Families are spread all over the country — and the world — which means long distance phone calls and gifts sent by mail. But how early must you buy, wrap and post holiday gifts so they get to their destination in time for the holidays?
Here are a few suggestions and ‘send by’ dates from the USPS to get your gifts 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
