This post is sponsored by Shipt, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
Two summers ago at the Nashville airport, I happened upon the graphic designer for my dad’s favorite band (as one does). After a long conversation about being raised by a superfan, he handed me a special edition concert CD signed by every member of the band—including two who’ve since passed. I wrapped it for Christmas and waited for my dad’s famous chin quiver. Nailed it.
My sister couldn’t top a gift like that, and I’ll admit it, I live for that smug satisfaction. But I also live in reality, where time is tight, shipping deadlines are closing in fast, and I haven’t run into any airport miracles (yet).
Luckily, pulling off a great gift doesn’t take cinematic-level holiday magic. Shipt has become my quiet workaround. Here’s how I’m out-gifting everyone this year, even when the calendar (and my to-do list!) has gotten away from me.
If you’re new to Shipt, here’s the Cliff Notes version: it’s a same-day delivery service that lets you order groceries, gifts, décor, holiday supplies, pet supplies, crafting essentials, and more from over 100 local and national retailers. Everything is delivered right to your door (or someone else’s) without the chaos of running errands during the busiest season of the year.
You shop through the Shipt app, choose your delivery window, and a shopper with Shipt takes it from there. It is fast, intuitive, and takes a noticeable amount of stress off my plate when my holiday to-do list starts to feel impossible.
READ MORE: You Still Have Time—A Procrastinator’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays
I’ve been a long-distance daughter for more than a decade, and I can tell you there is a particular heartbreak in watching a tracking update freeze three states away the week before Christmas. When you’re far from the people you love, timing matters. A gift that shows up late isn’t the end of the world, but it can feel like the moment passed without you.
After trying Shipt’s gifting feature for the first time this summer for my dad’s birthday (a last-minute scramble I fully admit to), I knew I’d be using it come December. Instead of crossing my fingers that a package survives a cross-country journey, I can send something same day from retailers in their area. Naturally, I’m relying on it for all of my out-of-state gifting this year. Here’s why:
1. Same-day delivery means you can send something today
Perfect for last-minute moments, long-distance friends, or unexpected gift exchanges.
2. It feels thoughtful, not rushed
Even if it is a bit last-minute, local delivery feels intentional—not like a panic move.
3. It works for sentimental gifts and practical support
Whether it’s an artisanal candle, a new gaming console, or a holiday grocery haul.
4. Avoiding holiday crowds is priceless
A gift for me and you, both.
Save even more during Season of Savings, happening from November 16 through December 28!*
If you’ve used Shipt before, this feature feels like second nature. It works exactly like a standard order—but with one extra step that transforms it into a meaningful gift.
1. Set the delivery address
Switch the delivery location to your recipient’s home.
2. Shop like usual
Choose from retailers available in their area.
3. Select “Send as a Gift” at checkout
This is where the magic kicks in.
4. Personalize it
Pick a digital card, write your message, and add their phone number for delivery updates.
5. Let Shipt handle the rest
They’ll receive texts when the order is placed and when it’s arriving—keeping it coordinated without ruining the surprise.
I expected this to be convenient. I did not expect it to become my entire gifting strategy. Because Shipt partners with a wide mix of local and national retailers, you can curate gifts for practically anyone in your life. A few ideas to get your wheels turning:
For the sibling who swears they’re “not doing gifts this year”:
Send their favorite snacks or a practical restock of things they always run out of.
For the friend who moved away and misses home:
A cozy comfort bundle: soft socks, a nostalgic treat, or something seasonal she can enjoy that night.
For the person hosting every gathering:
Think practical but elevated essentials—serving items, holiday touches, pantry basics, or backups of the things they are guaranteed to run out of.
For the pet parent who treats their animal like a firstborn:
Seasonal treats, toys, or a little something festive. This will get you the fastest “omg thank youuu” text of your life.
For your friend who has entered her “new hobby every month” era:
Craft supplies, DIY materials, or anything she can use for her latest creative project. Bonus: you look encouraging, not like someone who is side-eyeing her growing list of interests.
One of my favorite uses this season was sending my friend a mini self-care kit the same afternoon she called crying from her car. It showed up that evening, and she texted: “HOW DID YOU DO THIS SO FAST??”
Which, frankly, is the highest compliment a long-distance gal can earn.
Once I tried the gifting feature, Shipt quickly became my behind-the-scenes safety net. With over 100 local and national retailers in the app, it’s what quietly keeps December from unraveling.
Grocery runs are my breaking point this time of year, so being able to send ingredients straight to someone else—or myself—has been a game-changer. My friend group back home does a holiday cookie day every year, and since I can’t always make it, I sent all the baking supplies to their door through Shipt this year. I’ve even done this for my family’s Thanksgiving; I always supply the cranberry sauce, even from a different state. Sometimes sending groceries is actually the better gift.
It also saves me during those “missing one thing” moments: scissors, extension cords, candles, or a random ingredient I swore I already bought (always chia seeds). Instead of abandoning my whole evening for a store run, I just add it to a Shipt order and keep going. And when real life stacks on top of holiday life—your pet gets into something, you run out of coffee, you forget the thing you promised to bring—Shipt catches all of it before it becomes a crisis.
From November 16 through December 28, Shipt’s Season of Savings includes a wide variety of deals, including member-exclusive offers.* It’s a built-in perk that makes holiday gifting (and everything else) more budget-friendly.
The holidays can feel like a lot, but they don’t need to turn into an endurance test. Finding small ways to make things easier—like sending a gift through Shipt—has actually brought some joy back into my December. Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean complicated, and running behind doesn’t mean you’ve failed. You’re still right on time to make this season meaningful.
If holiday shopping snuck up on you (same), Shipt is the easiest way to still send a thoughtful gift. You can shop retailers near your recipient, add a cute digital card, and have it delivered to their door that same day. Bottom line: you’re not behind, you just finally found the right shortcut.
From small community newspapers to country music marketing, Paige has found the most fulfillment in finding and sharing the uniquely human stories that compel an audience. As a Branded Content Editor at The Everygirl, she is able to combine her excitement about women’s issues and pop culture with her editorial skills to create quality content for our brand partners.
This post is sponsored by Shipt, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
*Season of Savings is valid 11/16/2025 – 12/28/2025 at 11:59 p.m. HT. Promotion terms vary and are subject to change. Promotions not valid for orders that contain alcohol items. Offer is subject to Shipt Promotional Terms and conditions. See associated promotions and terms here.
