Our Step-by-Step Guide to Packing & Shipping Gifts

When you’ve got loved ones nearby and others scattered all over, sending gifts by mail is key to staying in touch. But let’s be real, it can be a bit of a challenge, especially around the holidays when shipping deadlines are looming. Just think about the stress of wondering if your carefully chosen presents will get to their destinations on time and in one piece.

This guide is here to take the stress out of mailing gifts, and it covers everything you need to know. We’ll show you how to pick the right box that fits your gift perfectly, and how to pack it in a way that protects it from the bumps and bruises of shipping. Follow along and we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from start to finish. By the time you’re done, you’ll be a pro at mailing gifts and can enjoy the holidays without worrying about a thing.

The 6 Essential Steps for Shipping Gifts

1. Check Shipping Deadlines & Plan Ahead

If you’re sending gifts during the holidays, begin the process by double checking the 2025 Holiday Shipping Deadlines. It’s important to keep those dates in mind so your presents arrive on time. Plus, it costs less to ship early rather than waiting until the last minute, and who doesn’t love that?

2. Choosing a Shipping Box

Use the information you determined about your items size, shape, and weight and pick a box that best suits your shipping needs. For help, use the following suggestions:

• Choose a box that is a few inches larger (on all sides) than everything you plan to put in it, making sure there’s enough room for packing and cushioning. However, be careful not to buy a box that is too big. Not only will it cost more to ship, but you’ll also have to purchase more packing materials to secure your items during transport.
• Pick a box that is strong enough to hold and protect what you’re sending by checking the weight limit on the bottom flap. Corrugated cardboard is a great choice because of its durability.

Insider Tip: Have a lot of old boxes laying around from online purchases? If you decide to reuse one, make sure to remove or cover up all old labels, especially bar codes. Also double-check that the box doesn’t have any water damage or ripped areas that have weakened the cardboard.

3. Pack Your Gift Properly

The biggest key to ensuring your gift is delivered in one piece is to use enough packing materials. Here are some tips to know how much is the right amount:

• Surround whatever you’re sending with at least one inch or more of packaging materials and cushioning on all sides. Two inches is ideal, and more if the item is fragile.
• Always wrap and protect each item separately.
• If you’re shipping a hollow item like a vase, fill it with packing material before wrapping the item in bubble wrap.
• For extremely fragile gifts, consider using two boxes — and double the padding. Pack the breakable item securely in a smaller box with packing material, then place it in your shipping box and surround with another layer of cushioning.
• Protect yourself against a lost package due to a damaged shipping label by including a backup label. Write out the delivery and return address and place it inside the box before you seal it up.

Insider Tip: PostNet offers a wide selection of great packaging supplies, including bubble wrap, packing peanuts and more. Our shipping experts are happy to help you figure out just what you need to keep your gifts safe during shipment — and we can even pack up your items for you!

4. Secure & Seal Your Box

Now that your box is all packed up and ready to go, take the time to seal it correctly. It’s important to make sure your box is secure — especially to keep winter weather from damaging all the wonderful gifts you’re sending to family and friends. To do so, here are some tips from our PostNet shipping pros:

• For starters, always use the right type of tape. Clear packing tape is your best bet because it will strongly hold your box together, no matter the elements — unlike masking tape or duct tape.
• To secure all of your box edges, turn to the “H” method. Tape along each seam to form an H on both the top and the bottom of the box.
• Reinforce all seams including the ones running down from the corners. This is especially important if you’re using a recycled box whose structural integrity can wear down after multiple uses.

Insider Tip: Save your pretty wrapping paper and bows for the gifts inside the shipping box. Ribbons, bows, and wrapping paper can get caught in the sorting machines and may cause damage to your package.

5. Label Your Box Correctly

A very important step in getting your gift package to its final destination is the label. To make sure your presents are delivered properly, take the following into consideration:

• The easiest way to accomplish this step is to buy and print your shipping label at a local shipping center like PostNet. A shipping center will verify the address and print out a label that’s legible and follows carrier protocol.
• If you choose to write your label yourself, always use a good pen (like a permanent marker) and legible handwriting.
• Include both the “to” and “from” information on your label placed only on one side.
• Make sure you’ve written out your recipient’s full address, from their name to their ZIP or postal code

• Don’t forget the return address. In the off-chance your package cannot be delivered, the carrier will need this information to get it back to you in a timely manner.
• Forgot the ZIP Code? Don’t guess! We can look it up for you.

6. Time to Ship

Once your package is all wrapped up and ready-to-go, skip the lines at the Post Office and bring it down to your nearest PostNet. You’ll get your holiday gifts under the tree with time to spare. When you come to PostNet you can:

• Get help choosing the best carrier for your package. We can give you pricing and delivery information from all of the major carriers at once (both domestic and international).
• Have our shipping professionals custom pack your box so everything you ship is secure and protected.
• Say goodbye to the runaround of calling the carriers if things go awry. Rest easy knowing that if in fact, anything does happen, we have you covered. Items go missing or packages come damaged? We’ll fix it.

More Shipping Tips & Tricks

Sending Grandma’s Cookies (& other food items)

Many families cherish the holidays as a time to savor mouthwatering dishes and sweet treats. However, sending these special delights through the mail can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you want to ensure they arrive at their destination in perfect condition. Imagine the joy of receiving a care package filled with homemade goodies, only to find that they’ve been damaged or spoiled during transit. To avoid this disappointment, it’s essential to know how to properly package and ship your edible gifts.

• Place your food inside a well-sealed, airtight container before putting it into your shipping box.
• Ship food on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday (0r next-day delivery if possible). Sending on these days will help keep the food from sitting out over the weekend.
• If the food needs to be kept cold, make sure to include frozen gel packs in your packaging.
• Track your package to ensure it’s delivered, and brought inside, in a timely manner.

Shipping Protection for Valuable Items

If you’ve splurged on a pricey gift but can’t deliver it in person, shipping it can be a stressful experience. Even with an expert packer selecting the right materials and carefully packing your gift, there are still risks involved when handing it over to a shipping carrier. Rather than hoping for the best, consider getting shipping protection to safeguard against any unexpected issues.

At PostNet, we offer affordable, full-value package protection by offering InsureShield Shipping Protection® in partnership with UPS Capital® Insurance Agency, Inc. Unlike carrier liability, InsureShield® protection gives shippers comprehensive financial protection in the event of shipping loss, damage, or porch-pirated theft and claims are typically paid in a matter of days, not weeks. This way, you can replace and re-ship your gift before your recipient ever knows what happens.

Partner with PostNet to Ship Your Packages this Year

Shipping gifts for the holidays is more than just sending stuff in the mail; it’s about showing people you care and they’re in your thoughts, no matter how far apart you may live. The last thing you need on your mind is stress about your gifts breaking in transit.

Make packing and mailing gifts easier by turning to the shipping experts at PostNet. We’ll help you pick the right packing supplies, and even get everything secured for you, so all you have to do is bring your gift and send it on its way. Find the PostNet center nearest you this holiday season.