Christmas post and delivery deadline dates 2011

Christmas is fast approaching and the deadlines for sending off presents and cards in the post are now upon us so if you want to make sure your loved ones receive their Christmas goodies in time read on to find out the deadlines.

If you've got a mountain of cards to post pay particular attention to the second class deadline, which is 17 December, and save a tidy sum on stamp costs. Buying four books of 12 Christmas stamps would cost me £17.28 second class (£4.32 for 12) compared to £22.08 first class (£5.52 for 12). 

The deadline for standard parcels was 14 December but you can still send your parcels special delivery, known as Parcelforce, to ensure they arrive on time. Meet the Parcelforce express 48 deadline (see below) for a cheaper final postal bill too. Prices start from £11.25 for parcelforce express 48 compared to £13.25 for express 24. 

Postal deadlines

Saturday 17 December

Second class and recorded delivery

Tuesday 20 December

First class and recorded delivery

Wednesday 21 December

Parcelforce express 48

Thursday 22 December

Parcelforce express 24

Thursday 22 December

Special delivery

Friday 23 December

Special delivery with Saturday guarantee
 
Ordering presents online takes out all the stress of huffing and puffing at the shops - and there are often online discounts to take advantage of too. But there is also the worry that your orders won't reach you before Christmas. Below is a list of the last order dates - and times for some of the main retailers.

Sunday 18 December
11:59 Amazon free super saver delivery
14:30 Boots last next-day delivery
15:00 John Lewis last delivery day for large furniture or appliances

Monday 19 December
00:00 Accessorize last standard delivery
00:00 Next last Northern Ireland courier
00:00 Play.com last free standard delivery
12:00 HMV last standard delivery
17:00 Whittard last standard delivery

Tuesday 20 December
00:00 Apple last standard delivery
00:00 House of Fraser last next day delivery
00:00 Hamleys last next day delivery
12:00 HMV last next day delivery
15.30 Curry's last standard delivery for small items
15.30 Dixon's last standard delivery for small items
17:00 Whittard last next day delivery
23.59 Amazon last first class delivery

Wednesday 21 December
00:00 Argos last delivery for larger express items
00:00 ASOS last standard delivery
00:00 B&Q last guaranteed next day delivery
12:00 The Body Shop last express delivery
12:00 Lastminute.com last day for gift vouchers by post
14.30 Boots last standard delivery
15:00 John Lewis last delivery day for gift, fashion and home products
18:00 Marks & Spencer last day delivery for clothes, gifts, beauty, home and wine

Thursday 22 December
00:00 Comet last standard delivery
00:00 Play.com last premium delivery
12:00 Debenhams last standard delivery
13:00 Argos last delivery for small items
14:30 Boots last next day delivery
16:00 Toys R Us last next day delivery
19:00 Marks & Spencer last nominated day delivery   
21:00 Next last standard UK courier (excluding Northern Ireland)

Friday 23 December
00:00 ASOS last next working day delivery
00:00 Woolworths last standard delivery
14:00 Amazon last express delivery
14: 00 Next last delivery for plants and flowers
15:30 Amazon last Prime customers delivery (only available with £47.97 annual membership)
15:30 Curry's last premium delivery
15:30 Dixon's last premium delivery
16:00 Hotel Chocolat last standard delivery
18:00 ASOS last nominated day delivery

Christmas Eve
14:00 ASOS last same day delivery