Lastminute-Gifts.com has many gift ideas available within 24 hours throughout the United States and Canada. When it comes to the rest of the world however, really fast gift delivery has been a problem. Many products simply are not available outside the US, and items which ship worldwide must go by an international carrier. This is expensive and time-consuming, but there hasn’t an alternative.

Now there may be a solution. A site called Gifts n Ideas has teamed up with local shops in 184 countries. With this network in place, they can deliver gifts for you same day, overnight, or as fast as that that country’s transportation structure will allow.

Gifts n Ideas also offers service in the US and Canada but it is not impressive; prices aren’t competitive here. However, the other 180+ countries is where they shine. Using local establishments saves a lot of shipping, and the time savings can’t be duplicated.

There are a few countries where no local connection is available. In that case Gifts n Ideas uses an international carrier and the time and shipping advantages go away. But you are saved the inconvenience of having to ship internationally yourself.

When looking at delivery schedules, time on much of the planet is hours ahead of time zones in North America. It’s very possible that in the country of your choice, “tomorrow is today” - what looks like next-day shipping is actually same day shipping. In the description, look for the words “hand delivered” - that could be a tip-off to fast local shipping.

If you have a gift that’s that need to go outside the United States, it’s worth checking into Gifts n Ideas. They may have exactly what you need, when you need it.

Once again, members of the Garritan community are offering a Christmas album, complete with cover and and label artwork absolutely free. You can download it for your own holiday listening, or burn it to disks, print out the artwork, and present it for the ultimate in cheapskate holiday giving. Unless there are musicians in the family, nobody will be the wiser. The downloads are available at http://www.garritan.com .

The music on the album wasn’t created by huge orchestras and mighty choruses, but by individual people working on their computer or laptop with Garritan Personal Orchestra software. This is available for Mac and Windows and ready for instant download. If you know a musician, student or hobbyist who would love to have their own orchestra, go over to the Garritan site and check it out - this could be an excellent last-minute gift idea.
For the rest of us, it’s great to be able to enjoy another collection of Christmas music from Garritan.

Amazon.com offers Guaranteed Accelerated Delivery dates on selected items when you choose One - day or Two day Express shipping. This includes thousands of products that you can easily get overnight … if you know what to look for.

In fact, they are so confident that they can deliver your order in time that they guarantee it. When you place a qualifying order, Amazon prioritizes it to ship right away and automatically refunds the shipping costs if they miss the delivery date.

The trick is identifying eligible products. In order to do that, look for the “Want it delivered...” message that displays a delivery date and shipping option. This message lets you know that Guaranteed Accelerated Delivery is available for the item.

In addition to choosing eligible products, Amazon advises taking the following steps to ensure a successful order:
• Choose a shipping speed (one and two day delivery dates appear in green)
• Choose an eligible shipping address
• If your order contains other ineligible items, check the split shipment box
• Place your order before the deadline displayed on the product detail page

One more thing - make sure arrangements are made to take delivery of the package if necessary. If your shipment requires a signature or appointment, for instance, be sure someone is there.

This covers the basics of Amazon’s Guaranteed Accelerated Delivery service. If you have more questions about this feature, check the Amazon help pages for details.

With Accelerated Delivery comes Accelerated Shipping Prices. Amazon is a bit reluctant about showing them, but currently they display your new total price in red at the top of the page. You’d save quite a bit if the order could take a few days to arrive, and Amazon will let you change shipping preferences very easily. But if it can’t wait, their shipping prices are reasonable. And when time is of the essence, getting that order could be well worth the price.

Did you ever see the greatest sweatshirt design on someone walking by in the mall… but you can’t find it anywhere?

Or the coffee  mug you saw a catalog which would be perfect for for Aunt Gladys… but it costs a fortune?

Or you’d just love to give something very personalized and special, but have no idea how to put it together?

Cafe Press has an answer to all the above.  This web site allows you to design custom T-shirts and and personalized gifts, then have them made and delivered fast.

How much time do you have for designing custom Christmas gifts? Here is Cafe Press’ 2009 holiday shipping schedule:

Shipping Method:   Order By:
Economy:                       11:59 p.m. (EST) Sunday, December 13
Standard:                        11:59 p.m. (EST) Tuesday, December 15
Premium:                        11:59 p.m. (EST) Sunday, December 20
1 Day:                               Noon (EST) Monday, December 21

Cafe Press doesn’t have a Speed Feature ( a method of getting your gift delivered or announced within 24 hours).  So if your custom creation won’t get there in time, use our  Gift Announcements to let them know their gift is on the way.