The Post Office is urging people to get their deliveries in as soon as possible as the latest recommended day to post First Class parcels hits this week.
If Scots aren't able to deliver their first class deliveries by Friday December 16, there is no guarantee that they will arrive in time for Christmas.
The deadline date - which was originally Wednesday December 21 - was brought forward as a result of Communication Workers Union industrial action amid an ongoing pay dispute.
Unfortunately for those looking to save some cash, the Second-Class deadline has already passed as it fell on Monday December 12.
Remaining dates are as follows:
- Friday December 16: First Class, First Class Signed For
- Wednesday December 21: Special Delivery Guaranteed
Laura Joseph, Post Office Customer Experience Director said: "Royal Mail has brought forward the last recommended posting dates for many of its services. As a result, Friday 16 December is now likely to be even busier in Post Office branches as customers race to ensure cards and gifts arrive for Christmas Day.
"As soon as you've got your parcels ready to go get them in the post – many Post Office branches are open long hours, and some are open seven days a week so pop into your local branch and get your gifts sent in time for Christmas."
The Post Office is reminding consumers that knowing how to make Christmas parcels easily accepted in branches is key to a smooth trip, with its research showing that more than one in ten have had a parcel rejected.
The most common reasons for being caught out were shown to be trying to send parcels containing batteries, parcels not being wrapped correctly and illegible writing.
CWU strike action will take place in December on 11, 14, 15, 23 and 24. The CWU have previously warned that the backlog caused by Christmas walkouts could cause a "meltdown" despite the Royal Mail's contingency plans.
The union's General Secretary Dave Ward said: "Royal Mail bosses are risking a Christmas meltdown because of their stubborn refusal to treat their employees with respect."
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