From secure packaging to delivery choices, make sure your gifts arrive on time this year 📦

The Post Office has released final posting dates to ensure Christmas gifts and cards arrive on time
Royal Mail, Parcelforce, DPD, and Evri all have specific cut-off dates, with the last guaranteed deliveries on December 23
Most international posting deadlines have passed, but some carriers still accept parcels until December 15
Postmasters advise securely packaging items, clearly writing addresses, and declaring contents for international parcels
Using local Post Office branches’ Pick Up and Drop Off services offers a convenient, safe alternative for last-minute sending

With Christmas fast approaching, many households will still be scrambling to post gifts, and if you want your festive presents and cards to arrive on time this Christmas, now is the moment to act.

The Post Office has announced its final posting dates for the season, giving shoppers a clear timeline to avoid disappointment.

While Royal Mail has already published its own last posting dates, the Post Office offers delivery options from carriers beyond Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide, with services from Evri and DPD available in selected branches

While most international posting deadlines have already passed, a handful of carriers continue to accept parcels to selected countries until December 15. For international parcels, declaring the contents correctly is crucial to avoid customs delays.

The Post Office has released final posting dates to ensure Christmas gifts and cards arrive on time (Photo: Carl Court/Getty Images) | Getty Images

placeholder image — The Post Office has released final posting dates to ensure Christmas gifts and cards arrive on time (Photo: Carl Court/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Postmaster Arif Matadar, who has worked in the service for 15 years, said preparation was the key to a stress-free festive season: “When you’re posting a parcel, we need to know what’s inside to ensure it’s safe to send and meets regulations, particularly for international destinations.”

Items such as perfume, for example, can be sent within the UK but not overseas; Matadar added that securely packaging gifts and clearly writing addresses, including a return, is essential.

What are the last posting dates for Christmas 2025?

For domestic deliveries, the Post Office has outlined a series of cut-off dates across its network and partner carriers.

The last chance for Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guaranteed or DPD Gold (both promising next-day delivery or your money back) is December 23.

Other key dates include Royal Mail 2nd Class by December 17, Parcelforce express48 by December 19, and Royal Mail 1st Class by December 20.

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But the Post Office also offers convenient alternatives beyond Royal Mail and Parcelforce, and select branches provide services from Evri and DPD.

Whether you’re sending a small card to a friend across town or a carefully wrapped gift abroad, knowing these key dates and planning ahead can save a lot of last-minute stress.