Christmas 2021: How much are first and second class stamps?

Christmas is, of course, the most wonderful time of the year – but it’s not without some stress.

Take, for example, having to make sure you’ve posted all your cards and parcels out before the last holiday posting dates.

If you’ve written the most heartfelt message or letter to someone this Christmas, you want to make sure they actually get it so, as well as making a note of the dates, you need to make sure you’ve paid for the right stamps.

How much are stamps now and how long do they take to be mailed?

How much are stamps?

The price for a first-class stamp starts at 85p.

One stamp will be valid for any item up to 100g in weight – covering the likes of most cards and letters – and the cost to post something first-class rises as items get heavier.

For second-class, the price of a stamp starts at 66p for letters up to 100g.

How long do first and second-class stamps take to deliver?

First-class letters and cards in the UK are expected to be delivered by Royal Mail the day after they are posted  – provided you get your item posted within the collection times.

Second-class letters and cards in the UK are regarded as less urgent mail and can take up to two to three working days for delivery.

So, if you want something to arrive as soon as possible, keep an eye on when the postbox collection time is.

What are the last first and second class post dates for Christmas?

If you’re just sending out something that requires a stamp – so a card, letter or small gift voucher – the dates you need are as follows:

• Saturday, December 18 – last date for 2nd Class, 2nd Class Signed For and Royal Mail 48

• Tuesday, December 21 – last date for 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For, Royal Mail 24 and Royal Mail Tracked 48

There are different dates for sending out bulkier parcels and sending post to people outside the UK so it’s important to double check or face being on someone’s naughty list this Christmas.

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