Every December, somewhere between the third mince pie and the school nativity, someone notices the parcel for Sydney is still sitting in the hall. If you have family or friends overseas, the cut-off for posting abroad comes far earlier than it does at home, and it arrives quietly.
Here are the dates we work to for members this year, the UK dates confirmed by Royal Mail, and a few things worth knowing before you queue at the Post Office.
When to Post Gifts Abroad for Christmas 2026
These are our recommended dates, and they are deliberately cautious. They allow for the volume of post in December and a little time in customs. Royal Mail publishes delivery aims for each country in its Country Guides, so check there for the service you choose.
Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central and South America: by Friday 27 November
USA and Canada: by Friday 4 December
Europe, including Ireland: by Monday 7 December
Economy or surface mail, anywhere beyond Europe: it is too late for Christmas. Choose an airmail or tracked service instead.
If a parcel matters, send it tracked. It costs a little more, but it is the difference between knowing where a present is and hoping.
UK Last Posting Dates for Christmas 2026
For anything staying in the UK, Royal Mail's last recommended posting dates are:
2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For: Friday 18 December
Royal Mail Tracked 48: Saturday 19 December
1st Class, 1st Class Signed For and Royal Mail Tracked 24: Monday 21 December
Special Delivery Guaranteed: Wednesday 23 December
Parcelforce express48: Monday 21 December
Parcelforce express24, expressAM and express10: Tuesday 22 December
Post Office counters have their own final acceptance times, which vary from branch to branch, so post in the morning if you are cutting it fine.
Customs Forms and Import Charges
Every gift sent outside the UK now needs a customs declaration, with the exception of items sent from Northern Ireland to the EU. Describe each item properly ("cashmere scarf", not "present"), mark it as a gift and give an honest value. Vague descriptions are the most common reason parcels sit in customs over Christmas.
Your recipient may also be asked to pay import tax or a handling fee before the parcel is released, which is rather less festive than intended. The rules for the USA have changed recently, and Royal Mail keeps a dedicated page on sending gifts there, so it is worth a look before you post.
What You Cannot Post Abroad
A few favourites from any Christmas list do not travel by post:
Perfume and aftershave. These are classed as flammable and cannot go overseas by Royal Mail. The candle can travel; the eau de parfum cannot.
Alcohol. Restricted to most international destinations.
Gadgets with lithium batteries. Headphones, cameras and the like come with strict rules, so check before you pack.
Food. Many countries restrict it, and Australia and New Zealand are especially strict.
Royal Mail and the Post Office both publish full lists of prohibited and restricted items, and they are worth checking for anything unusual.
Packing for the Journey
Use a sturdy box with padding on every side. International parcels are handled many times.
Customs may open parcels, so wrap gifts simply or tuck the wrapping paper and a card in separately.
Put a copy of the delivery address and your own address inside the box as well as on it.
Keep your proof of postage and receipts until the parcel has arrived.
Or Skip the Post Altogether
Often the simplest way to get a present to New York or Dubai is to buy it there. Many of the houses in our Christmas Gift Guide ship from local warehouses, which avoids customs and long queues entirely.
Or hand it to us. Tell us who it is for, where they are and what you would like to spend, and we will source, wrap, write the card and deliver, anywhere in the world. Speak to us at hello@otium-concierge.com.
Dates checked on 8 November 2026. Royal Mail and Parcelforce dates are subject to change, so check the latest guidance before posting.