Mailing your gifts? Here are some dates and shipping tips you need to know about.

It's the race to deliver!
If you want to make sure your gifts and cards arrive on time, there are some dates you need to know about.
Dec. 15 is the deadline to send your gifts through both USPS and FedEx ground delivery, so your gifts are received by Christmas. For UPS you have to enter the zip code in order to get an arrival estimate.
When shipping, consider using a flat-rate box, so you don't have to worry about the weight.
If you're ordering online, ship directly to the recipient's home - that way the shipping might be free.
If you're sending it yourself - remember there might be a seasonal surcharge in your package. Both FedEx and UPS plan on rising base rates by nearly 6%. USPS has a surcharge from Oct. 3 to Dec. 26.