Post Office has announced that Monday 8th December is expected to be its busiest day across UK branches for sending Christmas parcels and post. With Brits planning on sending more gifts this year compared to last (33 per cent 2025 vs 20 per cent 2024), Post Office is urging the public to post early to avoid the rush and ensure gifts arrive in time for the big day.

This announcement comes alongside new research from Post Office revealing that the act of sending Christmas parcels and cards feels like an important festive tradition for over a third (34 per cent) of Brits. While over a quarter (27 per cent) agree that wrapping gifts is one of their favourite festive milestones to get them into the Christmas spirit, only 3 in 10 (33 per cent) plan to post their gifts and cards by early to mid-December. 8 per cent of Brits also admit to leaving their Christmas posting to the last minute and sending everything in the week leading up to Christmas.

This festive season Post Office is urging people to plan ahead, using local branches to send parcels as early as possible to help ensure gifts arrive on time and avoid last-minute stress. Post Office branches can be used to collect or drop off prepaid parcels, not only with Royal Mail and Parcelforce, but Amazon, DPD, DHL and Evri in selected branches as well.

Postmaster, Satnam Singh, shares advice on how to package your parcels this Christmas:

“Christmas at our post office is always a great time of year as you get to catch up with customers who come in to do their yearly present sending and have a natter with the older residents excited about their festive plans. The number of customers coming in ramps up in early December, so we ensure that all three of our counters are open, and have longer opening hours on the weekend if necessary.

“My biggest advice to anyone posting gifts is to give yourself plenty of time; don’t wait for the last posting dates. Come in earlier and get the admin of sending presents out of the way so you can enjoy your celebrations knowing your gifts will arrive in time. Make sure parcels are well packaged and waterproofed, especially if you’ve wrapped them with bows, and ensure addresses are clear and complete. Using a tracked or signature-on-delivery service is great for knowing your thoughtful gift has arrived into the right hands and on time.

“If you’re sending abroad, make sure you check the international last posting dates and include as much detail on your customs form as possible. Finally, make sure you’ve checked our restricted and prohibited items list so you know your present can be posted.

“Whether you’re sending abroad or picking up a parcel at your convenience, we’re here to help!”

Postmaster Top Tips for Mastering Christmas:
Post early: With 18 per cent of Brits starting Christmas shopping early, it's wise to send parcels ahead of peak day on Monday 8th December. Whether you are posting to the UK or internationally, your local postmaster can advise on the most suitable delivery options to meet your needs.
Check last posting dates: This is particularly important if you’re sending carefully prepared presents to loved ones abroad as last posting dates differ depending which country you’re sending to and the delivery option you want to use. You can check last posting dates online at Post Office | Lasting Posting Dates.
Pick up online shopping at your local Post Office: Christmas is a busy time, and you don’t want to be waiting around at home for parcel deliveries. You can get your online shopping delivered to your local Post Office and collect it all in one go at a time convenient for you.
Return or drop off pre-paid parcels with us: If you have sold an item online or through a marketplace and need to get it sent in time for Christmas, you can drop off parcels for multiple parcel carriers at your local Post Office. If you need to return presents that weren’t quite right too, we can help with that.
Use tracking and signature services to give you extra peace of mind when sending parcels: For added peace of mind when sending precious Christmas parcels, choose a service with tracking or signature on delivery to know where your parcel is and when it’s arrived. All carriers provide services with these options, with some offering a guaranteed next day arrival.
Provide customs information for Overseas Parcels: When sending items abroad, all parcels containing gifts or goods must include details about the contents to ensure they can be cleared through customs. These details can be input at the counter, or for some carriers you can save time in branch by entering the details into our online tool at home, and use the reference barcode to access them when you get to your local branch.
Know what you're sending: We need to ask you what’s inside your parcel to comply posting regulations. It's for safety and to check it can be posted, not curiosity. Some items, like nail varnish, have limits (max four per parcel, each under 30ml). Check the prohibited items list and be prepared to describe what's inside before you head into branch.

This Christmas is shaping up to be one of the busiest yet, with nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of Brits planning to buy the same number, or even more, gifts for loved ones than last year. And when it comes to sending those carefully chosen presents, the local Post Office remains the main place the public rely on to ensure they arrive safely. For generations, Postmasters have kept the magic of Christmas alive by helping cards, parcels and packages arrive safely and on time. Whether it’s expert advice on international shipping, help with customs forms, finding the best delivery option, or simply a convenient spot to collect or drop off parcels, Post Office is here to make Christmas sending stress-free. Plan ahead, pop into your local branch, and enjoy the season knowing your gifts are in safe hands.

Please visit the Post Office Christmas Hub for information on getting your parcels ready to send and last posting dates: www.postoffice.co.uk/christmas.