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SHOPPERS only have today to order presents from retailers like Smyths Toys and Disney if they want them in time for Christmas.
It’s also the final cut-off for ordering gifts via the cheapest standard delivery from Asos, Nike and Waterstones.
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But even if you do make a purchase today, there’s still no guarantee that your presents will arrive in time as these are just recommended order dates.
Cheap delivery dates for other popular retailers – including M&S and John Lewis – have sadly gone.
Some shops have made their order deadlines earlier than last year due to more people shopping online following the coronavirus crisis.
Royal Mail is also warning of delivery days, with some second-class post taking over two weeks to deliver.
Can I return a Christmas order that arrives late?
IT can be really frustrating if you order a Christmas present and it doesn’t arrive on time.
If you want to return your gift, for example, because you had to buy something else, we explain your rights.
For presents ordered by the store’s last delivery date – the one it advertises online – you will be entitled to your money back if you no longer want the item.
You’ll need to have proof of when you placed your order, such as an email confirmation.
The retailer will also expect you to return the item. According to Resolver, the store you purchased the product from will usually be responsible for covering return costs, but this does depend on its terms and conditions, so read carefully.
If you want to keep the gift, you may be able to claim back some cash from the delivery costs. Contact the retailer to see what it can offer you.
If you paid extra for specific-day delivery, and it arrived after this date, the retailer should off you money back on the delivery cost.
Or at the very least, you’ll get the difference in price between its standard delivery and premium delivery.
So far, we’ve seen Currys PC World and John Lewis shoppers complaining about Royal Mail delays in delivering Christmas presents.
Ikea customers have also been left fuming after port delays caused some deliveries to be delayed by up to two months.
Delivery dates could be useful for households now placed in Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions, as non-essential shops have closed in these areas – but you can still order online.
If you’re not in Tier 4, and you’re not self-isolating, you can also still visit shops in person to pick up your goods.
You’ll also likely save money on delivery costs this way.
Shops with a last Christmas order date of Dec 20 (standard delivery)
The below retailers have a recommended last Christmas delivery date of today (December 20) for their cheapest standard delivery.
Most offer more expensive next-day or express delivery too, but you’ll pay more for these services.
We’ve got a full round-up of last Christmas delivery dates here.
Asos
Asos shoppers get free delivery on orders worth £35 or more.
Purchases under this amount are charged £4, or those who are signed up to Premier Asos delivery get it for free – but it costs £9.95 per year for this service.
For its more expensive next-day delivery, which costs £5.95 – or free for Premier customers – the cut-off is this Wednesday (December 23).
Click and collect, which costs £4 for orders under £35, also has a last order date of today (December 20).
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Disney
For Disney gifts, the magical retailer charges £3.95 for standard delivery, or free on purchases over £50.
Or you can pay £5.95 for express delivery which arrives the next day – the last day you’ll get this is if you order by midnight on Tuesday 22 December.
Disney hasn’t said when it’s cut-off for click and collect is, but this service costs £2.95 and can take five working days.
Nike
For Nike standard delivery on Christmas presents, order by the end of today.
Customers will pay £4.50 for delivery, or free on orders over £50.
Nike hasn’t said when the cut-off is for its next-day delivery, which is pricier at £8 regardless of the order size.
Sadly, the deadline for click and collect orders was yesterday, December 19.
Patch Plants
If you’re ordering a plant from Patch, delivery is £5 or free on orders over £50.
The deadline of today for Christmas orders only applies to London though. For the rest of the UK, the cut-off was last Tuesday (December 15).
There aren’t any faster delivery services, or click and collect, available from Patch.
Smyths Toys
Order from £2.99 from Smyths Toys, or free on orders over £19 – but today’s cut-off date for Christmas deliveries doesn’t apply to the Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands or large and bulky items.
The deadline for these places was Wednesday, December 16.
Smyths hasn’t said what it’s cut-off is for its premium shipping, which costs £2.99 on orders over £25, £6.99 for orders between £10 to £25 and £8.99 for purchases under £10.
It also hasn’t confirmed last order dates for its click and collect service, which is free.
Sports Direct
Sports Direct charges £4.99 for its standard delivery, which you’ll also need to order by today for Christmas gifts.
You can order later with next day delivery which costs more at £7.9 and you have until 6pm on Tuesday December 22.
Sports Direct hasn’t confirmed when the last order date is for click and collect, which costs £4.99.
Waterstones
Book lovers pay £2.99 for standard delivery from Waterstone on orders under £25, or free over this amount.
Or for first-class delivery, the cut-off is this Tuesday (December 22) but this service costs £3.99.
Waterstones says items being placed with click and collect, which is free, can be done until 2pm this Thursday, Christmas Eve.
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Delivery slots have all but gone at supermarkets and shoppers face navigating queues in store amid covid safety rules.
Supermarket giant Tesco has angered customers after selling out of popular festive foods online.
And if you were planning on sending cards or gifts by second-class Royal Mail, you’ve sadly missed the deadline.
