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Shopping

Last order dates for Christmas 2024

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Make sure your Christmas shopping is ordered in time to avoid disappointment on Christmas Day. Here's our rundown of top retailers' last order dates.

rushed santa checking his watch

Last-minute shopping is much easier these days thanks to online shopping. But don't think you can get next-day delivery right up to Christmas. In most cases, you can't.

Some big retailers have last-order dates for Christmas as early as 16th December! So save yourself from paying £5+ for last-minute delivery or the unbearable awkwardness of having no presents to give on Christmas Day.

Use our extensive list of all the major Christmas retailers and their last order dates for Christmas 2023 as a guide on what you can expect for Christmas delivery costs and Royal Mail's final posting dates for 2024.

Don't feel pressured to buy something material. Instead, you can give a handmade Christmas gift, donate money to charity or give a gift voucher.

How to find the last order dates:

  • Search for your favourite retailer below or browse the list.
  • Always double-check the delivery time and cost for your specific item as it can vary.
  • Click and collect is available at most stores and could be a cheaper last-minute option.
  • Look out for free delivery codes in our retailer deals section.
  • See the guidelines for recommended last posting dates for Christmas for different carriers on this eBay page.
  • Top tip: Get free Amazon Prime Student and you could potentially order right up until 24th December (yes, that means same-day delivery!) in some locations.

Last order dates for Christmas

Online ShopLast order date (cheapest)Delivery CostDesperate delivery dateShop
AmazonVariesFree (£20+ spend)23rd Dec (free on Prime)Visit »
Argos19th Dec£3.9524th Dec (£5.95)Visit »
Boots19th DecFree (£25+ spend)21st Dec (£4.95)Visit »
ASOS20th DecFree (£40+ spend)23rd Dec (5.95)Visit »
Game15th Dec£4.9921st Dec (£9.99)Visit »
Schuh18th DecFree (£25+ spend)21st Dec (£4.99)Visit »
JD Sports19th DecFree (£70+ spend)21st Dec (£4.99)Visit »
TheHut.com20th DecFree (£100+ spend)22nd Dec (£6.49)Visit »
Buyagift.comN/AFree E-Voucher25th Dec (E-Voucher)Visit »
John Lewis19th DecFree (£50+ spend)22nd Dec (£7.50)Visit »
boohoo19th Dec£3.9922nd Dec (£5.99)Visit »
Superdrug16th DecFree (£25+ spend)21st Dec (£4.90)Visit »
Body Shop18th DecFree (£35+ spend)21st Dec (£4.99)Visit »
Thorntons18th DecFree (£40+ spend)21st Dec (£5.95)Visit »
IWOOT20th Dec£3.99 N/AVisit »
M&S17th DecFree (£60+ spend)23rd Dec (£5.99)Visit»
House of Fraser19th Dec£4.9922nd Dec (£9.99)Visit »
New Look17th DecFree (£50+ spend)21st Dec (£5.99)Visit »
Hotel Chocolat20th Decfrom £3.9522nd Dec (from £4.95)Visit »
Urban Outfitters20th DecFree (£30+ spend)21st Dec (£5.99)Visit »
Waterstones18th DecFree (£25+ spend)20th Dec (£3.99)Visit »
French Connection20th DecFree (£75+ spend)21st Dec (£5.95)Visit »
The Fragrance Shop20th DecFree22nd Dec (£4.99)Visit »
Firebox.com19th DecFree (£50+ spend)N/AVisit »
eBayVariesVariesN/AVisit »
LookFantastic20th DecFree (£25+ spend)22nd Dec (£5.95)Visit »
Zavvi20th Dec£1.99 (£10+ spend)N/AVisit »
Next22nd Dec£4.95N/AVisit »
Very.co.uk19th Dec£3.9922nd Dec (£4.99)Visit »
Findmeagift.com19th Decfrom £2.9921st Dec (from £6.99)Visit »
Myprotein20th DecFree (£45+ spend)22nd Dec (£7.99)Visit »
VistaPrint10th DecFree (£40+ spend)20th Dec (£12.99)Visit »
Ann Summers19th DecFree (£40+ spend)21st Dec (£5.95)Visit »
WHSmith20th DecFree (£25+ spend)21st Dec (£5.99)Visit »
Apple22nd DecFreeN/AVisit »
Dorothy Perkins18th DecFree (£50+ spend)22nd Dec (£5.49)Visit »
Burton18th DecFree (£60+ spend)22nd Dec (£5.49)Visit »
Currys/PC World18th DecFree (£40+ spend)22nd Dec (£6.99)Visit »
Virgin Experience Days25th DecFree e-voucher25th Dec (Free e-voucher)Visit »
BunchesN/aN/A22nd Dec (£5.99)Visit »
Missguided19th Dec£4.9922nd Dec (£9.99)Visit »
MandM Direct18th DecFree (£100+ spend)21st Dec (£7.99)Visit »
Office Shoes19th DecFree (£70+ spend)22nd Dec (£5.99)Visit »
Sports Direct19th Dec£4.9922nd Dec (£9.99)Visit »
Benefit19th DecFree (£40+ spend)21st Dec (£4.95)Visit »
Matalan19th DecFree (£49.99+ spend)21st Dec (£4.99)Visit »
Feelunique19th DecFree (£20+ spend)21st Dec (£4.95)Visit »
Pretty Little Thing20th Dec£3.9922nd Dec (£5.99)Visit »
Interflora23rd Dec£724th Dec (£10)Visit »
H Samuel18th DecFree (£20+ spend)22nd Dec (£4.95)Visit »
Selfridges18th Dec£5.9522nd Dec (£8.95)Visit »
Zara19th DecFree (£50+ spend)21st Dec (£4.95)Visit »
River Island20th DecFree (£50+ spend)22nd Dec (£6)Visit »
Mango18th DecFree (£30+ spend)20th Dec (£8.95)Visit »
Lush18th DecFree (£40+ spend)21st Dec (£6.95)Visit »
EtsyVariesVariesN/AVisit »
H&M19th Dec£3.9921st Dec (£5.99)Visit »
Footasylum20th DecFree (£70+ spend)21st Dec (£5.99)Visit »
All Saints19th DecFree23rd Dec (£9.95)Visit »
Oh no! It's Christmas Eve already? Discover the presents you can buy on Christmas Day.

Royal Mail Christmas delivery dates 2024

The Royal Mail may be delivering a couple of cards or presents for you this Christmas. Their last order date for Christmas delivery is usually slightly earlier than most retailers.

In 2023, parcels and cards needed to be sent for delivery by 18th December if you want to use second class, or 20th December for first class.

Usually, if you're desperate, you can still send items via special delivery up until 22nd December (but it'll cost you).

More information on delivery dates is available on the Royal Mail website.

Looking for some Christmas money-saving tips? Check out our Christmas deals, tips for Christmas on a budget and gift ideas for under £5.

Jake Butler

WRITTEN BY Jake Butler

Jake joined Save the Student in 2010 and is the COO. As an expert across student finance, Jake has appeared on The BBC, The Guardian, Which?, ITV, Channel 5 and many other outlets. He particularly enjoys sharing tips on saving money and making extra money with opportunities like paid surveys and part-time jobs.
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