A third of shoppers say they’re anxious they won’t receive everything on their wish lists in time this season — and anticipate paying more when they do — according to a recent survey by Oracle, a cloud-based services firm.
Like many sectors, online retailers and brick-and-mortar shops are contending with serious disruptions in the supply chain.
From labor shortages to soaring shipping container expenses, businesses and retail analysts are urging consumers to finish holiday shopping early if they want presents by Christmas.
That’s bad news for last-minute shoppers, who may need to revise their plan and get inventive this year.
7 Ways to Outsmart Supply Shortages for Holiday Shopping
We compiled a set of alternative shopping approaches for the season — plus creative ideas that sidestep persistent supply chain problems entirely.
1. Check Your Local Thrift Stores
Can’t get that particular item in time? Visiting neighborhood thrift shops is a savvy way to uncover affordable, one-of-a-kind gifts.
Thrift stores dodge the supply chain headaches affecting many retailers. They don’t need to order stock from overseas or wait anxiously for shipments stuck at congested U.S. ports.
Instead, thrift outlets rely on donations from locals to keep their shelves full.
Resale shopping became essential for many during the pandemic, but secondhand shops have existed for years and their notable bargains can be lifesavers during the holidays.
Thrifting also reduces waste by eliminating shipping boxes and other packaging that fill landfills. Visit thrift stores, consignment shops or pawn shops for environmentally conscious gift options.
Plato’s Closet, a chain catering to teens and young adults with over 480 locations across North America, has even stopped using plastic bags at checkout to promote sustainability.
You may not always find a specific trendy item at Goodwill or the Salvation Army, but the thrill of unexpected finds is part of the appeal for many shoppers.
“There are so many possibilities,” said Margo Hayes, a 32-year-old thrifting enthusiast in Evansville, Indiana. “I love thrift shopping because you can find vintage and unique pieces for cheap, and it’s better for the planet.”
To land great gifts, visit several shops around your area.
Inventory moves quickly, so don’t hesitate if you spot something you like or it might be gone. Shop during quieter weekday hours when fewer people are hunting for those distinctive items.
One more tip: Many resale stores have discount days when items with certain color tags are reduced. Check the store’s schedule before you go to maximize savings.
2. Online Secondhand Stores Are Worth a Look
The online resale market is booming.
This year’s secondhand web retail sector is expected to surpass $65 billion — a record for the field — according to a study from Mercari, a secondhand e-commerce platform.
Mobile apps and websites like The RealReal, Poshmark and ThredUp let shoppers find preowned items — largely designer clothing — at bargain prices.
Like physical thrift stores, these online resellers spotlight pieces sitting in people’s closets. They largely circumvent the chaos of backlogged ports and other supply chain issues.
Young shoppers, especially Gen Z and millennials, have gravitated to these platforms, particularly during the pandemic. In June 2021, Etsy announced a $1.6 billion purchase of Depop, a resale app dominated by Gen Z users (90% under 26).
If you’re hunting for luxury or branded fashion, you’ll likely find better luck on these sites than in conventional thrift stores. Plus, you can browse from home.
That said, these sellers still depend on shipping to deliver purchases. Review shipping timelines before buying, especially as Christmas approaches.
An alternative is Goodwill’s online auction.
Goodwill, with more than 3,000 U.S. stores, runs an online auction site featuring roughly 93,000 items available at any given time, from antiques and electronics to art, collectibles and home décor.
Registration is free and they accept major credit cards. You can often choose in-store pickup or select from shipping options.
3. Browse Flea Markets, Craft Fairs and Art Shows
Shopping locally and supporting small businesses are excellent ways to find memorable gifts while helping independent sellers.
Many of the longest shipping delays involve products coming from Asia, but items at local shops and flea markets are already available.
Craft fairs, vendor markets and holiday bazaars pop up in communities now. Check your town’s events calendar or Facebook for pop-up markets near you.
Purchasing items on-site avoids shipping entirely. And you’ll be supporting a local maker or entrepreneur who likely values your patronage much more than a big-box retailer.
4. Explore Independent Online Stores, Too
If you prefer shopping from home, platforms like Etsy and Shopify make it easy to buy from small sellers.
Anna Lopez is an independent jewelry component vendor in Texas who operates a popular Etsy shop called Mindel Bead Co.
She told Savinly she began sourcing and stocking supplies in July to position her shop for holiday demand.
Lopez said small vendors often have an edge over large retailers that are still trying to obtain raw materials and products from abroad.
“Our small online shops will be stocked and ready while big chains are still waiting for shipments to clear the docks,” Lopez said.
Keep an eye on delivery windows, particularly for custom or handmade orders. Plan early and place orders sooner rather than later.
“Often there’s only a single person handling orders, packaging and adding a personal touch,” Lopez added.
5. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace
Local sellers list TVs, phones, toys, household items and other popular goods at discounted prices on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, making these sites appealing for last-minute buys.
Apps like LetGo and OfferUp also connect buyers and sellers where you can message and inspect items before purchasing.
Pressed for time? Nearby sellers frequently offer local delivery for a small fee.
If you need extra cash for holiday spending, selling your own items on Facebook Marketplace and similar platforms is an easy way to earn money.
Exercise caution, of course. Scammers operate online, so vet sellers carefully. Meet in public spaces like a police station parking lot or outside a grocery store to exchange goods and payment.
When buying electronics or small appliances, test the item in front of the seller to ensure it works.
If you’re picking up at someone’s home, bring a friend or tell someone the address in case of emergency.
These platforms don’t have built-in payment systems, so confirm payment arrangements with the seller in advance.
Many sellers prefer cash — and for safety reasons — so stop by an ATM first or ask if they accept Cash App or Venmo.
6. You Can’t Go Wrong With E-Gift Cards
E-gift cards are delivered instantly and don’t rely on postal service timing. Retailers like Amazon and Walmart let you purchase digital cards and email them directly to the recipient.
Some major credit card issuers also offer bonus value when you buy gift cards using cash-back points during the holidays.
Discover, for instance, sometimes adds 20% extra value on gift cards from retailers such as Applebee’s, Bath & Body Works and Under Armour. So a $50 participating gift card could become $60 for the recipient.
7. Wrap Up an In-Person Experience
Lastly, skip physical presents this year.
Giving experiences is thoughtful — and removes worries about empty shelves or shipping fees.
Buying a voucher for your mom’s favorite salon, covering a spa day for a loved one or snagging concert tickets for a friend are great ways to avoid the supply chain mess.
Groupon is a useful place to find deals on local activities and experiences, from mini-golf to horseback riding lessons.
Virtual events — like online wine tastings or cooking classes — gained traction during the pandemic and still make meaningful gifts for anyone avoiding crowded venues.
Spending on experiences rather than things is also a clever approach for people who seem to already own everything they need.
Jane Foster is a senior features writer at Savinly.
For additional ideas on how to navigate holiday shopping challenges, check out resources on supply chain shortages and tips for organizing gifts with an inventory system household items.
