OK, procrastinators, here are the last possible shipping dates for Christmas packages
Christmas has a way of sneaking up on you.
Between holiday parties, school programs and work potlucks, it’s easy for time to slip away before you’ve purchased a single gift — let alone dropped it in the mail.
But if you’re a last-minute shopper stressing about getting gifts to loved ones by Christmas, don’t fret: you still have time if you follow these domestic shipping deadlines.
The United States Postal Service recommends shipping with its First Class Mail Service by Dec. 20 for gifts to arrive by Christmas Eve.
Ship by Dec. 21 for Priority Mail.
If you’re really down to the wire, USPS says Priority Mail Express packages can be shipped on Dec. 23 and still arrive before the big day.
FedEx
If you’re using FedEx Home Delivery or Ground to ship your packages, FedEx says to drop those in the mail by Dec. 16 to ensure delivery by Christmas.
With Express Saver, ship by Dec. 19, the company says.
FedEx 2-day and 2-day AM packages should both be shipped by Dec. 20.
Gifts can be mailed by Dec. 23 using Standard Overnight, Priority Overnight and First Overnight and still arrive by Christmas, according to FedEx.
Last minute shoppers, this is your lifesaver: you can ship on Christmas Day with FedEx Same Day, City Priority or City Direct and get it delivered same-day before your last glass of egg nog, the company says.
UPS
Ship with UPS 3 Day Select by Dec. 19 for delivery before Christmas, the company says.
2nd Day Air shipments should be shipped by Dec. 20 to ensure holiday delivery.
Really starting to panic? You can send your gift Next Day Air by Dec. 23 for it to arrive by Christmas Eve, according to UPS.
Amazon
If you’re sending gifts directly from Amazon, you still have a little time, especially if you’re a Prime member.
Anyone can order by Dec. 16 for free shipping on qualifying orders over $25.
Dec. 18 is the last day to order with standard shipping, the company says. Those orders typically ship in three to five business days, according to Amazon.
For Prime members, Dec. 22 is the last day to order for free 2-day Prime delivery by Christmas Eve.
If using free 1-day Prime delivery, members should order by Dec. 23.
In some areas, same-day delivery is available on Christmas Eve and free for Prime members who make purchases over $35, the company says.
This story was originally published December 15, 2019 at 12:33 PM with the headline "OK, procrastinators, here are the last possible shipping dates for Christmas packages."