Need it to arrive by Christmas? Holiday shipping deadlines to know

Mailing gifts this holiday season? Another deadline is here.

Friday, Dec. 17 is the deadline to send packages via the U.S. Postal Service first-class if you'd like them delivered by Christmas. Priority mail is due on Saturday.

You can ship packages as late as Dec. 23, but experts say it's best to get packages out as early as possible to avoid long lines and high costs. By next Wednesday, shipping an item could cost $20 more.

USPS lists the following deadlines on its website:

• Dec. 15 for USPS Retail Ground® Service
• Dec. 17 for First-Class Mail® Service
• Dec. 18 for Priority Mail® Service, which provides next-day to 2–day delivery service by 6 p.m. with a money–back guarantee. Prices start at $26.60.
• Dec. 23 for Priority Mail Express® Service2, which will be more expensive.

Experts say your best bet might be buying a gift on Amazon or another website offering 2-day shipping and have it sent directly to your recipient.