Are you one of the many holiday revelers with families and friends spread all across the country and the world? If so, even before you dive into that gift list, it's important to know how early must you buy, wrap and post holiday gifts so they get to their destination in time for the holidays.
Here are some suggestions and mailing deadline dates from the U.S. Postal Service to ensure your gifts are delivered on time and in one piece:
- Double-check addresses & write legibly
- Shake boxes to make sure they’re well packed
- Priority Mail is fast for last minute gifts
- Express Mail is even faster
Holiday Dates for Domestic Mail
Calculated for December 25, 2012.
|
Domestic Mail Class/Product |
Dates |
|
First-Class Mail® Service |
Dec. 20 |
|
Priority Mail® Service |
Dec. 21 |
|
Express Mail® Service |
Dec. 22 |
|
Parcel Post® Service |
Dec. 14 |
|
Destination Network Distribution Center (DNDC) Drop Ship |
Dec. 19 |
|
Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) Drop Ship |
Dec. 21 |
Holiday Dates for International Mail
|
Destination |
Global Express Guaranteed® Service |
Express Mail® Service |
Priority Mail® Service |
First-Class Mail® International Service |
|
Africa |
Dec. 19 |
Dec. 11 |
Dec. 3 |
Dec. 3 |
|
Asia / Pacific Rim |
Dec. 18 |
Dec. 15 |
Dec. 10 |
Dec. 10 |
|
Australia / New Zealand |
Dec. 18 |
Dec. 15 |
Dec. 10 |
Dec. 10 |
|
Canada |
Dec. 20 |
Dec. 17 |
Dec. 13 |
Dec. 10 |
|
Caribbean |
Dec. 19 |
Dec. 15 |
Dec. 13 |
Dec. 10 |
|
Central & South America |
Dec. 19 |
Dec. 11 |
Dec. 3 |
Dec. 3 |
|
Mexico |
Dec. 20 |
Dec. 15 |
Dec. 10 |
Dec. 10 |
|
Europe |
Dec. 19 |
Dec. 15 |
Dec. 13 |
Dec. 10 |
|
Middle East |
Dec. 19 |
Dec. 15 |
Dec. 13 |
Dec. 10 |
Click here for send-by dates for military mail.