NORFOLK, Va. - You'll have to hurry if you still need to order Christmas gifts online.
Dec. 15 is the deadline for most major carriers to ship ground, which is the least expensive option.
If you miss that deadline, you can pay more to try to get your gifts on time, but this year there's also another option.
"You can consider 'buy online, pick-up curbside,' which is a completely safe alternative to going in store," said Sara Skirboll, a shopping and trends expert with RetailMeNot. "In many cases, you get your items within less than two hours, and places like Petco and World Market are actually offering you incentives, discounts upwards of 10% off to take advantage of that service."
Another way to save some money online is by using a browser extension that will automatically search for coupon codes when you checkout.
Skirboll suggests Deal Finder through RetailMeNot.
Related: USPS enforces COVID-19 regulations as busy holiday season approaches
If you do decide to have your items shipped, be prepared for delays due to the pandemic, even if you meet the shipping deadlines.
You should also factor in extra time for companies to process your order.
