Christmas Parcels: Best Ways to Send in the UK and Last Posting Dates with Royal Mail
For Royal Mail UK deliveries, the last posting dates for Christmas parcels are 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.
International deadlines vary by country, with examples including 8 December for Spain and New Zealand, 12 December for the US, 15 December for France and Ireland, and 5 December for Australia.
Using courier price comparison sites such as Parcel2Go is recommended to compare like-for-like options, including UK and international deadlines for many couriers. These services highlight the importance of comparing similar service levels, for example, tracked versus untracked.
For small items under 1kg, Royal Mail is usually the cheapest option; for heavier items, courier comparison sites often offer better prices. Royal Mail price pointers for a small parcel up to 2kg include standard second class online at £3.50 compared to £3.99 at the post office, and standard first class online at £4.40 versus £5.09 at the post office.
Regarding customer satisfaction, Ofcom ranks Amazon and FedEx highest for parcel deliveries, while Evri and Yodel are among the least satisfying for contacting couriers. Citizens Advice rates Royal Mail highest with about 3.25 out of 5 stars and Yodel the lowest around 2 out of 5.
Sending gifts directly to the recipient can sometimes be cheaper due to free delivery options offered by retailers, usually above thresholds such as £70 at John Lewis and £60 at Marks & Spencer. Gift-wrapping options may also be available.
To avoid long queues at post offices, it is advised not to visit on peak days; 8 December is expected to be the busiest day for Christmas parcels and mail. Some branches also collect and deliver prepaid parcels for couriers like Amazon, DPD, DHL, and Evri.
When sending gifts outside the UK, customs forms (CN22 for most gifts under £270) are required, with descriptions needing to be specific. Carriers publish lists of prohibited items such as nail varnish, perfume, aftershave, secateurs, and designer goods; sending restricted items may cause problems.
