Last minute Christmas shoppers don't have long to pick up the final items on their lists.
The big day is fast approaching, with all the planning and prep - or lack of, in some cases - finally coming to a conclusion. Whether you've been shopping since the leaves first started to turn brown, or you're spending this week rushing around to get everything sorted, time is definitely running out.
Like many industries, Royal Mail workers are striking, with staff walking out on December 23 and December 24. Last minute gifts and cards can be subject to delays during the festive period even without industrial action, so Chronicle Live reports it's worth preparing for some items to be a little late.
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With that in mind, we look at the biggest delivery firms to find out when the final date to order by will be. From Amazon to Evri, here's everything you need to know.
Royal Mail
Royal Mail's final postal dates for 2nd Class, 2nd Class Signed For, Royal Mail 48, 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For, Royal Mail 24 and Royal Mail Tracked 48 have all already passed.
The final collection for Royal Mail Tracked 24 ended on December 19. If you still need time, then make sure anything you send is sent Special Delivery Guaranteed by Wednesday, December 21 .
DPD
For collection services, the last collection date for delivery to the UK is December 22. In order for your parcel to be collected by this date, a booking needs to be made online on or before December 21 . For drop-off services, ensure your booked parcel is with your local drop shop on or before December 22 .
Yodel
Yodel's last collection day for parcels to be delivered before Christmas Day was on December 16. From December 20 until December 23, deliveries will be made into local stores - but collections made during these days will not be delivered before Christmas Day.
Parcels sent with its store-to-door service are aimed to be delivered within two working days of being dropped off at a participating store. From December 24 until December 27, stores may be open to drop off your parcels but Yodel's teams won't be visiting local stores to collect or deliver.
Evri
Evri's standard service might be a bit of a push to get there in time for Christmas, so its recommended that you use its next-day service. As long as parcels are dropped off by 11am on December 22 , it should be plenty of time to arrive on December 23 - but any later and you're taking a big risk.
Amazon
Everyone's favourite marketplace boasts it is one of the few places that will deliver up until midnight on Christmas Eve. However, if you select standard shipping on your purchases, you'll be taking a risk as Amazon recommended shoppers buy before the end of December 19 .
Priority Delivery offers delivery two business days after the item is dispatched, meaning orders can be made as late as December 22. The Priority Delivery option costs 99p for non-Amazon Prime members but it is free for anybody who has signed up for Amazon Prime.
Same-day delivery is available on some items free to Prime members and priced at £5.99 per delivery for non-members. Same-day delivery works on all orders placed that day with deliveries arriving between 6pm and 10pm, however, this is limited to certain postcodes only so you will need to check before trying to use this option.
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