When to post your cards and gifts so they arrive in time for Christmas

As restrictions ease we're hopeful Christmas will feel more like it should. But with many families still not sure if they will be separated by boarder closures and international travel restrictions, sending gifts to your loved ones is the only way to make sure your friends and family far away feel special this year. So, don't ruin your only chance at gift-giving this Christmas.

For all of us the pandemic has thrown a spanner in the works (is there anything it hasn't destroyed?) and sending gifts via post is not immune to the chaos. To ensure your presents arrive on time there are a few dates you'll need to bookmark, highlight in your diary and circle on your calendar.

Standard post deadlines for international deliveries:

USA and Canada: Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

UK and major European locations: Friday, 26 November, 2021

Most of Asia: Tuesday, 30 November, 2021

New Zealand: Friday, 3 December, 2021

To Santa at the North Pole: Friday, 3 December, 2021

Parcel Post deadlines within Australia:

Every state (except Western Australia and Northern Territory): Monday, 13 December

Western Australia and Northern Territory: Wednesday, 8 December

Express Post deadlines within Australia:

Every state (except Western Australia and Northern Territory): Monday, 20 December

Western Australia and Northern Territory: Wednesday, 15 December

For regular letters within the same state:

Be sure to get them to the post box before Monday, 20 December.

For regular letters between states:

Interstate cards and letters need to be posted by Thursday, 16 December in order to arrive on time.

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While the above dates are current, according to Australia Post they are still subject to circumstantial change — no stress though, we'll keep you updated if anything changes. Note: Time in customs is not included in delivery time estimates.