When is the last day to send for Christmas? Deadlines for UPS, FedEx, USPS and more

If you’re trying to get your Christmas gifts out the door to your loved ones before Christmas, shipping deadlines are fast approaching.

NBC News business and data correspondent Brian Cheung joined TODAY on Dec. 13 to share a breakdown of the most important dates to remember for companies like UPS, FedEx and the US Postal Service to deliver your gifts on time.

He also outlined deadlines for major online retailers like Amazon and Walmart and shared tips for saving money on shipping.

If it feels a little rushed this season, that’s because it is—there are five fewer days for holiday shopping because the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is only 27 days.

Here’s what you need to know about how long you have before gifts need to be shipped to arrive on time.

Deadlines for ground shipment

If you’re looking for one of the cheapest routes, sending a package via ground shipping is a good way to go, but you need to act fast.

FedEx Ground Economy: December 13

US Postal Service Ground Advantage: December 18

UPS Ground: UPS encourages customers to check out its website and use theirs time and cost calculator because the deadlines may vary depending on where you send the item.

Expedited shipping times

If you are willing to pay more for your shipping, you can buy yourself more time. But waiting longer could potentially result in you paying more for shipping than you did for the actual gift.

UPS 3-Day Choice: 19 Dec

FedEx 2-3 day home delivery: December 20

USPS Priority Mail Express: December 21

Online shopping tempts

If you are having the gift sent directly to your friend or family member after ordering it online, these are the deadlines to keep in mind.

Also, be sure to double-check that your purchases are eligible for expedited shipping, as some items on Amazon and Walmart’s website are sold by third-party sellers that do not have two-day shipping options.

Amazon Prime members: 22 Dec

Amazon non-members: December 16

Walmart+ Members: 22 Dec

Walmart non-members: 19 Dec

* Walmart is too offers extended cutoffs on December 23 and Christmas Eve for next day and same day delivery.

*There is no possibility of same-day delivery for Christmas Day.

Longer dealer shipping times

Gape: December 18

Nordstrom: December 18

Sephora: 20 December at 6 ET

Apple: 23 Dec for in-stock Mac, iPad, iPhone, Apple TV or Apple Watch products.

Tips to save on shipping

• Take advantage of “National Free Shipping Day” on December 14th by checking to see if the retailer where you shop is participating. Last year, J. Crew, Loft, Crate & Barrel, Bloomingdale’s and others participated.

• Sign up for a free 30-day trial with Amazon Prime and Walmart+ to take advantage of free same-day, one-day and two-day shipping options.

• If you ship the goods yourself, you must reuse old packaging materials and use fixed boxes, which are a fixed price regardless of the weight of the package.

• Buy and ship early. Prices can get up to $60 for expedited shipping, which can be more than the cost of the gift.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com