Holiday Shipping Deadlines You Need to Know (2018)

With the holidays just a few weeks away, there's no time to waste when it comes to Christmas shopping. And if you shop online, you need to make sure everything gets to you (and under the tree) in time.

So if you're wondering how long you have to get in those last-minute orders, we put together a guide complete with everything you need to know about this year's holiday shipping deadlines in Canada.

Quick Tips for Holiday Shopping

Cut-off dates vary, but there are a few things to keep in mind no matter where you shop.

First, there's where you live. Delivery to remote areas (like Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut) may take longer, so it can help to budget some extra time – especially if you're ordering oversize items. And second, since it's December, there's always a chance that weather may impact delivery schedules – so it's best to order early, just in case your packages get caught in a snowstorm.

One more thing that impacts cut-off delivery dates this year is the Canada Post strike. Since postal workers across the country are on a rotating strike schedule, delivery may be delayed. Many retailers suggest ordering Christmas gifts as soon as possible, and some stores and shoppers are using alternate couriers to make sure everything gets to you on time.

Holiday Shipping Deadlines in Canada (2018)

With Christmas on its way, some stores are releasing their holiday shipping deadlines. These are the last possible days you can place an order and still receive everything before the big day.

These cut-off dates can vary by province and delivery method, and everything listed here is subject to change. It's important to note that these are guidelines only, and we suggest placing any orders at least two or three days before any given shipping deadline, just for a little added security.

We'll update this list as more retailers post their Christmas shipping deadlines.

Beauty

• Body Shop: place most ground shipping orders by Dec. 11
• MAC Cosmetics: place all standard delivery orders by Dec. 10
• Origins: place standard delivery orders by 11:59 PM ET on Dec. 10
• Tarte Cosmetics: place all standard shipping orders by Dec. Dec. 11
• Urban Decay: place most expedited parcel orders by Dec. 13

Clothing

• Banana Republic: place all standard delivery orders by Dec. 18
• Gap: place all standard delivery orders by Dec. 18
• H&M: place most orders by Dec. 12
• Lululemon: place all orders by Dec. 20
• Old Navy: place all standard delivery orders by Dec. 18
• Reitmans: place all Canadian orders by 11:59 PM ET on Dec. 17
• Roots: place standard national shipping orders by 12 PM EST on Dec. 13
• RW & Co: place all Canadian orders by 11:59 PM ET on Dec. 17
• Thyme Maternity: place all Canadian orders by 11:59 PM ET on Dec. 17

Department Stores

• Well.ca: place orders before Dec. 7 or Last Minute Gift Shop orders by Dec. 11

Handbags and Accessories

• Coach: place all orders by 12 PM ET on Dec. 14

Jewellery and Watches

• Michael Hill: place all orders by 11:59 PM on Dec. 16
• Pandora: place orders by Dec. 14 (or by Dec. 16 for Ontario and Quebec)
• Timex: place all standard shipping orders by Dec. 12

Toys and Games

• Mastermind Toys: place orders by Dec. 12 (or by Dec. 15 for Ontario and Quebec)

What happens if you miss a shipping deadline?

If you miss a holiday shipping deadline, don't panic. It happens, and there's usually something you can do about it. Many of the delivery cut-off dates listed here and on stores' websites are for standard shipping, and there are often express options available, if you're really in a rush.

Second, many retailers offer in-store pickup options – so if you happen to live close to one of their locations, you should be able to place your order online and arrange to pick everything up from a store nearby. Shipping to store is usually free, so it's also a great option if you're looking to save.

Finally, if rush shipping and in-store pickup won't cut it, you may still have time to ship your presents directly to your family and friends, depending on where they live (instead of ordering things to your address). And, of course, you're always able to shop plenty of things in-store, too.