Are you one of the many holiday revelers with families and friends spread all over the country and the world? If so, even before you dive into that gift list, it's important to know how early must you buy, wrap and post holiday gifts so they get to their destination in time for the holidays. Here are some suggestions and mailing deadline dates from the USPS to ensure your gifts are delivered on time and in one piece: Packing tips from the USPS:

• Double-check addresses & write legibly
• Shake boxes to make sure they’re well packed
• Priority Mail is fast for last minute gifts
• Express Mail is even faster

Holiday Dates for Domestic Mail

Calculated for December 25, 2012.

Domestic Mail Class/Product	Dates
First-Class Mail® Service	Dec. 20
Priority Mail® Service	Dec. 21
Express Mail® Service	Dec. 22
Parcel Post® Service	Dec. 14
Destination Network Distribution Center (DNDC) Drop Ship	Dec. 19
Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) Drop Ship	Dec. 21

Holiday Dates for International Mail

Destination	Global Express Guaranteed® Service	Express Mail® Service	Priority Mail® Service	First-Class Mail®International Service
Africa	Dec. 19	Dec. 11	Dec. 3	Dec. 3
Asia / Pacific Rim	Dec. 18	Dec. 15	Dec. 10	Dec. 10
Australia / New Zealand	Dec. 18	Dec. 15	Dec. 10	Dec. 10
Canada	Dec. 20	Dec. 17	Dec. 13	Dec. 10
Caribbean	Dec. 19	Dec. 15	Dec. 13	Dec. 10
Central & South America	Dec. 19	Dec. 11	Dec. 3	Dec. 3
Mexico	Dec. 20	Dec. 15	Dec. 10	Dec. 10
Europe	Dec. 19	Dec. 15	Dec. 13	Dec. 10
Middle East	Dec. 19	Dec. 15	Dec. 13