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Order-by dates: the fine print Santa forgot to mention

• Your real deadline is each stores 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 youre still adding things to online carts this week, your real deadline isnt Christmas, its each stores 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 youre 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

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 youll score a free $1 digital credit that you can use to buy music and movies.

Group orders to hit the threshold. If youre not a Prime member, let things sit in your cart until youre 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 bythe same rules and will not honor Walmarts Christmas cutoff date.

Lean into free pickup. As wenear 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, youll 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 Targets free Drive Up to avoid impulse buys. Try ordering in the app and picking up curbside if you tend to overspend on impulses purchases. Youll 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.

Macys

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 Macys:

Consider Star Rewards.Sign-up for free and get free shipping on $39 right away. The threshold is $49to 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 Macys, ask an employee to special order it and theyll have it delivered to your house for free.

Kohls

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 Kohls:

Always log-in first. Kohls will sometimes show Rewards or Kohls 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 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 wont need as much time and you can probably order up until the 21^st, just pay attention at checkout.

Lowes

Last day to order for Dec. 24 delivery

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

Shipping tips at Lowes:

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 Lowes by December 16^th.

Compare same-day pickup items. If youre 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 its 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. 1820
• 2-Day delivery eligible items (CostcoGrocery / select items): Around Dec. 2022
• Same-day delivery (Instacart-powered, groceries only): Often Dec. 24, but depends on local slots and demand.

Always plug in your ZIP code and check the items estimated delivery date at checkout. Thats 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 23 business days.

Consumer and health advocates have been pushing for the change for years

• FDA moves to allow a modern sunscreen ingredient widely used outside the U.S.

• Bemotrizinol offers stronger UVA and UVB protection with low skin absorption

• Decision could mark first new U.S. sunscreen filter approved in decades

The Food and Drug Administration is proposing to classify bemotrizinol as an active ingredient in over-the-counter sunscreens, a long-awaited step that could finally give U.S. consumers access to more advanced sun protection already used abroad for years.

The proposal is part of the agencys broader effort to modernize the U.S. sunscreen market, which critics say has lagged far behind Europe and other regions in approving newer, more effective ultraviolet filters.

The agency has historically moved too slowly in this area, leaving Americans with fewer options than consumers abroad, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., said in a statement. Were continuing to modernize the regulation of sunscreen and other over-the-counter drug products. Americans deserve timely access to the best safe, effective, and consumer-friendly over-the-counter products available.

Strong broad-spectrum protection

According to the FDAs scientific review, bemotrizinol provides strong broad-spectrum protection against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. UVA radiation penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB and is linked to premature aging and skin cancer, including melanoma.

The agency said the ingredient shows very low absorption through the skin and rarely causes irritation factors that have made it a popular sunscreen filter internationally.

If finalized, the proposal would make bemotrizinol the first new active sunscreen ingredient approved for use in the U.S. in decades. The ingredient would be available for adults and children 6 months and older, offering a non-mineral option with stronger UVA protection.

The FDA plans to publish its proposed order in the Federal Register on December 12 and accept public comment for 45 days.

Long push for modern sunscreen options

Consumer and environmental health advocates welcomed the move as a major shift in U.S. sunscreen policy.

For more than 20 years, the Environmental Working Group has urged the FDA to approve newer sunscreen ingredients already used widely in Europe and other countries. The organization has argued that many sunscreens sold in the U.S. provide inadequate UVA protection and rely on outdated filters.

This proposal signals real hope for public health, said David Andrews, Ph.D., acting chief science officer at EWG. Mineral sunscreens are a top choice for consumers, but for those who prefer non-mineral products the ingredient options have been limited.

For years, Americans have been denied access to sunscreen ingredients that offer stronger UVA protection with fewer health concerns, Andrews added. Approving bemotrizinol would finally begin to close the gap between U.S. consumers and the rest of the world.

EWG first formally petitioned the FDA in 2019 to add bemotrizinol and several other modern filters to the list of approved U.S. sunscreen ingredients, citing safety data and superior UVA performance.

Industry request and next steps

Bemotrizinol is already used in sunscreens worldwide but has never been approved in the United States. The FDAs proposed order responds to a request from manufacturer DSM Nutritional Products to allow the ingredient at concentrations of up to 6%.

Modernizing our sunscreen market is long overdue, said Melanie Benesh, EWGs vice president of government affairs. For too long, American families have had to rely on outdated ingredients while likely safer, more effective options were available overseas.

Benesh said the proposal also shows that companies can meet FDA standards for demonstrating both safety and effectiveness of new filters.

Why UVA protection matters

EWG research has repeatedly highlighted weaknesses in U.S. sunscreen performance. In a 2021 analysis of 51 sunscreens with SPF ratings between 15 and 110, EWG scientists found many products delivered only about a quarter of their labeled SPF protection against UVA rays.

Since 2007, the group has published its annual Guide to Sunscreens, which evaluates products for safety, UVA protection and marketing claims. Most top-rated sunscreens in the guide are mineral-based, using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Advocates say bemotrizinol could expand choices for consumers who prefer non-mineral sunscreens while improving overall protection against skin cancer and sun-related aging.

EWG said it will continue pushing for stronger UVA standards, improved transparency and the removal of ineffective or potentially harmful sunscreen ingredients as the FDA considers its next steps.

Researchers say alcohol plays a meaningful role in the development of several cancers

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Even moderate drinking raises cancer risk: A sweeping new review finds that how often and how much Americans drink alcohol directly affects their risk of developing several common cancers.

• Some groups face higher danger: Race, income, existing health conditions, and genetics can make alcohols cancer risks even greater, even at similar or lower levels of drinking.

• Healthy lifestyle choices can help: Following cancer prevention guidelines, including limiting alcohol, is linked to lower cancer risk and better survival.

The holidays are a time of continuous celebration and that can lead to a time when alcohol often flows more freely. Not to be a buzz kill, but new research is offering a sobering reminder: drinking alcohol, even in moderation, can raise the risk of cancer.

A major new analysis from researchers at Florida Atlantic Universitys Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine examined decades of research to better understand how alcohol consumption affects cancer risk in U.S. adults.

The findings confirm what scientists have long suspected but the public often underestimates alcohol plays a meaningful role in the development of several cancers, and the risk increases as drinking increases.

What the researchers found

The research team reviewed 62 studies, involving anywhere from small groups of 80 people to massive populations nearing 100 million participants. Their goal was to see how different drinking patterns mild, moderate, and heavy affect cancer risk, and how factors like obesity, diabetes, and liver disease influence outcomes.

The results were clear: both how often people drink and how much they drink matter. Alcohol consumption was strongly linked to higher risk of several cancers, including:

• Breast

• Colorectal

• Liver

• Oral and throat (laryngeal)

• Esophageal

• Gastric (stomach)

Alcohol didnt just raise the chances of developing cancer it also worsened outcomes. People with alcohol-related liver disease, for example, were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced liver cancer and had lower survival rates.

Risk isnt the same for everyone

One of the most important takeaways is that alcohol-related cancer risk isnt evenly distributed.

Higher levels of drinking were especially dangerous for African Americans, people with genetic risk factors, and those living with obesity or diabetes.

Socioeconomic factors such as income, education, and access to healthcare also played a major role, leaving some lower-income and certain racial or ethnic groups more vulnerable even when they drank the same amount or less than others.

Gender differences emerged as well. Frequent drinking increased cancer risk more clearly in men, while episodic heavy or binge drinking appeared to be particularly risky for women.

Smoking made things worse. Combining alcohol and tobacco significantly amplified cancer risk, although the degree of risk varied by sex and drinking pattern.

Does the type of alcohol matter?

In some cases, yes. The review found that beer and white wine were linked to higher risk for certain cancers, while liquor was not consistently associated with increased risk. However, researchers caution that no form of alcohol can be considered safe when it comes to cancer.

Other factors that strengthened the alcoholcancer link included early age of first drink, family history of cancer, UV exposure (in melanoma risk), hormone use, poor diet, low physical activity, and infections such as hepatitis B or C, HPV, HIV, or H. pylori.

Why alcohol raises cancer risk

Biologically, alcohol affects the body in several harmful ways. It breaks down into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that can damage DNA. Alcohol also disrupts hormone levels, increases oxidative stress, weakens the immune system, and helps other carcinogens enter the body more easily. When combined with chronic illnesses or unhealthy lifestyle habits, these effects can accelerate cancer development.

What can reduce risk?

There is some encouraging news. People who followed American Cancer Society guidelines limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking had lower cancer risk and mortality.

The researchers say this highlights the importance of viewing cancer prevention as more than just cutting back on drinks. Addressing underlying health conditions, improving diet and activity levels, and reducing social and environmental barriers are all part of lowering long-term risk.

Rates remain near recent lows as the market finds its footing

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose slightly to 6.22% this week but remains below both the year-to-date average of 6.62% and the 6.60% rate seen a year ago.

• Freddie Mac economists say lower rates compared with earlier in the year are helping restore balance, even as affordability challenges persist due to high home prices and limited inventory.

• The 15-year fixed mortgage rate increased to 5.54% but also remains lower than a year ago, offering modest opportunities for some buyers and homeowners who financed at higher rates last year.

Mortgage rates edged slightly higher this week but remain well below their average levels for the year, offering a measure of stability for homebuyers and the broader housing market.

According to Freddie Macs latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 6.22% as of December 11, up modestly from 6.19% the previous week. Despite the uptick, the rate is notably lower than the 6.62% average recorded so far this year and sits below where rates stood at the same point in 2024, when the 30-year mortgage averaged 6.60%.

Economists say the current rate environment reflects a market that is gradually settling after months of volatility driven by inflation concerns, Federal Reserve policy, and shifting economic data. Sam Khater, Freddie Macs chief economist, said the pullback from higher levels seen earlier in the year has helped restore some equilibrium. With borrowing costs no longer climbing rapidly, buyers and sellers may find it easier to plan and negotiate transactions.

Shorter-term mortgage rates also moved higher this week. The average 15-year fixed-rate mortgage increased to 5.54%, up from 5.44% a week earlier. Even so, that rate remains below its year-ago level of 5.84%, continuing a trend of modest improvement compared with late 2024.

Mixed picture for refinancing

For homeowners considering refinancing, the picture is mixed. While rates are lower than last year, they are still well above the historic lows seen earlier in the decade, limiting the pool of borrowers who can benefit from refinancing into a meaningfully cheaper loan. However, homeowners who took out mortgages during last years peak may find some opportunities, particularly with shorter-term loans.

Homebuyers, meanwhile, are watching rates closely as they weigh affordability against limited housing supply in many markets. Even small changes in mortgage rates can have a noticeable impact on monthly payments, especially given elevated home prices. A rate near 6.2% is unlikely to spark a surge in demand on its own, but it may encourage cautious buyers who had been sidelined by higher borrowing costs to reenter the market.

Looking ahead, analysts expect mortgage rates to continue moving within a relatively narrow range in the near term, tracking economic indicators such as inflation data, labor market trends, and signals from the Federal Reserve about the future path of interest rates.

For now, the combination of slightly lower rates compared with earlier in the year and more predictable week-to-week movements is offering a sense of steadiness that has been largely absent from the housing market in recent years.

Coffee prices surged while cookie prices plunged

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Largest YoY price increase: Whole Bean Coffee surged +$3.17 versus November 2024.

• Largest MoM price increase: Whole Bean Coffee also led month-over-month gains, rising +$0.45 from October.

• Largest overall price drop: Cookies saw the sharpest YoY decline, plunging $3.93 compared with last year.

The November ConsumerAffairs Datasembly Shopping Cart Index shows notable divergences across categories, with premium coffee products experiencing steep increases while packaged snacks and some staples saw declines.

Compared with both last year and last month, inflation pressures remain uneven, highlighting shifting consumer demand and supply dynamics.

The cart of 24 commonly purchased grocery items, tracked by Datasembly in real time, cost $151.10 in November, up from $150.84 in October. The cart totaled $151.77 in November 2024.

Last month, the strongest upward movement came from Whole Bean Coffee, which climbed from $12.47 in November 2024 to $15.64 in November 2025, an increase of $3.17, the largest YoY jump in the dataset. Bacon followed with a moderate increase of +$0.68, continuing its trend as one of the more inflation-sensitive proteins.

On the other end of the spectrum, Cookies posted a dramatic YoY drop, falling from $7.71 to $3.78, a decline of $3.93. Other notable YoY decreases include:

• Salted Butter: $0.85

• American Cheese Singles: $0.28

• Waffles: $0.09

• Tomato ketchup: $0.08

These declines suggest easing pressures in bakery and dairy-related goods, even as coffee and meat remained elevated.

Month-Over-Month: Coffee leads gains, cereal sees sharp drop

Month-over-month changes (October 2025 November 2025) displayed a different pattern, with most items showing stability or slight declines.

Whole Bean Coffee again posted the largest MoM increase, rising +$0.45, reinforcing its position as the most inflation-affected item in both timeframes. Bacon and toilet paper saw relatively small increases of +$0.17 and +$0.12, respectively.

The largest MoM decrease came from Honey Nut Cereal, dropping $1.36, making it the single steepest short-term price correction. Other products with meaningful declines include:

• Cheese: $0.46

• Potato Chips: $0.46

• Peanut Butter: $0.39

• Cola: $0.30

These reductions reflect a modest easing in shelf-stable snack and pantry categories.

Broad stability in household essentials

Several products remained unchanged across both time periods, including Select-A-Size paper towels, whole milk, and mayonnaise, signaling stability in key household staples. Toilet paper and bottled water posted only marginal shifts, suggesting limited volatility in essential consumables.

Overall basket totals

Total basket comparisons show slight movement:

• October 2025 total: $150.84

• November 2024 total: $151.77

• November 2025 total: $151.10

The basket cost rose +$0.26 YoY but fell $0.26 MoM, illustrating an overall flat trend despite individual product volatility.