Beat the Holiday Rush with Google: Smart Tips for Last-Minute Shoppers

Michael in Technology Dec 10 • 29 min read

As the holiday season approaches, the hustle and bustle of finding the perfect gifts intensifies. Many shoppers often find themselves scrambling for last-minute options, which can lead to stress and overwhelming choices.

Thankfully, Google offers an array of tools designed to make holiday shopping more efficient and enjoyable. Whether you’re seeking gift inspiration, quick delivery options, or seamless in-store experiences, these tools can save the day. Below, we’ve broken down practical strategies using Google’s resources to streamline your last-minute shopping journey.

1. Generate Gift Ideas Using AI

Finding the right gift can be a daunting task, especially when time is short. Google’s AI-powered tools provide an easy way to discover thoughtful presents tailored to specific needs or interests. By inputting a search query like “gifts for an 11-year-old boy who loves soccer”, you’ll receive curated suggestions that can spark inspiration.

Benefits of AI-Powered Gift Suggestions

Customizable Searches: Input unique interests or characteristics of the recipient to receive personalized ideas, whether it’s a hobby, profession, or age group.
Comprehensive Results: Get a mix of practical items like soccer gear, creative options such as personalized jerseys, or experiential gifts like soccer camp vouchers.
Saves Time: Avoid aimless browsing and jump straight to meaningful options.

Pro Tip: For broader ideas, try Google’s "People also search for" section. It provides related queries that can open up new gift avenues.

2. Narrow Your Search for Quick Delivery

For last-minute shopping, delivery speed is crucial. Google Shopping’s "Get it fast" filter is a game-changer for those racing against the clock. This feature allows you to limit search results to items available for fast shipping or same-day pickup.

How to Use the “Get it fast” Filter

Open Google Shopping and search for your desired product.
Apply the “Get it fast” filter to sort results by availability.
Browse options that guarantee quick delivery or pickup.

Why This Matters for Last-Minute Shoppers

Reliable Timing: Ensure gifts arrive before the holidays without unexpected delays.
Availability Alerts: See which stores have the item in stock locally, allowing for quick pickups.
Efficient Price Comparisons: View prices across multiple retailers in one glance.

Did You Know? According to recent surveys, 28% of last-minute shoppers rely on fast shipping or same-day pickup. With tools like these, you can be part of the prepared crowd—even at the last minute.

3. Enhance In-Store Shopping with Google Lens

Shopping in physical stores during the holidays brings a unique joy that online browsing can’t replicate. However, navigating crowded aisles and making informed decisions can be challenging. Enter Google Lens, a tool that elevates the in-store shopping experience with smart, real-time assistance.

How Google Lens Works

Snap a photo of a product or barcode using the Google Lens app.
Instantly receive information such as:

Product reviews: See what others are saying before making a purchase.

Price comparisons: Check if the same item is available at a lower price elsewhere.

Alternate options: Discover similar items, potentially at better prices or higher quality.

Use Cases for Google Lens

Beauty Products: Find out if the skincare set you’re eyeing is highly rated or has better alternatives.
Toys: Compare popular holiday toys for features, pricing, and availability.
Electronics: Avoid overspending by comparing prices on gadgets like headphones or smart home devices.

Pro Tip: Use Google Lens to scan holiday displays for unique décor ideas and festive add-ons that complement your gifts.

4. Track Packages Easily in Gmail

Staying organized is crucial when you’re juggling multiple orders during the holiday season. Gmail’s package tracking feature is designed to simplify this process by providing real-time updates for all your deliveries.

How to Activate Package Tracking

Open your Gmail app or desktop interface.

Enable the package tracking feature in your account settings.

Receive updates for shipping progress directly in your inbox.

Features to Love

Delivery Notifications: Automatic updates ensure you’re informed of delays or expected arrival times.
Summary Cards: Gmail now provides a quick overview of all your orders, making it easier to manage multiple deliveries.
Integration with Google Calendar: Add delivery dates directly to your calendar to stay on top of arrivals.

Why This Saves Time

Instead of sifting through multiple emails or tracking numbers, Gmail consolidates all your shopping updates into an easy-to-access format. This ensures you’re never caught off guard by a delayed package.

Pro Tip: Use Gmail’s search bar with keywords like “order update” or “shipment notification” for quick access to any tracking email.

5. Additional Google Tools for a Seamless Shopping Experience

Beyond these core tips, Google offers several additional features that can ease the stress of last-minute shopping:

Google Maps for Store Visits

Plan efficient shopping routes using Google Maps:

Check live traffic updates to avoid congested areas.
Use the “Popular times” feature to visit stores during quieter hours.
Find holiday-specific promotions highlighted in store profiles.

Google Pay for Quick Checkout

Save time at checkout with Google Pay:

Securely store your payment information and loyalty cards.
Speed up transactions with contactless payments in-store or online.

Google Assistant for Shopping Lists

Create and manage shopping lists using Google Assistant:

Say “Hey Google, add socks to my shopping list” to keep track of gift ideas.
Set reminders for upcoming sales or restocks.

Pro Tip: Enable Google Assistant’s shopping notifications to receive alerts about price drops or flash sales.

Stress-Free Holiday Shopping with Google

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be chaotic. By leveraging Google’s diverse tools, you can turn last-minute gift hunting into a smooth, efficient, and even enjoyable experience. From generating personalized gift ideas with AI to tracking deliveries seamlessly in Gmail, each tool is designed to save time and reduce stress. So whether you’re shopping online or hitting the stores, these strategies ensure you’ll find great gifts for everyone on your list—without the usual holiday hassle.

This season, let Google be your ultimate shopping assistant and enjoy the festivities with peace of mind!