Ordering gifts in time for Christmas? These dates are key

Many Americans push off holiday shopping until the last minute, but there’s a catch with online shopping: Waiting too long may mean those gifts won’t arrive until after the holidays.

The following is a list of date deadlines for getting packages delivered on time.

USPS

2018 Holiday Shipping Dates for Contiguous U.S.
Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25
Domestic Mail Class/Product Date (excluding Alaska & Hawaii)
First-Class Mail Service® Dec. 20
Priority Mail Service® Dec. 20
Priority Mail Express® Service2 Dec. 22
USPS Retail Ground® Dec. 14

2018 Holiday Shipping Dates for International Mail
Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25
Destination Global Express Guaranteed Service3 Priority Mail Express International® Service Priority Mail International Service First-Class International® Service
Africa Dec. 19 Dec. 8 Dec. 1 Dec. 1
Asia/Pacific Rim Dec. 19 Dec. 15 Dec. 8 Dec. 8
Australia/New Zealand Dec. 20 Dec. 15 Dec. 8 Dec. 8
Canada Dec. 19 Dec. 15 Dec. 8 Dec. 8
Caribbean Dec. 20 Dec. 15 Dec. 8 Dec. 8
Central & South America Dec. 18 Dec. 8 Dec. 1 Dec. 1
Mexico Dec. 19 Dec. 15 Dec. 8 Dec. 8
Europe Dec. 20 Dec. 15 Dec. 8 Dec. 8
Middle East Dec. 20 Dec. 15 Dec. 8 Dec. 8

2018 Holiday Shipping Dates for Military Mail

Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25