Shipping Tips for the Holidays

I have many family members whom I send Christmas gifts to via the USPS, as I don't live close to them. It's always a bit stressful when determining what to buy them that will ship well and be something they will enjoy, but through a few years of experience, I've been able to come up with the following ideas:

#1: Picture frame or photo album

A good way to reconnect with family is to send a picture or series of pictures in a frame or enclosed in a photo album. This ships well, as the pictures are protected. This is also a personalized gift and allows your family and/or friends to receive a gift that is meaningful. This is especially nice when you have children that your family don't get to see often, as the gift will also allow your family to see how much your children have grown.

#2: Candles

Candles are typically a good gift for just about anyone on your list, as long as they aren't sensitive to smells. Candles can be shipped easily, after being wrapped in bubble wrap. I've shipped several candles and have had no problems doing so.

#3: Gift cards

Gift cards are wonderful items to give as gifts, and no worries regarding shipping are involved. I have sent gift cards to both family and friends, and simply sent the gift card inside of a Christmas card for easy shipping. Pick your family member's favorite store, website, or restaurant, and they'll think of you as they shop after Christmas!

#4: Baked goods

While some may think it's tricky to ship baked goods, they would be pleasantly surprised to learn that certain baked goods are much easier to ship than they think. I make several types of breads, cookies, and other holiday treats throughout the season, and send them to my Nana in South Carolina from my home in West Virginia. She especially likes banana bread, so I bake the bread and let it cool completely the night before I plan to ship it. This also applies for cookies and hard candies (such as rock candy or brittles). The day I pack the items, I wrap them in plastic wrap, then in a small canister or can (for the candy), and then put newspaper in between any loose items within the box. It is strongly advised that the items be shipped priority mail, to ensure maximum freshness. By doing this, my Nana is able to receive her baked goods without any problems, and can eat them within a few days of receipt.

#5: Electronics

Many people now ask for different technological items such as iPods, cameras, phones, or DVDs/CDs for Christmas gifts, and although these items can be fragile, they are easy to ship. Electronics typically come in small boxes with their own packaging, and can then be wrapped in decorative paper and then wrapped once more in bubble wrap before shipping it to the recipient. DVDs and CDs are more fragile, but are surprisingly simple to keep safe during their travel. It's best to put these items in bubble wrap, to ensure safe delivery.

Shipping shouldn't be a major concern when considering gifts for Christmas, as many items can simply be wrapped in bubble wrap and they are fine upon arrival. Ensure that the box itself is wrapped well with packing tape so that it doesn't come undone during the shipping process. Write both your name and address and the recipient's name and address in a large font to help postal workers identify your packages during the holiday rush. It's recommended to send your packages before December 14th, as guarantees of arrival before Christmas may not apply after that date.