Photo: VDB Photos (Shutterstock)
We have officially entered holiday-shipping-panic season, that period of less than 10 days before Christmas when we suddenly realize how quickly the 25th snuck up on us, once again. If you are strategic, though, your packages can (maybe) still make it to their final destination before the big event. Here are some dates to keep in mind, depending on whether you’re sending the packages out via the USPS, UPS, FedEx, or if you’re ordering online from one of the major retailers.
One important thing to keep in mind: Dec. 24 is a Saturday, so not all mail services will be available on that day; if it comes down to delivery “business days” for you to make your deadline, the 24th will not count as one.
2022 holiday shipping deadlines for USPS, UPS, and FedEx
If you’re using the post office to send your gifts, these are the deadlines to mark on your calendar so your gifts arrive by Dec. 24:
USPS 2022 Holiday Shipping Deadlines
Ship by Dec. 17 with Retail GroundShip by Dec. 17 with First-Class MailShip by Dec. 19 with Priority Mail ServiceShip by Dec. 23 with Priority Mail Express ServiceUPS 2022 Holiday Shipping Deadline
Ship by or before Dec. 19 with regular mailShip by Dec. 20 with UPS 3 Day SelectShip by Dec. 21 with UPS 2nd Day AirShip by Dec. 22 with UPS Next Day AirFedEx 2022 Holiday Shipping Deadlines
Ship by Dec. 20 with FedEx Express SaverShip by Dec. 21 with FedEx 2Day and 2Day AMShip by Dec. 23 with FedEx SameDay
2022 Amazon holiday shipping deadlines
Purchase on Dec. 24 with same-day delivery: To use this service, you must be an Amazon Prime member, live in an eligible ZIP code (or your gift recipient must), and even then, only certain items are eligible. There’s also a minimum threshold of eligible items in your cart that must be met to trigger the same-day delivery service, which Amazon says is least $25 in certain cities, or by paying a $2.99 fee.Purchase by Dec. 23 with One-Day Delivery: You must also be a Prime Member, and the product must be eligible for the service, but there’s no minimum purchase requirement.Purchase by Dec. 22 with Two-Day Delivery: Same requirements as One-Day Delivery.2022 Best Buy holiday shipping deadlines
Purchase on Dec. 24 with same-day delivery: You must be a subscriber to Best Buy’s Totaltech program for this service if you want it for free; otherwise, you’ll have to pass the $35 minimum order and be before 2 p.m. local time. Only certain ZIP codes are eligible for this service.Purchase on Dec. 23 with free next-day delivery (available for select items).Purchase on Dec. 21 with regular delivery for large items (there are exceptions, but dates will be shown at the checkout window).2022 Walmart holiday shipping deadlines
Walmart has announced no specific dates for its 2022 holiday shipping deadlines, but in past years, they’ve offered in-store pickup through Dec. 24. This means you’ll want to place your order by Dec. 23 the latest. They do have fast-shipping options with their free next-day and two-day shipping for Walmart Plus subscribers, which require no order minimum. Keep an eye, though, on whether Walmart or a third-party is shipping the item, because that will affect timing.
2022 Target holiday shipping deadlines
Target also hasn’t shared their 2022-specific holiday shipping deadlines, but they do have a clear set of shipping policies: If you’re a Target RedCard credit card holder, you can get free two-day shipping on many products online. Make sure to order those items by Dec. 21 to arrive by the deadline on Dec. 24. Like Walmart, check whether Target or a third-party is shipping the product—that will impact on the delivery time.
Most orders over $35 will receive free two-day shipping regardless of whether you’re a RedCard member, but it will depend on your ZIP code. Target also has their own same-day delivery with a service called Shipt, which offers unlimited deliveries on orders over $35, at a cost of $99 per year, but you must be subscribed to the service. They also offer same-day shipping for non-members through Target’s site at a cost on a per-order basis. Target also will have some orders ready for pickup in two hours—as long as they are in stock.
