Post Office reveals key dates as UK prepares for bumper year of gift sending

Ahead of Christmas 2025, the Post Office has shared new research that reveals rising demand and a growing number of people leaving festive sending to the last minute.

The organisation is urging the public to post early, with fresh data showing that more people plan to send gifts this year compared with 2024 (33 per cent in 2025 vs 20 per cent in 2024).

The Post Office says early planning is essential to avoid queues, reduce last-minute stress and ensure parcels arrive before Christmas Day.

According to the new research, sending Christmas cards and parcels remains a valued festive ritual for many families. Over a third of people (34 per cent) say it is an important tradition, while more than a quarter (27 per cent) report that wrapping gifts is one of their favourite seasonal milestones.

Yet only 3 in 10 (33 per cent) intend to post their presents or cards by early to mid-December, with 8 per cent admitting they typically send everything in the final week before Christmas.

This year, Post Office branches are reminding customers they can collect or drop off prepaid parcels not only from Royal Mail and Parcelforce, but also from Amazon, DPD, DHL and Evri in selected locations.

Postmaster Arif Matadar offered practical advice for anyone sending gifts this festive season.

“Christmas is one of the most joyful times of year in our Post Offices. There’s nothing quite like seeing customers come through the door with parcels and cards, ready to spread some festive cheer to their loved ones. It really reminds me how much of a community hub we are.”

He encouraged customers to plan ahead:

“Checking the last posting dates, especially for international destinations, is a great place to start, as these can vary depending on where you’re sending to. Writing addresses clearly and adding a return address on the back also helps make sure everything gets where it needs to go.”

He added that branch teams can advise on the best delivery options and highlighted the value of tracking services for high-value or sentimental items:

“For items like cash or vouchers, we recommend Royal Mail Special Delivery, which offers full tracking and insurance cover for added peace of mind.”

The Post Office has issued a list of practical tips to help ensure gifts arrive on time:

• Post early – sending ahead of the peak day, Monday 8 December, helps avoid delays.

• Check last posting dates, especially for international destinations.

• Use your local branch for collections – online shopping can be delivered to a Post Office for convenient pickup.

• Drop off prepaid parcels – branches accept returns and prepaid items for multiple carriers.

• Use tracking and signature services for added reassurance.

• Provide correct customs information for overseas parcels to avoid delays.

• Know what’s inside your parcel – staff must confirm contents for safety regulations.

New research shows 67 per cent of people have received cards or gifts after Christmas Day in previous years, highlighting how easily delays can occur.

Those who leave their preparations late – 58 per cent admit they typically do – have until 23 December to send items using Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed® or DPD Gold, both of which guarantee next-day delivery or a refund.

Arif Matadar also reminded customers that carriers beyond Royal Mail and Parcelforce are available:

“I was surprised to see from the research that almost a quarter (24 per cent) of Brits didn’t know that Post Office offers delivery options from carriers other than Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide. You can also send with Evri and DPD in selected branches and we can advise you on the best carrier to use for your sending needs.”

The key last posting dates include:

• Royal Mail 2nd Class: Wed 17 Dec

• Parcelforce express48: Fri 19 Dec

• Royal Mail Tracked 48: Fri 19 Dec

• Evri Standard: Fri 19 Dec

• Royal Mail 1st Class: Sat 20 Dec

• Parcelforce express24: Mon 22 Dec

• Royal Mail Tracked 24: Mon 22 Dec

• Evri Next Day: Mon 22 Dec

• DPD Next Day: Mon 22 Dec (postcode exceptions apply)

• Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed: Tue 23 Dec

Candice Ohandjanian, Mails and Parcels Director at Post Office, said:

“This Christmas is shaping up to be one of the busiest yet, with nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of Brits planning to buy the same number, or even more, gifts for loved ones than last year. And when it comes to sending those carefully chosen presents, the local Post Office remains the main place the public rely on to ensure they arrive safely.”

“Whether it’s expert advice on international shipping, help with customs forms, finding the best delivery option, or simply a convenient spot to collect or drop off parcels, Post Office is here to make Christmas sending stress-free.”