Sign, Seal, Deliver: Holiday Packages On Time

Holiday Shipping Tips from Stacy DeBroff, author of The Mom Book: 4,278 Tips for Moms and founder of MomCentral.com.

With millions of packages shipping every day between now and the holidays, your gifts are likely to get as jostled as you are shopping for them, and sending them off to loved ones.

This season, the need for proper packaging and shipping will be key as we all plan to send more homemade presents than in years past.

So, what do we most need to know? Some of the best tips to ship.

1. Pack to Protect
There's nothing worse than getting a box of cookie crumbs or a broken vase-so pack smart to ensure your gift arrives in one piece. Plus, many family members have the longest memories on the planet Earth, and will hold stuff like this against for years to come! Make sure your box is large enough to put adequate padding around contents. Position your item in the center of the box and surround it with cushioning such as bubble wrap, foam "peanuts," densely packed shredded paper, or foam pads. You should have at least one inch on all sides - so the item does not shift during transit. No "peanuts"? Use plastic grocery bags or hand-me-down clothing that can be an added gift for the recipient.

2. Trim the Package Fat
Pack your shipment properly to minimize the size and weight of the package and reduce shipping costs. Before you close the box, put an extra mailing label inside, just in case the outside label becomes damaged of falls off during the shipping process.

3. Reinforce Re-Used Boxes
Make sure there are no holes, tears or corner dents, and remove any old labels. Consider placing the box within another box for additional sturdiness. Check the bottom of the box for weight specifications so you do not exceed it's weight limit.

4. "Scrap the Crap" Tape and String
Use tape designed for packing, not duct, masking or regular tape. Do not wrap the outer box with paper or string, which can get caught in automated processing equipment.

5. Drop and Go to Avoid Long Waits
Instead of facing hour-long lines waiting to ship off your holiday packages, use drop and go instead. With Fed Ex for example, you can order free express shipping and packaging supplies online and then simply drop your package off at one of more than 53,000 drop-off locations nationwide (found at www.FedEx.com).

6. Batteries Not Included
Electronic gifts are always a holiday hit! When shipping electronics, make sure that the batteries are not inserted in the device, as the power button could be triggered during the shipping process. Nobody wants to receive an electronic device containing dead batteries! Purchase a separate pack of batteries and include within the package, so the recipient can try out the product right away.

7. Ship it Smart
Print or type the destination name and address in a neat and large font, in order to avoid any deliver confusion. You might even want to place clear packing tape over the label or address in order to prevent the ink from smearing or running-should your package have to endure any inclement weather conditions.

8. Sending Off Your Scrumptious Snacks
Homemade baked goods are always fantastic and economical gifts for family and friends during the holidays! Do you have an aunt that loves peanut brittle? Or a best friend from college that adores your chocolate chip cookies? Before you ship these baked goods, make sure the treats are packed and sealed in an airtight container or zip lock bag to ensure freshness. Have your children jazz up the container or bag with holiday stickers and drawings. You could even photograph your child during this decorating process and include the photographs within the package. Make sure to add parchment paper as additional padding within the container to prevent the baked goods from shifting.

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