Packing and Mailing Tips for Holiday Treats

After baking's completed, you can start packing by using paper loaf pans, which will give your baked goods a professional look.. In addition, the pans don't need greasing so they'll save you kitchen time.

Festive plastic wrap (the ones that come in several colors) will make your holiday goodies look even better and keeps them from drying out or getting soggy. Also, you can ball it up (the plastic wrap, I mean) and use as a cushion when packing.

Use Sturdy Plastic Containers

To protect the cookies and any candies from even the roughest handling (to further insure that your cookies arrive in good condition.You can send thick, sturdy types that won't melt or break, like bar cookies or biscotti). They make great gifts, too.

Use Sturdy Packing Boxes for Shipping

This is the first defense against bumps and dents. Select a box that's large enough to hold your tin or container and allows room for those Styrofoam "peanuts" to further protect the contents.

Use clear, heavy-duty packing tape. Many companies won't accept transparent, masking or duct tape.

Use Labels

You can place an index card with the recipient's name and address inside the box. If the box is damaged, it can still be forwarded to its destination.

Use A Scale

A kitchen scale can save you time and money. Weigh packages beforehand so you know exactly how much postage you'll need (and you'll have enough to pay for it).

Additional Info

A fun way to wrap gift certificates: Cut up empty wrapping paper tubes, pop the present inside, wrap the paper around it and tie at both ends like a candy wrapper.

Got a hard-to-wrap gift?

Think "outside the box" and use a brown paper bag instead. Decorate it with scrolls from a gold leafing pen or stamp with ink, then cinch with a festive ribbon.

Do you have gifts for little ones who can't read yet?

Photocopy your toddler's picture and glue it on a gift tag to make the hunt for presents easier.

If you've got plain gift bags (or boxes), fold the bag over and cut five vertical slits on top (or edge of box). Lace ½" wide grosgrain ribbon through holes for a stylish custom trim, and gently knot the ends.

Don't waste wrinkled paper-just crinkle the whole piece and then smooth it out and wrap as usual.