The final deadline to place gift orders for timely delivery in 2025

As the holiday season kicks in, it’s definitely time to start thinking about shipping deadlines. Honestly, receiving a gift late? That’s just a bummer and can really dampen the festive spirit.

Whether you’re buying for family, friends, or even coworkers, knowing when to make your purchase is crucial. This guide covers everything from domestic and international shipping deadlines to the various carriers and some smart strategies to make sure your gifts arrive on time.

This year, the pressure is on. A DHL survey involving 300 U.S. e-commerce businesses indicates that retailers are working hard to enhance speed and overall customer experience due to the spike in holiday shopping. Free shipping and simple return processes continue to top the list of priorities. In fact, over half of the retailers see free shipping as the key to conversions, while a large majority believes that free returns help boost sales.

Another noteworthy point is that almost two-thirds of shipments occur domestically, making reliable local logistics increasingly vital. This could mean that delivery estimates are more predictable this year, but it also comes with heightened expectations. Many companies are turning to AI-driven inventory updates and tailored recommendations to keep up in this competitive landscape.

This guide outlines the holiday shipping calendar for 2025, highlights essential deadlines for major shipping carriers, and shares tips to navigate that last-minute shopping rush. Let’s dig into what you should know to ship and shop effectively this holiday season.

It’s important to remember that while we strive for accuracy, we can’t guarantee your package will arrive on time. A survey was conducted to report important shipping dates across numerous retailers and delivery services.

Amazon

FedEx

USPS

Note: USPS deadlines for holiday shipping generally exclude Alaska and Hawaii, with a few exceptions for First Class Mail. Here’s a quick look at those deadlines in both states:

• USPS Retail Store: December 2nd for Alaska, no specific deadline for Hawaii
• Priority Mail: December 17th for Alaska and Hawaii
• Priority Mail Express: December 21st for Alaska and Hawaii

UPS

Best Buy

Note: Best Buy can assure delivery only if the item is in stock at your local store, so make sure to check that before ordering.

Bloomingdale’s

JC Penney

Kohl’s

Macy’s

Nordstrom

Just a heads-up—some items at Nordstrom may have specific cut-off dates, so make sure to review your shopping cart before checking out.

Target

Note: There may be some restrictions based on your store’s location. If making a last-minute order, it’s a good idea to contact customer service directly.