When you live far away from family and friends, you gain a great appreciation for the wonder of receiving a nice package in the mail. There’s a lot of fun in receiving them, but I’ve also found so much joy in putting together birthday or “just because” packages for friends.
Mailing packages is an art. Here’s a few tips.
First, choose the right packaging. For light, papery things, a non-padded envelope is sufficient. The envelopes are light, easy to address, and the USPS loves them. For bulkier gifts or semi-breakables, choose a bubble-wrap-lined envelope to keep it protected. The USPS usually has a handful of colorful or patterned envelopes in their stores for special gifts too.
I love the USPS padded envelopes. Easy to use. Keeps your gift safe.
As items get larger, consider a box that fits your contents well. If the box is too large, the contents will rattle around and making more prone to breaking. The USPS recently released a variety of affordable flat-rate boxes. Flat-rate boxes are good for heavy or very dense items as postage cost does not increase with weight.
USPS boxes are nice too. Just make sure you get the right size.
Next, consider what to include in the package. Keep in mind that heavier things will increase your postage dramatically. Things made out of paper are the best way to keep postage down but remain great gifts. One of my favorite gifts is notecards. They are flat, light, colorful and personable, the perfect gifts. Other small paper items like pads of paper and recipe cards are fun too. Small pieces of jewelery are always great too. Earrings wrapped in tissue paper can slide into a birthday card for no extra postage.
My favorite boxes are those chock-full of meaningful things. Friends from college have sent me a plethora of great birthday gifts via the USPS. Usually I can tell exactly what they were thinking as each part went into the box. Favorite candy bars. Souvenirs from a recent trip. Gadgets left over from dorm life. Small pieces of artwork.
Of course, a good package may send a message that doesn’t require a kind note of explanation, but sometimes they do. Include a small card with “Happy Birthday!” greetings, or just let your friend know how much they mean to you.
Finally, be sure to address the package properly. Read up on the best way to fill out the address and return label, then drop by the post office. Usually there’s no need to use more than first class to send away those packages. Don’t let your friendly postal worker talk you into that $10 second-day mail unless it is absolutely necessary.
Kindly Noted 