If you want to send your Christmas presents so that they reach your loved ones before Christmas, the shipping deadlines are getting closer and closer.

NBC News business and data correspondent Brian Cheung joined TODAY on Dec. 13 to share a breakdown of the key dates companies like UPS, FedEx and the US Postal Service should remember to deliver their gifts on time.

He also explained the deadlines for major online retailers like Amazon and Walmart and offered tips on how to save money on shipping.

If things feel a little rushed this season, it’s because there are five fewer days for holiday shopping, as there are only 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Here you can find out how long it takes for the gifts to be sent on time.

Ground shipping deadlines

If you’re looking for one of the cheapest routes, ground parcel shipping is a good option, but you’ll need to act quickly.

FedEx Ground Economy: December 13th

US Postal Service Ground Advantage: Dec 18

UPS Ground: UPS strongly encourages customers to visit the website and use the time and cost calculator as timelines may vary depending on shipping location.

Expedited shipping times

If you’re willing to pay more for shipping, you can buy yourself more time. However, waiting longer could result in you paying more for shipping than for the actual gift.

UPS 3-day selection: Dec 19

FedEx 2-3 day home delivery: December 20th

USPS Priority Mail Express: December 21st

Deadlines for online purchases

If you would like to have the gift sent directly to a friend or family member after ordering online, please note the following deadlines.

Also, make sure your purchases are eligible for expedited shipping, as some items on Amazon and Walmart’s website are sold by third-party sellers that do not offer two-day shipping options.

Amazon Prime members: Dec 22nd

Amazon non-members: Dec 16

Walmart+ members: Dec 22nd

Walmart non-members: Dec 19

*Walmart is also offering extended delivery times on December 23rd and Christmas Eve for next day and same day delivery.

*Same day delivery is not available for Christmas Day.

Important shipping deadlines for retailers

Gap: Dec 18

Nordstrom: Dec 18

Sephora: December 20 at 6pm ET

Apple: December 23rd for in-stock Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple TV or Apple Watch items.

Tips to save shipping costs

• Take advantage of National Free Shipping Day on December 14th by checking to see if the retailer you shop from is participating. Last year, J. Crew, Loft, Crate & Barrel, Bloomingdale’s and others participated.
• Sign up for a 30-day free trial with Amazon Prime and Walmart+ to take advantage of free same-day, one-day, and two-day shipping options.
• If you ship the items yourself, reuse old packaging materials and use flat rate boxes that have a fixed price regardless of the weight of the package.
• Shop early and ship. Express shipping prices can be up to $60, which may be more than the cost of the gift.