Finding great deals at the last minute can feel like a race against time, but with some smart strategies, you can avoid the panic and still get the best prices. Last-minute shopping doesn’t have to be stressful, whether it’s for a holiday gift, a weekend getaway, or that must-have item you’ve been eyeing. Here’s how to score incredible last-minute deals without getting swept up in the rush.
1. Sign Up for Deal Alerts and Price Drop Notifications
If you know what you’re looking for, setting up deal alerts or price drop notifications can be a game-changer. Many websites and apps allow you to monitor prices and alert you when an item goes on sale.
- Top Tools: Honey and CamelCamelCamel for Amazon items, Google Shopping, or Slickdeals.
- How to Use: Set an alert for specific items or categories of interest. When the price drops, you’ll get a notification, allowing you to grab the deal before others even know about it.
2. Check Flash Sale Websites
Flash sale sites are designed for last-minute shoppers. These sites specialize in offering steep discounts for a limited time on products ranging from designer clothes to home goods.
- Best Sites: Gilt, Rue La La, Zulily, and HauteLook often have deals with major discounts that last only a few hours to a few days.
- Tip: Check these sites at the start of a flash sale, as the best items tend to go quickly.
3. Use Rewards Points for Last-Minute Travel and Shopping
Loyalty points and rewards programs can help you avoid paying full price on last-minute purchases. Many programs offer bonus discounts for members or special last-minute rates, especially for travel and hotels.
- How to Leverage Points: Use airline miles or hotel loyalty points to save on travel. If you’re a member of programs like Marriott Bonvoy or Delta SkyMiles, check for special deals on last-minute stays or flights.
- Retail Rewards: Programs like Rakuten, Swagbucks, and Dosh also offer cash back on purchases, helping you save even more on last-minute buys.
4. Shop Off-Hours to Avoid Crowds and Inventory Shortages
Shopping at less busy times can make last-minute buying much less stressful, especially in-store. Early mornings or late evenings often mean shorter lines, faster checkout, and a better chance of finding what you need in stock.
- Best Times to Shop: Weekday mornings or late evenings, typically right before closing time, often provide a quieter shopping experience.
- Why It Works: Many retailers restock inventory overnight, so early shopping hours might have fresher selections than later in the day.
5. Use Same-Day Delivery Services
Same-day delivery is a lifesaver for last-minute shoppers. Many online retailers and delivery services now offer this option, ensuring you get what you need fast, without the in-store frenzy.
- Where to Look: Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy offer same-day delivery in many areas.
- Third-Party Delivery Services: Apps like Instacart and Shipt also partner with major stores, so you can shop for groceries, gifts, and more and have them delivered directly to your door.
6. Take Advantage of In-Store Pick-Up
If you want to avoid crowds and still snag a last-minute deal, buy online and pick up in-store. This allows you to get items quickly without browsing shelves or dealing with checkout lines. Many stores offer in-store or curbside pick-up within hours of purchase.
- Where It’s Available: Major retailers like Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, and Best Buy all have easy pick-up options.
- Why It’s Beneficial: Buying online guarantees your item is reserved, saving you the hassle of finding it in-store, and in-store pick-up often has a separate line or curbside area for added convenience.
7. Check Social Media for Flash Sales and Promotions
Many brands announce last-minute sales and exclusive discounts on their social media channels. Following your favorite brands on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter can help you stay in the loop about surprise sales or promo codes.
- How to Use: Sign up for post notifications or check a brand’s social media pages frequently to catch pop-up sales. Some brands even offer special discounts through social media that aren’t available elsewhere.
- Tip: Join Facebook groups or follow Instagram accounts dedicated to finding deals for even more insider tips.
8. Use Price Comparison Apps for Instant Savings
Price comparison apps help you avoid overpaying on last-minute items. By comparing prices across multiple retailers, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal available without having to manually search each store.
- Popular Apps: ShopSavvy, Honey, and Google Shopping allow you to quickly see where an item is cheapest.
- How It Helps: Many apps allow you to scan a product’s barcode in-store, so you can instantly see if it’s cheaper elsewhere, saving you money on last-minute buys.
9. Sign Up for Free Trials of Membership Services
Many retailers and services offer free trials on memberships that come with discounts, free shipping, or early access to sales. Taking advantage of these free trials around the holidays or other peak shopping times can help you save on last-minute purchases.
- Popular Trials: Try Amazon Prime for free two-day (or even same-day) shipping, Walmart+ for free delivery, and Instacart Express for no delivery fees.
- Tip: Be sure to set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends to avoid membership charges.
10. Check Clearance and Outlet Sections
Clearance sections are goldmines for last-minute deals, as stores discount items that need to move quickly. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, many retailers have dedicated clearance sections with deep discounts.
- Best Places to Look: Websites like Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, and Macy’s Last Act offer top brands at discounted rates.
- Why It’s Smart: Clearance sections often feature the final markdowns on products, letting you find last-minute gifts or essentials without paying full price.
11. Use Credit Card Offers and Cashback Bonuses
Many credit cards offer cashback incentives, rewards points, or even exclusive retailer discounts that you can apply to last-minute purchases. Leveraging these perks can bring down the cost of your items without waiting for traditional sales.
- How to Use: Check your credit card’s portal for special discounts at stores you frequent. For example, cards like Chase Freedom and American Express Blue Cash Preferred often have targeted offers for additional cashback at major retailers.
12. Get Last-Minute Travel Deals
For travel, booking last-minute can sometimes work in your favor, as airlines and hotels lower prices to fill empty seats or rooms. However, there are tricks to make sure you get the best rates.
- Top Sites: Hopper and Skyscanner for airfare, and HotelTonight or Priceline Express Deals for accommodations.
- Tip: Flexibility with dates can help you score even better last-minute prices on flights and hotels.
Final Thoughts: Stress-Free Last-Minute Shopping
Snagging last-minute deals doesn’t have to feel rushed or stressful. By setting up alerts, using deal-specific apps, and taking advantage of store policies like in-store pick-up and same-day delivery, you can shop smarter and save money, even on a time crunch. These strategies will keep you prepared and help you avoid overspending—without missing out on great deals. Happy shopping!