Last-Minute Christmas Gifts and Shipping Tips

Shipping cutoffs change every year and vary by country, so we don't list dates here. Use the official pages below for current deadlines.

Check the official deadlines

• USPS: look for "holiday shipping" dates
• UPS: look for "holiday shipping" dates
• FedEx: look for "holiday shipping" dates

Also check the retailer's own cutoff for guaranteed Christmas delivery. It is often earlier than the carrier's.

If you've missed the deadline

• Store pickup or curbside: many retailers offer same-day pickup.
• Digital gifts: e-gift cards, subscriptions and online classes arrive instantly.
• Experiences: tickets, dinners or a planned day out, with a printed card to open.
• An IOU with a photo: a "your gift is on the way" card is a normal and kind fallback.

Use the shopping calendar to plan next year's timeline, and the gift tracker to stay organized.