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Let’s face it, the same thing happens year after year. Things get busy with work, school, and life in general until suddenly you find yourself facing the clock as you race your gifts to the local post office, FedEx store, or UPS location. We’ve all been there, but we’d like to help you as you plan your next move and start sending your vacation packages.
If you’re going to send your gifts via traditional mail this year, we’ve rounded up the domestic shipping deadlines for various carriers and major retailers, so you can plan ahead and make sure your packages arrive before the holidays. Hopefully, this will help you avoid some unwanted stress – well, assuming that’s possible this time of year.
UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2025
Last day for shipping |
Shipping is done via this service |
|---|---|
| December 19 | Choose UPS for 3 days |
| December 22 | UPS 2nd Day Air |
| December 23 | UPS next day air |
With UPS, you have until Tuesday, December 23rd to ship via Next Day Air and your package will arrive by Wednesday, December 24th. Packages shipped via Next Day Air after the 23rd will not arrive until after Christmas. Monday, December 22nd is the last day to ship via 2nd Day Air if you want your package to arrive by December 24th. You can choose the 3-day UPS option through Friday, December 19, to arrive by the 22nd. If you plan to ship your packages before then, it’s best to choose the standard pick-up and delivery service.
FedEx shipping deadlines for 2025
Last day for shipping |
Shipping is done via this service |
|---|---|
| December 20 | FedEx Express Stop |
| December 22 | FedEx 2Day and 2Day AM |
| December 24th | FedEx Sam Day |
FedEx says the deadline for SameDay delivery is Wednesday, December 24, but it’s risky to ship packages this late, as the slightest delay could result in them arriving after Christmas. However, if you ship it by Monday, December 22, you can choose one of the two-day shipping methods. If you can get it to FedEx by Saturday, December 20, you can use the Express Saver option for a more reasonable shipping fee.
USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2025
Last day for shipping |
Shipping is done via this service |
|---|---|
| December 17 | First class mail |
| December 17 | USPS Ground Advantage |
| December 18 | Priority mail |
| December 20 | Express mail priority |
Saturday, December 20 is the last day to send packages (to arrive by Christmas Eve) via USPS Priority Mail Express, while the deadline for packages to be delivered before Christmas via standard Priority Mail is Thursday, December 18. In the meantime, first-class mail packages and those you intend to send via USPS Ground Advantage must be sent by Wednesday, December 17, if you want them to arrive in time for Christmas.
Illustration by Alex Castro/The Verge
Amazon holiday shipping deadlines
- If you subscribe to Amazon Prime and live in… Eligible zip code In the United States, you can get… Same day delivery On select items until December 24th. You will need to meet a ‘minimum’ number of qualifying items in your cart; However, the exact limit varies by location (See here for more details). Same-day delivery costs up to $2.99 per order for Prime members whose orders fall under the minimum, or up to $12.99 for non-Prime customers.
- Prime members can get One day delivery For qualifying products through December 23 with no minimum purchase amount or two-day delivery through December 22.
- If you’re a Prime member in select US cities, you can take advantage of two-hour grocery delivery through December 24th.
Shipping times and prices may vary depending on product type, size, and whether it ships directly from Amazon or a third-party seller, so be sure to check the expected arrival date at checkout and choose accordingly.
Illustration by Christine Radtke
- If you are My best buy plus or total jointyou get free two-day shipping with no minimum order size. However, those without a premium subscription must meet a $35 order limit (before taxes but after coupons), and only certain items are available for next day shipping and standard shipping.
- Free next day delivery is available on select items through December 23 if you order by 10:30 a.m. local time.
- You can get Free same day delivery If you order your package on December 24th, as long as you place your order by 12pm local time.
- If you order online by 5pm local time on Christmas Eve, you’ll also be eligible for in-store pickup until 7pm.
Keep in mind that Best Buy’s shipping and arrival dates vary depending on the type of item you purchase. For example, delivery of major appliances may take longer than delivery of smaller, more traditional electronic devices.
Illustration by Christine Radtke
- Walmart offers free standard shipping on orders over $35 sold directly from Walmart. However, you must place orders by 12:30pm local time on December 23 to receive the package in time for Christmas. Next day shipping is also available in some areas.
- Walmart also offers free next-day and two-day shipping to Walmart Plus subscribers with no minimum order. However, the arrival date of your package may vary depending on whether Walmart or a third-party seller ships your item.
- The retailer is offering same-day pickup and delivery for orders placed by 12 noon local time on December 24.
- You can also have your package delivered to you in less than one hour on Christmas Eve if you order by 5pm local time and pay the $10 express delivery fee.
Illustration by Christine Radtke
- Target stores will be open until midnight through December 23rd and 8pm local time on Christmas Eve, though it’s wise to get your pickup and same-day shipping orders in by December 23rd to be on the safe side.
- Orders placed by 6pm local time on Christmas Eve are eligible for in-store pickup until 8pm.
- Those who have a Target circle card You can get free two-day shipping on many items from the retailer’s website, and same-day delivery on orders placed by 3pm local time on Christmas Eve. Next day delivery available on 35 citiesAlso, but the order deadline varies by location.
- Many (but not all) orders over $35 qualify for free shipping, even if you don’t have a Target Circle card or Circle 360 membership. Determined by item location and your zip code.
As with Walmart and Amazon, be aware that items shipped or sold by third-party retailers at Target may result in longer lead times. Product listings usually outline your options for pickup, same-day delivery, and standard shipping — complete with estimated availability times — before you add them to your cart.
December 13 update: Updated shipping deadlines and other relevant information related to the 2025 holiday season.
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