Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales have passed, and soon, the deadlines to mail your loved ones their holiday gifts will also expire. Whether you’re an early-bird sender or a last-minute procrastinator, according to the United States Postal Service, here are the dates by which you need to get your presents in the mail if you would like them delivered before December 25th:
For the contiguous U.S. (lower 48 states), USPS Ground Advantage Service and First-Class Mail should be sent by Dec. 18. Priority Mail Service, which is sent in one to three days, should be sent by Dec. 19. Priority Mail Express Service, which is expedited in 1 to 2 days, should be sent by Dec. 21. When shipping to Alaska or Hawaii, send two days earlier for some of those services.
If you’re sending a package internationally, the deadline for First-Class Package and Priority Mail has passed for Africa and Central & South America, but for Asia/Pacific Rim, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, and the Middle East, the deadline is Dec. 9; that same date is still available to those sending to Africa and Central & South America but as Priority Mail Express International Service.
If you have family or friends serving in the U.S. Military, the deadline to send your package via USPS Ground Advantage has passed, but First-Class Mail and Priority Mail Service are still available until Dec. 9; the Priority Mail Express Military Service deadline is Dec. 16.
For the complete list of important dates and deadlines to ship your packages in time for the holidays, visit https://www.usps.com/holiday/holiday-shipping-dates.htm.
