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Aired December 02, 2019
Starting on this year's Christmas gift shopping? While you might score a sweet deal on an Instant Pot for your mom or a new set of speakers for your brother, those savings can go to waste if you forget about one thing: shipping costs. (And yes, they can surely add up and end up costing you even more than what the gifts cost originally — especially if you wait for last minute to order!)
If you shop online for gifts (don't we all?), it’s important to be smart about when you shop so that you don't get trapped by higher holiday pricing. Plus, who doesn't want to save money during the holiday season when the wallet is starting to get a bit light?
According to budget blogger Lauren Greutman, here are important dates to keep in mind if you want to get your gifts by Christmas without breaking the bank on shipping costs:
USPS
2020 Holiday Shipping Deadlines for Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States)
December 15: USPS Retail Ground Service
December 18: First-Class Mail Service
December 19: Priority Mail Service
December 23: Priority Mail Express Service
2020 Holiday Shipping Dates for Alaska & Hawaii
December 15 (Hawaii), December 18 (Alaska): First-Class Mail Service
December 15 (Hawaii), December 19 (Alaska): Priority Mail Service
December 21 (Hawaii and Alaska): Priority Mail Express Service
UPS
December 15: UPS Ground
December 21: UPS 3 Day Select
December 22: UPS 2nd Day Air
December 23: UPS Next Day Air
FedEx
Wednesday, December 9: FedEx SmartPost (certain exceptions apply)
Tuesday, December 15: FedEx Ground
Tuesday, December 15: FedEx Home Delivery
Monday, December 21: FedEx Express Saver
Tuesday, December 22: FedEx 2Day Services
Wednesday, December 23: FedEx Overnight Services