These are the last ordering and posting dates for Christmas

Find out when the cut-off is to post your Christmas presents this year.

Final posting dates for Christmas: black present wrapped with a bow and tag

by Jade Moscrop |
Updated on

Christmas is just around the corner, so it's likely you'll be tying up any loose ends, starting the big food shop and wrapping all of your presents.

If you still have some last-minute bits to buy, you'll obviously be wondering when the cut-off dates are to order your goodies in time for Christmas.

To help you out, we've rounded up the Christmas ordering cut-off dates from the biggest retailers, so you know where to shop.

Retailers may be experiencing delays, and delivery slots are subject to availability and demand.

Amazon

Amazon has finally confirmed its final ordering dates for Christmas.

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can shop right up until Christmas Eve for same-day delivery in certain areas.

23 December is the last day to order One-Day Delivery items at checkout.

24 December is the final day to order Same-Day Delivery items.

Prime members in certain cities (and subject to availability) will be able to order grocery items on 24 December also, for Same- Day Delivery.

It's definitely worth signing up to Amazon Prime and with a 30-day free trial, you can't go wrong.

Check each individual item before ordering to avoid disappointment.

Argos

In order to get your order by Christmas Eve, you'll need to place your orders by 22 December.

If you buy online before 5pm, you may be eligible for Fast Track same day delivery for £3.95, subject to availability.

Currys PC World

You have until 18 December to get free standard delivery in time for Christmas at Currys PC World. Or, you can pay £5 for speedy delivery until 22 December.

John Lewis

December 21 is the cut off for standard delivery orders, which you'll get for free if you spend over £50. But as stated on the website it may be subject to change.

Next-day delivery will cost you £6.95 and you'll need to order by 8pm on 22 December.

Related: The best flavoured gins you can enjoy at home

Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer has split its delivery dates per category, so your cut off point will depend on what you're buying.

Clothing, home (excluding furniture) and beauty - 8pm on 18 December for standard delivery, 6pm on 23 December for nominated/next-day

Flowers - 12pm on 23 December

Wine - 10pm on 18 December for standard delivery, 12pm on 22 December for delivery on 23 December.

Food orders for Christmas and New Year are no longer available, and neither are Christmas hampers.

Smyths Toys

You have until 11.59pm on 20 December to order from Smyths. Standard delivery is £4.99, unless you spend over £19, in which case, it's free.

Waterstones

20 December is also Waterstones' cut off date, with free standard delivery if you spend over £25. There's a speedy delivery that will cost you £3.99, but you'll need to have your order in by 21 December.

Royal Mail

If your chosen retailer uses Royal Mail, the last recommended dates for posting are 18 December for second class, 21 December for first class and 23 December for special delivery.

However, Royal Mail have warned of disruption to Christmas delivery that could cause delays.

Searching for some last-minute gift inspiration? We've got you covered.

Don't forget to check out our thoughtful gift list, for some gifts that can be ordered right up until Christmas day, like experiences and subscription boxes.

Gallery

Last-minute letterbox gifts

Wonka American Candy Selection Gift Box1 of 16

Wonka American Candy Selection Gift Box

If you know someone who loves American-style sweets, this box will be right up their street. It includes a whole host of different options - Runts, Bottle Caps, Gobstoppers and more.

STIRRD Christmas Wonder Box2 of 16
CREDIT: Stirrd

STIRRD Christmas Wonder Box

Who doesn't love a sweet treat in the post? These festive fudges by Stirrd are gloriously sweet and crumbly and fit right through your letterbox too. Festive flavours included in the box feature delicious maple and salt, mince pie and unique whisky and marmalade.

Emergency Pink Gin Letterbox Gift3 of 16

Emergency Pink Gin Letterbox Gift

Every girl needs an emergency gin delivery every once in a while, so this letterbox gin gift is ideal if you know someone who could use a little pick-me-up right now. It features a bottle of pink gin, a delicious bar of rhubarb gin and tonic flavoured chocolate and a pink gin lip balm.

sleep masks4 of 16
CREDIT: Sensory Retreats

Luna Eyes Self-Heating Sleep Masks

This 7-in-1 self-heating eyes mask has been created to take the body and mind on a sensory journey at home. The perfect excuse for some me-time.

Afternoon Tea Letter Box Hamper5 of 16

Afternoon Tea Letter Box Hamper

Just because you can't leave the house for a special afternoon tea outing, doesn't mean you can't enjoy it at all. This afternoon tea letterbox gift has a selection of yummy teas, along with shortbread and chocolate.

Cottage Garden Flower Seeds6 of 16

Cottage Garden Flower Seeds

If you're looking for a sweet gift for your mum or a grandparent, this seed gift set provides cottage garden style flowers from May until October. It contains four packets of seeds, four wooden plant markers, a postcard and a pencil.

'Stress Free Kit' Relaxation Letterbox Gift7 of 16

'Stress Free Kit' Relaxation Letterbox Gift

It's a stressful time for everyone at the moment, so show your friend or relative you care with this box designed to de-stress the receiver. It includes nine 'stress less' cards that help when dealing with stressful situations, energising tea, relaxing tea, epsom salts and a handmade soap bar.

Organic Letterbox Spa Gift Collection8 of 16

Organic Letterbox Spa Gift Collection

Bring the spa to someone special with this luxurious letterbox spa kit. Each set contains a solid moisturiser lotion bar, mineral bath salt infusion, hand made soap, two hand poured scented tea light candles and two bath melts. Pop open the fizz and you'll be transported to your favourite spa.

Gin And Chocolate Lovers Letter Box Hamper9 of 16

Gin And Chocolate Lovers Letter Box Hamper

Gin and chocolate... have you ever heard of a better mix? This letterbox hamper includes two miniature glass bottles of Plymouth Gin as well as gin and tonic chocolate and nuts.

Bloom & Wild Letterbox Flowers10 of 16

Bloom & Wild Letterbox Flowers

Bloom & Wild's flower deliveries are sure to cheer anyone up. They're unique, beautiful and don't cost the earth.

Harry Potter Selection Box11 of 16

Harry Potter Selection Box

Everybody knows a Harry Potter fanatic, so listen up, because this one's perfect for them. You'll get a Chocolate Frog, Jelly Belly Bertie Bott's Beans and some Jelly Slugs. Delish.

Personalised Candy Cocktails Letterbox Sweets12 of 16

Personalised Candy Cocktails Letterbox Sweets

Liven up any Friday night with this personalised box of cocktail sweets, containing four varieties of cocktail flavoured sweets - vodka and cola, gin and tonic, strawberry and prosecco and prosecco chews.

The Perfect Birthday Gift Letterbox Gift13 of 16

The Perfect Birthday Gift Letterbox Gift

Birthdays can be hard when you have to spend it alone, so bring a smile to their face with this gorgeous birth stone necklace. You can also include a personalised birthday card.

'Thinking Of You' Letterbox Gift Peach14 of 16

'Thinking Of You' Letterbox Gift Peach

Sometimes, you just want to send a gift for no reason at all, and this box is perfect for that. It includes a raspberry chocolate bar, candle and chamomile tea bags, perfect for a relaxing night in.

scentaddict Letterbox Perfume15 of 16

scentaddict Letterbox Perfume

We all know someone who adores perfume more than most things, so treat them to a letterbox sized bottle of their favourite with scentaddict. The 8ml refillable atomiser will arrive in the first order, then for £12 a month it can be refilled with a scent of their choice. You can sign up for 3, 6 and 12 month plants, or just go for a one-off gift and it'll be £15.

Grey Goose La Collection16 of 16

Grey Goose La Collection

For the loved one who loves a twist in their drink, this set will hit the spot. With four different Grey Goose flavours, these will be perfect for a gorgeous cocktail for Christmas and beyond.

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Jade Moscrop is the Deputy Editor for WhatsTheBest, specialising in lifestyle topics. She also writes for Closer, Heat, and Mother&Baby.

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