus, you have the chance to win the biggest of all prices, a year of free Starbucks or “Starbucks for Life” via the Starbucks for Life game.

When: Dec 8, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026.

How to claim:

• Join Starbucks Rewards and visit the Starbucks for Life site or app.
• They allow you to play the game every day. Also, you can earn extra plays by making purchases with your linked payment method in the app.