Costco has issued a clear message to holiday shoppers in 2025: don’t wait until the deadline to place your orders. With high demand, shipping carrier congestion, and limited inventory on popular items, Costco is encouraging members to shop early to ensure gifts arrive before Christmas.
The retailer, known for bulk savings and high-demand holiday items, is once again seeing strong seasonal demand. To help customers avoid disappointment, Costco has published shipping guidance and is actively promoting early ordering across its website and warehouses.
“Every holiday season proves the same lesson—early shoppers have the best experience,” says Mark Reynolds, retail logistics analyst.
Why Costco is Stressing Early Holiday Shopping in 2025?
Several factors are influencing Costco’s messaging this year. While supply chains are more stable than in past years, holiday shipping remains under pressure due to:
- Increased online shopping volume
- Carrier capacity limits in December
- High demand for electronics, toys, and gift baskets
- Weather-related delivery disruptions
Costco’s goal is to help members avoid last-minute shipping issues that could delay gifts beyond Christmas Day.
“Even the most efficient retailers can’t control carrier bottlenecks in late December,” explains Rachel Moore, e-commerce operations consultant.
Costco Christmas 2025 Shipping Deadlines Explained
Costco offers multiple shipping methods, each with its own holiday cutoff date. These deadlines are designed to give customers realistic expectations for Christmas delivery.
Costco Holiday Shipping Deadlines Overview
| Shipping Method | Order By Date (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Standard Shipping | December 15, 2025 |
| Expedited Shipping | December 18, 2025 |
| Two-Day Shipping | December 20, 2025 |
| Same-Day Delivery | December 23, 2025 |
| Warehouse Pickup | December 24, 2025 |
Costco advises ordering several days earlier than these dates whenever possible, especially for high-demand items.
Which Costco Items Sell Out or Ship Late the Fastest?
Certain product categories consistently face delays or stock shortages during the holidays.
High-Risk Holiday Items
- Electronics (TVs, laptops, tablets)
- Toys and children’s gifts
- Gift baskets and specialty foods
- Jewelry and luxury items
- Large appliances and furniture
“Electronics and gift baskets are among the first categories to experience shipping slowdowns,” notes Reynolds.
If you plan to buy from these categories, ordering early is especially important.
Costco Same-Day Delivery: A Last-Minute Backup Option
For shoppers who miss standard shipping deadlines, Costco’s same-day delivery option powered by Instacart in many areas can be a valuable fallback.
Same-day delivery is best for:
- Groceries and holiday meals
- Gift cards
- Home essentials
- Select toys and household items
However, availability depends on location, inventory, and delivery capacity, which can be limited close to Christmas.
“Same-day delivery works well for essentials, but it’s not guaranteed for specialty gifts,” says Moore.
Shopping In-Store vs Online at Costco
Costco encourages members to use a combination of online and in-warehouse shopping to avoid shipping stress.
Online Shopping Pros
- Wider product selection
- Home delivery convenience
- Early access to seasonal items
In-Warehouse Shopping Pros
- Immediate availability
- No shipping delays
- Easier returns
Many members choose to order big-ticket items online early and handle smaller gifts in-store closer to Christmas.
Costco’s Holiday Return Policy for 2025
Costco’s generous return policy is a major advantage during the holidays. Most items purchased during the holiday season can be returned well after Christmas.
Key Return Policy Highlights
- Most items are eligible for returns months after purchase
- Electronics typically have a 90-day return window
- No receipt required for many in-store returns
“Costco’s return policy removes the fear of buying early,” explains Daniel Carter, consumer retail expert.
This flexibility makes it easier to shop ahead without worrying about returns.
How Costco Helps Members Track Orders and Deliveries?
Costco provides detailed tracking tools to help shoppers monitor shipments.
Members can:
- Track orders through their Costco account
- Receive email updates on shipping status
- View carrier tracking links directly
Costco recommends checking tracking updates regularly, especially during the final weeks before Christmas.
Smart Strategies to Ensure Your Costco Orders Arrive on Time
To avoid holiday shipping headaches, Costco suggests the following strategies:
- Order at least 7–10 days before posted deadlines
- Choose expedited shipping for high-value gifts
- Avoid waiting for last-minute discounts
- Confirm shipping addresses carefully
- Split orders if items ship from different locations
“Planning beats panic every time during the holidays,” says Reynolds.
How Costco Compares to Other Retailers for Holiday Shipping?
Costco’s shipping approach is competitive but requires planning.
Holiday Shipping Comparison
| Retailer | Shipping Flexibility | In-Store Backup | Return Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | Strong with planning | Excellent | Very generous |
| Amazon | Fast but variable | Limited | Good |
| Walmart | Good | Strong | Moderate |
| Target | Good | Strong | Moderate |
Costco excels in value and returns but relies more on early action for guaranteed delivery.
Recent Updates From Costco for the 2025 Holiday Season
For 2025, Costco has:
- Expanded same-day delivery coverage
- Improved online inventory visibility
- Added clearer holiday shipping guidance
- Increased warehouse staffing during peak weeks
These updates are aimed at reducing friction and improving the holiday shopping experience.
Why Costco is Urging Shoppers to Act Early?
Costco’s warning is not about fear it’s about realistic expectations. Shipping networks are most strained in the final days before Christmas, and even the best retailers cannot guarantee delivery when customers wait too long.
“Early shoppers enjoy better selection, fewer delays, and less stress,” says Moore.
By encouraging early ordering, Costco is helping members protect their holiday plans.
What Shoppers Should Do Right Now?
If you plan to shop at Costco for Christmas 2025:
- Start browsing early
- Place online orders well before deadlines
- Use warehouse shopping for last-minute needs
- Monitor shipping updates closely
A proactive approach can make the difference between smooth holiday gifting and last-minute scrambling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Costco’s last day to order for Christmas delivery?
Deadlines vary by shipping method, but standard shipping typically cuts off around December 15.
Does Costco guarantee Christmas delivery?
Costco does not guarantee delivery if orders are placed near the deadline.
Is same-day delivery reliable before Christmas?
It can be, but availability is limited and depends on location and inventory.
Can I return holiday gifts purchased early?
Yes. Costco’s return policy allows most holiday items to be returned after Christmas.
Do in-store purchases avoid shipping delays?
Yes. Buying in-store ensures immediate availability.
Are Costco shipping deadlines the same every year?
They are similar but may change slightly depending on carrier conditions.