5 ways Walgreens is making your holiday shopping easier

The most wonderful time of the year is also the most chaotic, and as much as we try, there never seems to be enough time to cross everything off your list. Searching and shopping are major contributors to holiday anxiety, but with more than 8,700 stores across the U.S., Walgreens offers simple and convenient gift options for people of all ages and stages of life.

"Walgreens is a great one-stop shop for all your holiday needs," says Dale Johnson, Walgreens group vice president and general merchandise manager of grocery, household and general merchandise. “Whether you need another string of lights when you’re decorating your tree or you want to give someone you love a gift of a cherished memory, we have you covered.”

Johnson shares five ways Walgreens can make your holiday shopping season effortless:

1. Toys, toys and more toys

When you think Walgreens, you may not think toy store, but Johnson says Walgreens is a top destination for the hottest toys and games. While there’s a host of exclusive toys sold only at Walgreens, you’ll also find popular trendy gifts like the fan-favorite Squishmallows or the nostalgic game classics Battleship and UNO.

“Our No. 1 item in the toy department is UNO. When you’re getting together with family and friends, it’s a great game, no matter your age,” says Johnson. “Although our toy aisle is smaller than the big-box stores, it is jam-packed with the best toys, most of which are priced under $30.”

Walgreens also carries trading cards for the sports and anime fans in your life. Johnson says he gets Pokémon trading cards as stocking stuffers for his nephews. He also bought remote-controlled cars to play with his daughter during a Deal of the Week promotion.

“We have a Deal of the Week every week,” he says. “Typically, it’s life essentials like laundry detergent or toilet paper. But through the holidays, many deals are for great gifts, like the remote-control cars. These gifts are often up to 60% lower than similar items on the market.”

2. Personalized photo gifts

Johnson says one of the top things he gives from Walgreens during the holidays is photo gifts, many of which are available for same-day pickup.

Walgreens takes the stress out of holiday cards by letting customers create beautiful, customizable cards without having to design them yourself. Or add personal touches like your own heartfelt message or annual family photo for a memorable holiday greeting. You can also get creative with a unique photo calendar for the year ahead—a memento to enjoy all 365 days.

“As the largest brick-and-mortar photo retailer in the country, Walgreens does most of the photo production in-store and can complete many orders within one hour,” says Johnson. “Customers can also order online or in-store for more complex photo projects like mugs and pillows and have the items delivered to the store or home quickly.”

3. Grab-and-go gifts

Walgreens also makes it easy to find low-cost stocking stuffers and gifts if you’re doing a gift exchange or don’t want to show up empty-handed to a holiday party.

“No matter who you’re shopping for—your kid’s teacher or the postal workers—Walgreens has something for everyone. You can give them small, thoughtful gifts like a $15 gift card to their favorite coffee shop and a monogrammed mug,” he says.

With many grab-and-go gifts conveniently located in the seasonal aisle in the center of the store, customers can easily find great options for a friend, loved one or co-worker in minutes, like warm, fuzzy gloves and slippers, throw blankets or foot massagers. But, Johnson says, customers shouldn’t feel limited to the seasonal aisle.

Johnson says chocolates and candy, cell phone chargers or manicure sets are great, convenient stocking stuffers to pick up. Also, he likes to give Walgreens brand Zinc Cold Therapy tablets and hand sanitizer as stocking stuffers at his house so his loved ones can stay healthy throughout the holiday season.

Walgreens is also a top beauty destination where you can find exclusive brands like No7, Botanics and Soap & Glory. You can also find many popular cosmetics, like the trending e.l.f. Beauty Blush Wand. Johnson says you can give a loved one the gift of a spa experience at home with facial tools, bath bombs, dissolving shower steamers and candles from Walgreens.

Starting Thursday, Dec. 14, shop the “12 Days of Deals” at Walgreens for daily promotions, product markdowns and loyalty rewards. Visit Walgreens.com for deals galore.

4. Quick, easy shopping year-round

To make shopping as easy as possible this holiday season, Walgreens offers customers 30-minute Pickup in store, online ordering, 1-hour Delivery and 24-hour Delivery services through delivery partners like DoorDash.

"Our delivery is fast,” he says. “There is a store about a mile and a half from Walgreens corporate office. I'll place a delivery order, and sometimes it gets there in 15 minutes," he says.

You can order delivery services online or with the Walgreens app. Deliveries can be made in as little as one hour for orders placed during delivery hours. All 1-hour deliveries are free on orders of $35 or more. Shoppers can also take advantage of free 1-hour delivery on orders $20+ from Dec. 15 to 17, Dec. 24 to 25 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 1.

5. Convenient holiday shopping hours

In addition to our digital services, Walgreens makes shopping in store a breeze.

Walgreens stores will be open during regular business hours throughout the holiday season, with abbreviated store hours on Christmas Day. Stores will also be open during regular business hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. 24-hour locations will remain open throughout the holiday season.

With a range of flexible fulfillment options, Walgreens makes it quick, easy and convenient to check those final holiday items off your list—even if you're on a tight schedule.

"We’re so conveniently located throughout the country—78% of all Americans live within five miles of a Walgreens," Johnson says. “When shoppers think of Walgreens, we’re often people’s first stop when they need help to feel better, but we’re also a great place for filling any of your holiday needs—gifts, ornaments, food, beverages and more.”

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