Is there anything worse than buying a gift for someone, only to forget to get it in the mail in time for Christmas delivery?
If, like many Australians, you will be sending Christmas gifts via Australia Post this year, then you better brush up on the cut-off dates for delivery before Christmas.
Australia Post estimates that it will deliver around two million items every day during the busiest week of the festive season, so your best bet for having your gifts delivered on time is by getting in early, or at the very least, before the cut off dates.
Australia Post times
Regular Parcel Post
Items sent from one metropolitan location to another within the same state can take up to 5 business days with Regular Parcel Post, while parcels being sent from one rural location to another within the same state can take up to 5 business days.
If posting interstate using Regular Parcel Post your delivery can take up to 6 business days to arrive, so be sure to have yours in the mail by December 16 at the latest.
Express Post
Express post for next day delivery needs to be mailed by Monday, December 23, but is only next day delivery for applicable addresses, and if the item is lodged at the Post Office or yellow Express Street Posting Boxes.
International Post times
Sending Christmas gifts overseas? For most countries, lodge your parcels by the following dates so your gifts have the best chance of arriving on time:
Economy (Air): Tuesday 3 December
Standard: Tuesday 10 December
Express: Tuesday 17 December
Australian Cards and Letters
Regular: 2-6 business days depending on destination
Priority: 1-4 business days depending on destination
Registered: 2-6 business days depending on destination
Letters to Santa
Letters to Santa should be mailed to Santa Mail, North Pole, 9999 with a return name and address. To get a reply from Santa before Christmas Day, letters need to be sent before Friday December 14.
To ensure Santa can reply, please attach a 65 cent stamp on the front of the envelope and write your name and return address on the back. Please note that Santa will only reply to Australian addresses.
Letters to Santa can be placed in a dedicated Santa mailbox at most Post Offices or any red street post box.
5 tips for mailing gifts
- Make sure the recipients address is printed clearly and boldly on the front of your item, with sender details clearly labelled on the back.
- Make sure gifts are packaged up safely, using bubble wrap or tissue paper for fragile items, and ensure everything is packed securely within boxes.
- Avoid black packaging and cylindrical containers. Lighter coloured boxes are best processed by Australia Post conveyer belts and sorting machines.
- Ensure the box you are using for a parcel is strong enough to withstand jostling and stacking.
- Don’t send money or gift cards in the mail.
You might also like:
The perfect gift for the Grinch in your life
Seven eco-friendly ways to enjoy Christmas
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