Already Bought the Gift? Ship It Now. Why October Beats December Every Time

If you've already started holiday shopping, and many Westminster and Broomfield households have by October, the smartest move is to ship those gifts now rather than letting them sit until December.

At AIM Mail Center, we encourage customers to get a head start on holiday shipping in October. Shipping gifts early gives you more delivery options, extra time to handle unexpected issues, and one less thing to worry about in December. Here are four reasons early shipping makes sense.

Reason 1: Surcharge Season Is Here

Major carriers often introduce peak-season surcharges during the fall and winter holidays, and some fees increase as shipping volume rises. Depending on the carrier, service, package size, and destination, waiting until December could mean paying more to send the same package.

Shipping in October gives you more flexibility to compare available services and avoid some of the additional costs that can come with last-minute holiday shipping.

Reason 2: Ground Shipping Is Still an Option

Ground shipping is often one of the most economical ways to send holiday gifts, especially when you have plenty of time before Christmas. Shipping early allows you to choose services based on price and convenience rather than having to prioritize speed.

By mid-December, standard ground delivery may no longer be a practical option for some destinations, leaving faster and more expensive services as the alternative. Our 2026 Holiday Shipping Deadlines Guide can help you plan ahead as carrier deadlines become available.

Reason 3: Your Package Avoids the Holiday Rush

Shipping volume increases significantly as the holidays approach. Carriers process more packages, transportation networks become busier, and weather or other unexpected disruptions can affect delivery schedules.

Sending gifts in October or early November gives packages additional time to reach their destinations before the busiest weeks of the season. Proper packing is still important, but shipping early reduces the pressure of tight delivery deadlines.

Reason 4: There's Time to Fix Anything

An incorrect address, a recipient who has moved, a delayed shipment, or a damaged package can complicate holiday deliveries. When you ship early, there's more time to address problems, communicate with the carrier, or make alternative arrangements.

During the final week before Christmas, those options become much more limited. A little extra time can make a significant difference.

"But I Don't Want Them Opening It Early"

One common reason people wait to ship holiday gifts is that they don't want the recipient opening them before Christmas. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways around that:

• Wrap and label the gifts. Add a note that says "Do not open until December 25" so the recipient knows to save them for Christmas.
• Ship to a family member. Send gifts to a parent, grandparent, or another trusted person who can hold them until the holiday.
• Arrange a secure receiving location. If you're expecting gifts or packages locally, consider a mailbox service to help keep deliveries from sitting unattended on your porch.

Make One Trip of It

Have several gifts ready to go? Bring them all to AIM Mail Center and let our team help you sort through the shipping options. You might have gifts that can travel by ground, a large or fragile item that needs specialized shipping, an international package that should go out early, or a few prepaid returns that need to be dropped off.

We can compare available USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL services based on your packages and destinations, helping you review pricing, estimated delivery times, and tracking options. If you prefer to pack gifts yourself, we also carry boxes, tape, cushioning, and other supplies in our packing materials selection.