If you’re selling Christmas gifts this year, whether through your own website, Etsy shop, Amazon store, or a local market, your delivery choices can make or break the festive season.
Customers expect reliability, speed, and fair pricing, especially when buying gifts that must arrive before Christmas morning.
Here’s a look at the top delivery services UK sellers should consider when sending out their Christmas orders.
1. Royal Mail – The Christmas Classic
Still the backbone of British post, Royal Mail remains a top choice for small and medium-sized sellers.
Their Tracked 24 and 48 services offer affordable options with online tracking and proof of delivery. For smaller parcels, Royal Mail 1st and 2nd Class are cost-effective and can be dropped off easily at local Post Offices.
Best for: Small parcels, handmade gifts, cards, and lightweight products.
Tip: Post early—Royal Mail’s Christmas deadlines usually fall around 18–20 December for 1st Class.
2. Evri (formerly Hermes) – Affordable and Accessible
Evri has improved significantly in recent years, offering a strong balance between price and convenience. They provide home collection or drop-off at thousands of parcel shops across the UK. Tracking is included as standard, and delivery times are typically 2–3 days.
Best for: Sellers needing affordable delivery on a tight budget.
Tip: Keep packaging strong—Evri’s network handles a huge number of parcels at Christmas, and sturdy packaging helps protect your items.
3. DPD – The Premium Choice
Known for its one-hour delivery window notifications and excellent tracking, DPD is a favourite among professional online retailers. Their app also allows recipients to rearrange delivery or choose a safe place—ideal during busy December weeks when customers might not be home.
Best for: High-value, fragile, or time-sensitive gifts.
Tip: Offer DPD as an express upgrade for customers who need guaranteed delivery before Christmas Eve.
4. UPS and FedEx – For International Sellers
If you ship Christmas gifts abroad, UPS and FedEx are the best-known options for fast, trackable international delivery. Both offer comprehensive online booking, customs support, and parcel insurance.
Best for: International or business-to-business sales.
Tip: Remember to send international parcels by early December to avoid customs delays.
5. Parcelforce Worldwide – For Large or Bulky Parcels
For sellers dealing in hampers, artwork, or heavier items, Parcelforce (part of Royal Mail) offers a great range of next-day and two-day services within the UK. Their international delivery options are also reliable, with customs support built in.
Best for: Larger or multi-item Christmas gifts.
Tip: Check Parcelforce’s volume-based pricing, it may save you money if you ship in bulk.
6. Amazon Logistics – For Marketplace Sellers
If you sell through Amazon, their Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) or Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) options use Amazon Logistics, which guarantees Prime-eligible next-day delivery on many items.
Best for: Sellers already listing on Amazon or using Amazon warehouses.
Tip: Keep an eye on cut-off dates for FBA stock delivery, usually around late November for guaranteed pre-Christmas fulfilment.
7. Local Courier Services – A Personal Touch
For regional sellers or those offering local delivery (such as Christmas hampers, wreaths, or fresh produce), local courier companies or same-day delivery apps like Deliveroo Hop, Stuart, or Yodel Direct can provide that last-mile personal touch.
Best for: Local independent businesses and last-minute gift deliveries.
Tip: Offer same-day or next-day local delivery as a premium add-on for customers in your area.
8. Click & Collect Partnerships
If you sell through platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Shopify, consider enabling click and collect through partners such as InPost Lockers, Collect+, or Yodel Direct. This lets customers pick up parcels at local supermarkets, petrol stations, or convenience stores—perfect for busy shoppers.
Best for: Customers who can’t wait in for deliveries.
Tip: Advertise this as a “stress-free collection” option on your website.
Final Thoughts: Choose Delivery That Matches Your Brand
Your delivery service says as much about your business as your products do. Reliable, well-packaged, and on-time deliveries lead to glowing reviews and repeat customers.
Consider offering a range of delivery options, budget, standard, and express, to suit different needs and budgets.
And don’t forget: communicate clearly about last order dates and Christmas delivery cut-offs across your website and social channels. Transparency now can prevent disappointment later.