Last Christmas order dates for 2020 – how to make sure your presents arrive in time for December 25
CHRISTMAS is nearly here and if you're planning to buy your Christmas gifts online this year you'll need to act quick.
Cut off dates for delivery before Christmas are fast approaching and an increase in online shopping due to the coronavirus crisis means retailers and delivery firms are under pressure.
Along with store closures and staff shortages it's created the perfect shopping storm for the Christmas season.
Some retailers have made their order deadlines earlier dates than last year for guaranteed Christmas delivery, and at some retailers last delivery dates have already passed.
Below we round up the big dates you need to know about if you want to make sure your Christmas present orders arrive before the big day.
Can I return a Christmas order that arrives late?
IT can be really frustrating if you order a Christmas present and it doesn't arrive on time.
If you want to return your gift, for example, because you had to buy something else, we explain your rights.
For presents ordered by the store's last delivery date - the one it advertises online - you will be entitled to your money back if you no longer want the item.
You'll need to have proof of when you placed your order, such as an email confirmation.
The retailer will also expect you to return the item. According to , the store you purchased the product from will usually be responsible for covering return costs, but this does depend on its terms and conditions, so read carefully.
If you want to keep the gift, you may be able to claim back some cash from the delivery costs. Contact the retailer to see what it can offer you.
If you paid extra for specific-day delivery, and it arrived after this date, the retailer should off you money back on the delivery cost.
Or at the very least, you'll get the difference in price between its standard delivery and premium delivery.
Just keep in mind that placing orders at the last minute is risky, as stock may run out, and deliveries could get lost or delayed.
If you don't want to risk it, it could be worth checking the click and collect options for your retailer.
You can still shop in store too even if you live in an area under Tier 3 restrictions - the rules state that even non-essential shops can stay open.
All Saints
All Saints shoppers will have to make their Christmas orders by Friday December 18 at the latest to be able to get the cheapest delivery option of £3.95.
Alternatively, the absolute final order date is December 21, but it'll set you back a pricier £4.95 for next-day delivery.
If you spend more than £150, you can get both standard UK delivery and next-day delivery for free.
The retailers does warn that it "gets very busy during the holidays so our usual delivery times may be affected" so it's better to order sooner rather than later.
Last year, the last order date for Christmas orders for standard delivery was on December 18.
Amazon
The e-commerce giant hasn't yet confirmed its order deadline for this Christmas, but last year it was on December 22 for standard delivery.
We've asked Amazon what the date is for 2020 and will update this story when we hear back.
Amazon orders of £20 or more qualify for free delivery on certain items, which are flagged up when you purchase.
While those subscribing to Amazon Prime can receive all orders the next day free of charge.
Some retailers also offer free delivery, so it's worth checking before you order.
If your order doesn't qualify for free delivery, fees range from 99p to £4.49 depending on the items in your basket.
Argos
Argos told The Sun that orders need to be placed by Tuesday 22 December to arrive by Christmas Eve.
That's by standard delivery which costs from £3.95 but customers are being told they should shop early to avoid disappointment.
Same-day delivery is available on some items and orders can be placed up until "mid-morning" on Christmas Eve, the retailer said.
Asos
The online fashion retailer has set a last-order date for standard delivery on Sunday December 20, which will set you back £4.
Alternatively, if you spend more than £35, you'll get it delivered for free.
If you're doing some last-minute shopping, you can order items on Wednesday December 23 and still get them on time, but it costs £5.95.
For £9.95 a year, regular Asos shoppers can get Premier Delivery, which gives you free unlimited deliveries with no minimum order value.
Boohoo
The last order date for Boohoo shoppers looking for the cheapest delivery option is on Tuesday December 22, with standard delivery costing you £3.99.
The absolute last order date for Christmas is at 11pm on Wednesday December 23, but you'll have to pay £5.99 for the trouble.
Carphone Warehouse
The retailer, owned by Dixons Carphone, hasn't yet confirmed the cut-off date for guaranteed Christmas delivery.
In the meantime you'll be pleased to know that standard delivery is free, or you can get next-day delivery for £5.
Currys PC World
Shoppers at Currys PC World, which is also owned by Dixons Carphone, have to make their orders by December 19 to get free standard delivery in time for Christmas.
The retailer then accepts Christmas orders until December 22, but you'll have to pay £5 for the speedier delivery service.
Debenhams
Delivery deadlines for Christmas have now passed for fashion and home items at Debenhams.
Debenhams says the deadline for beauty orders is Wednesday December 16.
But it does say delivery are taking slightly longer than usual due to high volumes.
Delivery at Debenhams costs £1.99 or if you spend more than £50, you'll get the order delivered for free.
Disney
Disney says to order by midnight on Sunday December 20 for standard delivery, which costs £3.95.
Or you can pay £5.95 for express delivery which arrives the next day - the last day you'll get this is if you order by midnight on Tuesday 22 December.
Disney has also warned that deliveries may be delayed by up to four working days die to the high demand because of covid, so it's best to order as early as possible.
Ernest Jones
At Ernest Jones the very last day for delivery is Monday December 21 and you have to order by 7pm.
It's offering free next working day delivery for free on all orders at the moment.
Delivery dates can depend on the item and you'll be told at the checkout what the estimated date is before completing your purchase and engraved and personalised items will take longer.
H. Samuel
Sister brand to Ernest Jones, H. Samuel has set its Christmas order deadline on the same date.
So the very last day for delivery is Monday December 21 and you have to order by 7pm for free express delivery.
Again, delivery dates can depend on the item and you'll be told at the checkout what the estimated date is before completing your purchase and engraved and personalised items will take longer.
Harvey Nichols
The posh retailer has set its last order date for the cheapest delivery at 3pm on Monday December 21, with standard delivery setting you back £5.
While last-minute shoppers will have until 3pm on Wednesday December 23 for express delivery, which costs £8.
If you're ordering a hamper, keep in mind you'd need to make your order by 3pm on Monday December 21, but you don't have to pay extra for delivery.
House of Fraser
The retailer says last orders with standard delivery are Sunday December 20.
You can still order up to 6pm on Tuesday December 22 with next-day delivery, which costs more.
Standard delivery will set you back £4.99 and next-day delivery is £6.99.
John Lewis
John Lewis shoppers using standard delivery will have to make their order by 7pm on Friday December 18 to make sure it arrives on time.
The retailer offers free standard delivery as long as you spend more than £50, excluding large items being delivered to non UK-mainland locations.
If you don't spend more than £50, you'll be charged £3.50 for the trouble.
Shoppers can also get next-day delivery, but you'll have to do it by 8pm on Tuesday December 22 to get it in time for Christmas and it costs £6.95.
Larger items like furniture have different delivery times and costs and are shown on product pages.
John Lewis told The Sun the above cut-off dates may be subject to change depending on demand.
Matalan
Matalan's last dates for standard Christmas delivery have now passed.
But you can still get express delivery before Christmas if you order by 3pm on Sunday December 20 and it costs £4.95
Next
The last Christmas order date for home deliveries by Next is typically at 10pm on Tuesday December 22, which costs £3.99.
However, if you're ordering furniture, keep in mind you'll need to place your order by Wednesday December 16 if you're based in England, Scotland or Wales.
While Next shoppers in Northern Ireland needed to place their orders by Wednesday December 9.
Home delivery of furniture costs £8 at the retailer.
Office
The cheapest delivery option to get the Office order on time for Christmas costs £3.50, and you'll need to make your order by 8.30pm on Thursday December 17.
Shoppers can also get next-day delivery for £5, which means you'll have to buy your items by Tuesday December 22 at 8.30pm the latest.
Alternatively, if you don't mind paying £7.95 just for delivery, you can make your order at 1pm on Wednesday December 23 and still get it in time for Christmas.
Marks & Spencer
The last order dates at M&S to get it in time for Christmas depend on what you're planning to buy.
If you're ordering a hamper for standard delivery, you'll have to make your order by 5pm on Thursday December 17.
This costs £3.50, or you can get it delivered for free if you spend more than £50.
Alternatively, you can get next-day delivery for £4.99, if you order by 12pm on Tuesday December 22.
M&S also offers free next-day delivery on flowers, but you'll need to make your order by 12pm on Wednesday December 23 to get them on time.
For clothing and homeware (but not furniture) the last standard delivery date is 8pm on Friday December 18 and this costs £3.50 or free for orders over £50.
You can pay £4.99 for next day delivery and order by 6pm on Wednesday December 23 to get it before Christmas.
The retailers has warned that it's experiencing delays though so it's best to order as soon as you can.
New Look
New Look's last order date for standard delivery has already passed, but there are other delivery options for getting something before Christmas.
Order before 4pm on Sunday 20 December with Express Royal Mail which costs £3.99 for orders under £50 and is free if more than that.
Next day DPD is also an option and you have until 8pm on Wednesday December 23, but it will cost you £4.99 on deliveries under £65, otherwise it's free.
New Look is warning that there may be delays and to allow an additional 24-48 hours and that the dates above can change at busier times.
Smyths Toys
The last order date for guaranteed Christmas delivery at Smyths Toys is at 11.59pm on Sunday December 20.
Standard shipping costs £4.99 for orders under £10 and £2.99 for orders between £10 and £19.
If you spend more than £19, you'll get it delivered for free.
Sports Direct
Sports Direct's cut-off for delivery by Christmas is Sunday 20 December.
That's with standard delivery which costs £4.99.
You can order later with next day delivery which costs more at £7.9 and you have until 6pm on Tuesday December 22.
The Entertainer
Toy shop The Entertainer says last order dates for Christmas will be midnight on Friday December 18 for standard delivery and 3pm on Tuesday December 22 for express delivery.
Standard delivery costs £3.99 for orders under £39.99, or you'll get it delivered for free if you spend more than this, while express delivery sets you back £5.99.
Topshop
Topshop says you need to order by Monday December 21 to get items in time for Christmas with standard delivery.
This costs £2,99 or is free on orders over £30.
You can order up until Wednesday December 23 using express delivery which costs £6 or £4 to a Hermes parcel shop.
Delivery is free for Topshop Premier customers, which costs £9.95 per year.
Waterstones
Book retailer Waterstones told The Sun it's last order date for the cheapest possible delivery is on Sunday December 20.
That will set you back £2.99 or it's free on orders over £25.22
If you're spending more than £25 in one go, you'll get it delivered for free.
If you don't get your order through on time, Waterstones also offers a faster delivery that costs £3.99 - and the last order date for this is on Tuesday December 22.
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