The 2024 holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to get those festive tasks in motion! With so much to plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But no need to worry! Simplified is here to make your holiday prep as smooth as possible. This year, staying on top of holiday shipping deadlines will be your best friend in ensuring that your holiday cheer reaches loved ones on time. Getting organized early is key to avoiding last-minute stress and ensuring your gifts are delivered with care.
HOLIDAY SHIPPING DEADLINES FOR 2024
To help you stay on track, here’s a breakdown of the most important shipping deadlines for this holiday season:
USPS Shipping Deadlines
- Retail Ground Shipping (most affordable): December 18
Ideal for budget-conscious senders, Retail Ground is the lowest-cost option for domestic shipping, but it requires a bit more lead time. - First Class & Priority Mail: December 18 & 19
For those who might be running a bit behind, USPS First Class and Priority Mail options offer faster delivery times. This option allows for a few extra days of preparation, but don’t wait too long—get your gifts shipped by the deadlines! - International Shipping: December 2 & 9 (deadline varies by country)
If you’re sending holiday cheer overseas, it’s best to plan well in advance. USPS’s cutoff for international packages is early December to accommodate international customs and processing. Pack up those international gifts and make sure they’re out by December 6th to arrive on time.
FedEx and UPS Shipping Deadlines
- FedEx Ground (most economical service): December 17
FedEx’s basic shipping option is perfect for early planners aiming to save on shipping costs. FedEx offers a range of services with the flexibility to send last-minute packages, but this early date ensures delivery without added costs. - UPS 3 Day Select: December 19
This mid-tier option gives you a little extra time while still delivering your gifts promptly. UPS 3 Day Select is great for those with busy schedules who want to find a balance between speed and budget. - UPS Next Day Air: December 23
If you’re down to the wire and need an ultra-fast shipping option, UPS offers Next Day Express. This premium service allows packages to arrive just before the big day, but it’s best to plan ahead when possible to avoid higher shipping fees.
Make Holiday Shipping Easy with Simplified
Navigating all these deadlines can be challenging, but Simplified’s team is here to help. Beyond just handling your holiday decorations and party preparations, we specialize in holiday errands and shipping needs. Here’s how Simplified can make your holiday shipping stress-free:
- Picking Up Packing Supplies: No need to worry about running out of boxes, tape, or wrapping paper. Simplified can pick up everything you need to package your gifts securely and beautifully. We source high-quality packing materials, ensuring every gift is safe and well-protected on its journey.
- Packing and Wrapping Services: Simplified knows that presentation matters! Our team can help with wrapping gifts, making sure each present is beautifully packaged and labeled, so it’s ready to impress. We can even coordinate with you to match your wrapping theme or style.
- Picking Up Stamps & Shipping Labels: To make things even easier, we can pick up postage stamps and create customized shipping labels. You’ll never have to wait in line at the post office or worry about exact postage. We ensure each package has what it needs to get where it’s going without a hitch.
- Dropping Off Packages: Once everything is packed, labeled, and ready to go, we’ll take care of dropping off your packages at USPS, FedEx, or UPS locations for timely delivery. Say goodbye to the last-minute post office run! We handle all the logistics, so you can focus on the holiday activities you enjoy most.
- Tracking & Updates: We can keep track of your packages and update you on their delivery progress. That way, you can rest easy knowing your gifts are en route to their destinations on time, giving you one less thing to worry about during the busy holiday season.
Last-Minute Help and Gift Shopping
If you find yourself in need of last-minute gifts, Simplified also offers personal shopping services to help you find those perfect items for everyone on your list. Our personal shopper for the holidays can track down in-demand items, coordinate curbside pickups, and even find stores with flexible return policies in case an exchange is needed.
With our knowledge of Boston’s top shops and holiday markets, we’re ready to help you choose meaningful, unique gifts that leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s finding that perfect item, arranging for beautifully wrapped gifts, or shipping it all on time, Simplified is here to handle all the details.
Plan Your Stress-Free Holiday with Simplified
The holiday season can be hectic, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By staying on top of these shipping deadlines and using Simplified’s holiday services, you can avoid the last-minute rush and enjoy the season to the fullest.
Reach out to Simplified today to see how we can help with holiday shipping, wrapping, and everything in between. Together, we’ll make this holiday season stress-free, enjoyable, and memorable for you and your loved ones. Let us handle the details while you focus on celebrating, connecting, and making the most of this special time of year.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in November 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.