With the festive season in full swing, millions across the UK are preparing to send gifts and cards to loved ones. Navigating the maze of delivery options, deadlines, and prices can be daunting. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know for a stress-free Christmas posting experience, from crucial cut-off dates to choosing the most reliable service.
Critical Last Posting Dates You Must Know
Timing is everything for Christmas deliveries. Missing the final recommended posting dates significantly increases the risk of your parcel not arriving in time for the 25th of December.
For Royal Mail services within the UK, the key deadlines are as follows: 17 December for second class and second-class signed for; 20 December for first class and first-class signed for; 19 December for Tracked 48; 22 December for Tracked 24; and 23 December for special delivery guaranteed.
For international gifts, you need to act much sooner. Deadlines vary dramatically by destination. Using Royal Mail, the last recommended posting date for Australia is 5 December, for Spain and New Zealand it's 8 December, for the US it's 12 December, and for France and Ireland it's 15 December. You can check specific countries on the Post Office website. Courier firms have their own schedules, with sites like Parcel2Go listing deadlines for major providers.
Choosing the Right Delivery Company and Service
The market is flooded with options, from giants like Royal Mail, DPD, and Amazon Logistics to smaller courier firms. Services range from standard and signed-for to next-day, tracked, and guaranteed deliveries. You can often drop parcels at local shops, lockers, or have them collected from your door.
When comparing, ensure you are matching equivalent services. According to Martin Lewis's MoneySavingExpert, for small items under 1kg, Royal Mail usually offers the best value. For heavier parcels, however, using a courier comparison website like Parcel2Go, ParcelHero, or Parcel Monkey is typically cheaper. These sites often secure competitive rates by purchasing spare capacity from couriers.
Customer satisfaction should also guide your choice. Citizens Advice reports that 15 million people recently experienced parcel delivery problems. Ofcom's survey placed Amazon and FedEx joint top for customer satisfaction, while Evri and Yodel were the least satisfactory for customer help. A separate Citizens Advice study scored Royal Mail highest (3.25/5) among major volume carriers, with Yodel bottom (2/5).
Smart Tips to Save Money and Avoid Hassle
Several strategies can reduce costs and stress. First, always check Royal Mail's online price guide as a benchmark. For a small parcel up to 2kg, second class costs £3.50 online versus £3.99 at the Post Office.
Consider sending items directly from the retailer to the recipient. MoneySavingExpert notes this is "almost always" cheaper, especially for large or heavy gifts, as retailers like John Lewis and M&S often offer free delivery over a spend threshold and don't charge extra for size.
For small, light items like books, use Royal Mail's 'large letter' format (max 35.3cm x 25cm x 2.5cm, 750g). UK prices start at £1.55 for second class online.
Avoid the busiest day. The Post Office predicts Monday 8 December will be its peak day for Christmas post, so steer clear to skip long queues. Remember, many branches also handle drop-offs for Amazon, DPD, and Evri.
Always check prohibited items lists before packing. Bans vary by company but can include perfumes, nail varnish, aerosols, and even designer goods. Sending a banned item that damages other parcels could leave you liable for costs.
For gifts sent from Great Britain to any destination outside the UK, a customs form is mandatory. Use form CN22 for gifts worth under £270. Be specific in your description—"knitted woollen scarf" not just "gift"—as generic terms are rejected by customs.
Finally, post your Christmas cards early. The last UK posting dates are 17 December for second class (87p stamp) and 20 December for first class (£1.70 stamp). Sending 20 cards second class saves a substantial £16.60.
