Holiday Gift Buying Guide: How To Shop and Ship in 2025

Parents are prepping for Black Friday, children can't wait for winter break, and everyone is writing up lists of people that are going to be expecting presents by year's end. But shopping for gifts isn't exactly the same as it used to be. Online buying has gotten so popular that many forget about an integral part in the holiday shopping process: shipping and delivery. Our holiday gift buying guide is here to shed a little light on how to find the best products and when you'll need to ship them by if you want presents delivered by December 24th. Finding those must-have holiday gifts might be a tough puzzle to navigate with shoppers being encouraged to buy earlier than ever thanks to early sales ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Even after those sales pass, Abt is here to help you beat competitor prices with our price match guarantee and free nationwide shipping on nearly all orders. Here, you'll be able to pick out the latest video game consoles, 4K TVs, new headphones and more, and know that you're getting the best deal possible. Learn more about how to avoid holiday delivery hiccups by ordering your gifts on time below.

The best way to shop for the holidays in 2025 is to start early. Major online retailers have started price-slashing events earlier and earlier in the last few years, pushing other retailers to follow along. That means you can find steals on just about anything if you track sales calendars well. Many of these events occur long before Black Friday or Cyber Monday, so it's a good idea to keep an ear to the ground and an eye on the calendar. And when those big-name sales do come around, do your research. Subscribe to email lists ahead of time to get a look at what deals might be coming up, and what you'll want in your cart.

Our team of supply specialists created a list of to-dos to tackle as soon as you build that holiday gift list. Whether you're planning to arrange toys under the tree or hoping to wrap a massive ribbon around a new smart kitchen range, you'll need to make sure you can get it home and get it there on time.

2025 has had a measure of leftover shipping delays left behind from the previous year, as well as savings from different brands at different times. Shop as early as you can this year. If you've got your eye on a product that you know you want and it's in stock, you should buy it.

Deal hunters are tempted to wait for steep discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and it's true that you can save hundreds of dollars on large electronics like TVs. If you've missed the best deals of the season, you can still save. Keep the best of both worlds by taking advantage of Abt's price match guarantee. Buy today with peace of mind that if you see a product for less, we will match or even beat that price. Exclusions apply, and this guarantee doesn't cover doorbusters or limited merchandise. Matched products must be purchased from an authorized dealer. If you're set on a specific make, model, and product, it's better to buy it now while it's in stock. Otherwise, it might not be back in our store (or any store) for a while.

When it comes to holiday gift finding, it's a good idea to do as much research ahead of time as possible. That means turning to every online resource you need, from finding the product page itself to reading learning articles and gift guides and discovering more about which features are must-haves. Items like turntables, for example, are very different than they were decades ago. Whether you're new to vinyls or consider yourself an expert, reading up on new options is a must. Our turntable buying guide will help you narrow the search to find the right model for your special someone.

When it comes to finding that perfect gift, it's important to verify when it will ship to your home or across the country. To make sure your products arrive by December 24, see our shipping deadlines below:

Thanks to some online research, you've found the perfect mirrorless camera model—you can even bundle it with an extra memory card or vlogging kit for a discount. The only problem? It's out of stock, and with no apparent arrival date for when it'll be back on the shelves. But you're still set on this holiday gift, and there's a good chance it could be back in time for your present exchange.

The one way to find out? Sign up for our email alerts on the product's web page. Just click "Email me when this product comes in stock". You'll be the first to know when that item arrives. Not sure if you want to wait and see? Play it safe with a comparable item. We're well-stocked with tons of top brands, and showcase similar in-stock items at the top of every absent product's web page. Choose a competitor model instead. You may even find that it performs better than your original choice.

Signing up for email alerts will keep shoppers as updated as possible regarding when that perfect gift pick will come back in stock. But if that camera is still nowhere to be found, it might be time to start considering other options. If you've ruled out similar models from other brands that are in stock, consider investing in a higher-priced version that can be both a holiday and birthday present. Another option? Presenting your loved one with accessories for the present that's perfect for them, and promising that they'll be the first to have it once it's back on shelves. The newest PlayStation 5 games and an extra-colorful controller are a great way to invest in your loved one's happiness.

Looking for inspiration for everyone on your winter list? Check out our series of holiday blog posts on top presents for all your loved ones, from home chefs to movie lovers. Alternatively, take a look at our seasonal Gift Catalog's popular picks. Even if your top choice is out of stock elsewhere, you'll find everything you need at Abt.

Some of the most popular gifts for the holidays include toys and games, electronics, media and gift cards—which you can all find here at Abt.

Shopping online at Abt is easy, helps you avoid crowds, gives you access to our entire store from one screen and allows you to do lots of online research—there's no rush and no pressure.

It seems like the holiday season starts earlier and earlier each year. To take advantage of the best deals of the year and make sure that the presents you need are in stock, it's a good idea to start shopping in October.