Get all the holiday shipping info for 2023 from major retailers and shippers to ensure your gifts arrive on time.
Christmas is two weeks away and we have news for you: Holiday shipping deadlines to ensure Christmas gifts arrive by December 25th are approaching. FedEX, the U.S. Postal Service and UPS have released their holiday shipping deadlines. The key takeaway: the time to shop is now to make sure your holiday gifts arrive in time.
To help you better plan your own holiday shopping, we're keeping track of the latest information from major retailers and shopping companies. Whenever we learn something new about 2023 holiday ordering deadlines and holiday shipping deadlines, we'll share it here.
What's more, we've also rounded up some of the top products to shop from retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and other retailers that not only make great gifts, but will get here just in time for Christmas. Plus, no matter how bad shipping problems get, procrastinators can always wait until the literal last minute with the help of gift cards.
Get all the info on key holiday shipping dates and pickup options you need to know below.
For more gift inspiration, check out our ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for all of the best gifts of 2023 for everyone on your list.
Cutoff Dates for Major Shipping Carriers
The last day to ship ground and for a low cost with FedEx is Dec. 14.
FedEx Ground Shipping Dates
- Ground Economy: Dec. 13
- Ground Contiguous US: Dec. 15 for 5-day shipping, Dec. 18 for 4-day shipping, Dec. 19 for 3-day shipping, Dec. 20 for 2-day shipping and Dec. 21 for 1-day shipping.
- Home Delivery Contiguous US: Dec. 15 for 5-day shipping, Dec. 18 for 4-day shipping, Dec. 20 for 3-day shipping, Dec. 21 for 2-day shipping and Dec. 22 for 1-day shipping.
FedEx Express Shipping Dates
- FedEx Express Same Day: Dec. 22
- FedEx Express Saver: Dec. 19
- 2Day & 2Day AM: Dec. 20
- FO*, PO*, SO, Extra Hours: Dec. 21 (or Dec. 22 with Saturday delivery selected)
- FedEx Express 1Day Freight: Dec. 21
- FedEx Express 2Day Freight: Dec. 20
- FedEx Express 3Day Freight: Dec. 19
- FedEx Freight Priority: Dec. 15
- FedEx Freight Economy: Dec. 12
- FedEx Freight Direct: Dec. 12
UPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2023
UPS offers a calculator to determine how long or when shippers should ship out gifts or items.
UPS Domestic Shipping Dates
- UPS Ground Shipping: Varies
- UPS 3-Day Select: Dec. 19
- UPS 2-Day Air Services: Dec. 20
- UPS Next Day Air Services: Dec. 21
Operation Dates
- Normal pickup and delivery: Dec. 19-23
- Normal delivery service: Dec. 24
- No UPS pickup or delivery service: Dec. 26
- Normal pickup and delivery: Dec. 27-30
USPS Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2023
USPS Holiday Shipping Dates for Contiguous U.S.
- USPS Ground Advantage: Dec. 16
- First-Class Mail Service: Dec. 16
- Priority Mail Service: Dec. 18
- Priority Mail Express Service: Dec. 20
USPS Holiday Shipping Dates for Alaska and Hawaii
- First-Class Mail Service: Dec. 17
- Priority Mail Service: Dec. 17
- Priority Mail Express Service: Dec. 21
- USPS Retail Ground Service: Dec. 2 (Alaska)
Shipping Options for Major Retailers
Amazon
Amazon offers fast, free and reliable shipping on millions of items with delivery until Christmas Eve (shoutout to those delivery people!). Here's an estimated breakdown for free delivery before Christmas:
- Dec. 14: Last day to order items with free shipping.
- Dec. 22: Last day to order items with two-day shipping, free to Amazon Prime Members.
- Dec. 23: Last day to order more than 10 million items eligible for One-Day Delivery. This is free for Amazon Prime members with no minimum purchase.
- Dec. 24: Last day to order millions of items eligible for Same-Day Delivery (which is free for Prime members in eligible areas on orders over $35) and for free two-hour grocery delivery, exclusive to Prime members in select cities.
- Dec. 24: Whole Foods Market stores, Amazon Fresh stores, Amazon Books, Amazon 4-star and Amazon Pop-Up stores are open on Christmas Eve. (Store hours vary by location.)
- Dec. 25: For truly last-minute shoppers, give an Amazon eGift Card or Amazon Prime membership.
If you're not an Amazon Prime member yet, sign up for a 30-day free trial.
Shop Our Amazon Gift Ideas:
Zimasilk 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Those who take their beauty rest seriously will love these silk pillowcases that are gentler on your skin and hair than traditional pillowcases. They even come in a wide array of colors to match your existing decor.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Apple AirPods Pro earbuds bring better battery life and sound quality for pumping out a workout with your favorite tunes.
UGG Women's Classic Mini II Winter Boot
UGG boots, especially the Classic Mini II Winter Boot, remain a timeless choice for keeping warm on chilly days.
JBL Charge 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Any tech fan will appreciate this speaker's booming bass, expansive sound profile, and the ability to take it anywhere, rain or shine, indoors or outdoors, to share their favorite tunes with everyone.
iRobot Roomba s9+ Robot Vacuum
They'll love this robot vacuum, which has 40x the suction power so that it can clean carpet, hardwood, and hard surfaces. It can also empty itself to make tidying up easier.
Walmart
While the cutoff for ground delivery from Walmart is Dec. 16, Walmart offers two-day delivery on some items that — if ordered by Dec. 21 — should still arrive on time. There is a $35 order minimum for all delivery options unless you're a Walmart+ member. Restrictions and fees may apply.
Shop Our Walmart Gift Picks:
Apple Watch Series 9, 45mm (GPS) with Midnight Aluminum Case and Sport Band
The Apple Watch Series 9 is more than just a watch — track your health vitals and performance metrics right on your wrist. Plus, it comes with a three-month Apple Fitness+ subscription to help you put those apps to use.
Nintendo Switch OLED Model with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Game
The time to get the most coveted game console in recent years is now. This limited bundle includes the OLED Nintendo Switch model and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game.
Xbox Series X 1 TB Diablo IV Bundle
Get an Xbox Series X 1 TB edition console bundled with the hellish Diablo IV, one of the year's top action RPGs. Delve into nightmarish dungeons solo or with friends to take down the evil Lilith before Hell invades the world as we know it.
Sony PS5 Slim Spider-Man 2 Bundle
Swing your way through Marvel’s New York with this PlayStation 5 bundle. Players get powerful gaming technology packed inside a sleek and compact console design.
Shark IQ 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop
If you've been eyeing a robot vacuum, now's the time to buy one with this Black Friday deal. Save over $260 on this Shark 2-in-1.
Macy's
For those who use the Macy's credit card, shoppers receive free standard shipping with no purchase minimum. For everyone else, receive free standard shipping with $25 purchase. Premium, express, and same-day delivery options are available.
Shop Our Macy's Gift Picks:
UGG Women's Classic Ultra Mini Platform Booties
Keep her toesies cozy this winter with a gift made by the coveted brand UGG.
Chanel COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray Gift Set
Help them stay "classy and fabulous" with an iconic Chanel gift set.
Sephora
The beauty retailer offers free standard 1-3 day shipping on orders of $50 and over, and no purchase minimum for Beauty Insiders. Two- and one-business-day shipping options are available as well.
Shop Our Sephora Gift Picks:
Dyson Limited Edition Airwrap Multi Styler in Ceramic Pop
The Ceramic Pop, a unique addition to the Dyson collection, is crafted to make a statement with its vibrant design and is equipped with six versatile attachments to cater to various hair types, lengths and styles.
Amika Mask-Topia Hydration + Repair Hair Mask Set
Have your best hair day yet with three Amika masks for every hair type: the Dream Routine overnight hydrating treatment, Soul Food nourishing mask and The Kure bond repair mask.
FOREO LUNA Mini 3
Bring the lavish spa experience to your own bathroom with the LUNA Mini 3. This smart brush is specifically made for people with combination skin and sensitive skin.
Olaplex Strong Days Ahead Hair Kit
We'll take any way to save on Olaplex's ultra-popular hair care line, and this set includes a full size Bond Maintenance shampoo and conditioner and a mini hair perfecter treatment.
In-Store and Curbside Pickup
- Enter your zip code on the product or category page to see if an item is available for in-store or curbside pickup (they'll bring your order out and place it in your car's trunk) at the nearest store that same day or the next day. All pickup orders come with a free gift message, DIY gift kit, Nordstrom box packaging or signature gift wrap of your choice.
- Select "Pickup" to add the item to bag and check out when you're ready. You'll receive a confirmation email with instructions and pickup details. Your order will be held for seven days.
- Have your order shipped to the store by selecting "Shop to a Nordstrom Store" at checkout.
- Same-day and curbside pickup options. On the product page, select "Show delivery & pickup options" and enter your zip code to see if it's available for pickup at the nearest Walmart location. Average wait time ranges from three to seven days, but select eligible products can be ready for pickup as soon as the same day.
- Once you purchase online, you'll receive a confirmation email with the details. Associates will be outside the store to direct you to the pickup area and load the items into your car.
- Select Walmart stores offer a quieter shopping experience during specific times of the day. Check your local store for details.
- On the product page, choose the nearest Target store and select "Pick it up" for in-store pickup. Check out when you're ready and your order will be available to pick up within four hours.
- Choose "Pick Up" at checkout and Macy's will send a confirmation email when the order is ready for pickup within two hours if it's ordered before 6 p.m. local time. Choose whether you'd like to pick up in-store or curbside.
- Reserve items online and pick them up in-store. On the product page, select "Reserve & Pick Up" to see availability at the nearest Sephora store. Add to basket to see reservation details. Sephora will send you an email notification to let you know when it's ready for you to pick up and pay at the store. Look for the "Online Order Pickup" signs when you're inside.
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