Christmas is one of the busiest times for posting packages during the year and if you are sending gifts, you want to make sure you send them off in time according to Royal Mail's recommended delivery dates.

In this article, we break down the last dates that Royal Mail recommends to send packages.

Royal Mail has officially launched its last posting dates for Christmas 2021.

Read more: Spend Christmas and New Year with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts

Royal Mail is encouraging customers to send out gifts as early as possible to avoid the disappointment of packages arriving after Christmas day, especially for international shipping.

The latest delivery date for ensuring your Christmas presents arrive on time if you are posting items on Royal Mail Bulk Mail Economy is Friday, December 17.

If you are posting an item on 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For Royal Mail 48, Saturday, December 18, is the last recommended time to send before Christmas.

Tuesday, December 21, is recommended for items being sent via 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For, Royal Mail 24 or Royal Mail Tracked 48.

For Royal Mail Tracked 24, Wednesday, December 22, is the last date that Royal Mail recommends you send gifts on.

Finally, the last recommended date for Special Delivery Guaranteed is Thursday, December 23.

It’s also important to note that Royal Mail Tracked 24 and Royal Mail Tracked 48 are not available to purchase at Post Office branches. For more information on how to use these specific delivery options, visit the Royal Mail website.

Although the above dates are recommended by Royal Mail, they also recommend getting your orders sent as early as possible, so it doesn’t mean you have to wait specifically for these dates in order to send these presents on these last dates. The earlier, the better!

On the Royal Mail website, there are also guides to help you better prepare for shipping packages for Christmas.

The guides include tips on helping you wrapped and package properly, clearly labelling packages and more. These will help ensure your package arrives safely when being posted.

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