Have you ever missed the deadline for mailing holiday gifts? All that effort you put in to pick out the perfect gifts, wrap them with care and get them shipped can fly out the window if you don't plan it correctly or wait until the absolute last minute. That's sure to be frustrating, but the good news is that it's avoidable. You can avoid that drama and disappointment with just a little planning. Get organized with these easy-to-implement mailing tips, and spread some cheer. Let your loved ones know you care with personalized, well-packed holiday gifts that arrive in one piece and on time.
1. Keep a Holiday Calendar
Never miss a gift-giving occasion by keeping a list of important dates on your holiday calendar. Stay organized by adding the deadlines associated with mailing packages. There are several shipping companies available, and each has different deadlines for shipping packages. Check out the websites of various companies to compare time frames, and then mark the dates that holiday gifts need to go out on your calendar. Whenever you add a special event, such as a wedding, that involves sending a gift, also add a corresponding date for the deadline for mailing the gift. If you use an online calendar, set up an alert to remind you about the gift through email or a pop-up notification.
2. Shop Online for Gifts
One of the easiest ways to avoid the hassle associated with mailing packages is to buy online and have the items shipped directly to the recipients. Gift baskets are a great option for a customized holiday gift. There are gift baskets available for many different interests and occasions. Send a spa basket to a harried mother or a cookie basket to a tween. Consider a large holiday gift basket as a present for an entire family. Show you care even if you live far away.
3. Express Yourself With Custom Packages
Although online holiday gifts are easy, you may want to create a custom package that's more personalized. Put together a custom package with a mix of homemade items, such as things from your past and hand-selected holiday gifts for a delightful surprise. You don't need a lot of experience to create handmade presents. Consider baked goods, crocheted items, drawings, homemade candy and simple crafts. A handmade gift allows you to share a piece of yourself while adding bits that connect it to the recipient. For example, use the recipient's favorite color or scent.
Wrap items in colorful tissue paper. Use glittery shreds of glossy magazines for cushioning. Tuck in bows, or swirl a colorful scarf through the mix of items. Opening a creatively packaged box is a magical experience. Place smaller items in nooks and crannies to add to the surprise. For a child, try wrapping all of the items in gift wrap. Opening each gift individually prolongs the enjoyment received from unveiling each holiday gift.
4. Pack Holiday Gifts Correctly
There's more to a great package than the way it looks. Packing and mailing are just as important. Choose a sturdy box made from corrugated cardboard. The layers in the cardboard provide extra cushioning during impact. Make sure the box is not too large since the items could rattle around. On the other hand, if the box is too small, the items can get crushed and damaged. Wrap each individual item in tissue paper to protect them from rubbing against each other. Take batteries out of products and wrap them separately to avoid having items accidentally power on during the shipping process.
Next, add cushioning between products. Bubble wrap, sealed air bags and foam packaging are all good options to keep your holiday gifts safe. Finish up by securing the box with packaging tape. Be sure to find the strongest and most durable tape you can find to hold the package together securely during the shipping process.
5. Compare Prices
During your research, compare the prices of different shipping options. Keep a postal scale handy for an accurate package weight. Keep in mind that the lowest price is not always the best way to ship. Decide whether extra services offered for additional fees are worth the cost. Some companies offer packing services with a guarantee for safe arrival. Others offer free packing materials, shorter shipping times or tracking to let you know where your package is on its journey. When computing prices, include insurance costs, and be aware of any upcoming sales. In some instances, it's better to wait a bit and save money.
Packing holiday gifts for shipping doesn't have to be a hassle. Keep your packing supplies organized in one place. Store recipients' addresses in a convenient, searchable list on your cellphone or computer. Bookmark the websites of your favorite shipping companies and services. Once this is completed, put your energy into creating and finding special items for everyone on your holiday and special occasion list!
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