Somehow it’s already December and the holidays are just around the corner. Whether you’re looking to grab a last-minute sale or start gift-giving, it’s time to actually think about your shipping strategy. Because that’s exactly what it is – a strategy.

While you can never start holiday shopping too early (some of us even started this summer), you may be too late. Let’s be honest: the excuse “Your gift is on the way, I promise” only comes up so often. Don’t be The person this year.

To help you, we’ve looked at the USPS holiday shipping deadlines and presented them simply and clearly for you. These are the recommended shipping dates for an estimated delivery before December 25th.

USPS 2024 Holiday Shipping Deadlines for Contiguous US States

Please note that the post office will be closed on December 25th and no mail will be delivered.

Curious about other shipping providers? UPS marks December 19th as the last day for 3-day Select packages, December 20th as the deadline for second day Air packages, and December 23rd as the very last day for Next Day Air packages. For FedEx, the last day for ground shipping and home delivery is December 17th and December 23rd is the deadline for one-day shipping. Keep in mind that you will pay extra for overnight shipping and will likely have to wait in a long line!

Happy shopping!

Gaby Keiderling is a New York-based writer who writes across fashion, lifestyle, travel and sports. She also covers celebrity style esquireis the “Get Ready with Me” franchise. Her work can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaarand more. She can sometimes be spotted in the West Village walking her dog, Sneakers.