Holiday Shipping
Everything you need to know to ensure gifts arrive on time and look stunning.
Shipping 101: Get it there on time
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The Holidays are by far the busiest time of year for package delivery services. USPS alone ships around 30 million more packages per day around the holidays, meaning packages will likely take longer than usual to ship. For domestic delivery through USPS, make sure your packages are sent before these dates:
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2025 USPS Holiday Shipping Cut Off Dates Calculated for December 25, 2025
USPS Ground Advantage — Dec. 17
First-Class Mail (including greeting cards) — Dec. 17
Priority Mail — Dec. 18
Priority Mail Express — Dec. 20
Must Have: Holiday Shipping Station
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A well-stocked, holiday home shipping station is essential for ensuring that your gifts and packages are sent off smoothly and securely during the busy holiday season. Having Scotch® Heavy Duty Packaging Tape on hand is crucial for sealing boxes and parcels, providing durability and protection during transit. It ensures that your items arrive safely without the risk of damage or tampering.
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Scotch® Gift-Wrap Tape, on the other hand, is perfect for wrapping gifts with a clean, professional finish. Its invisible appearance on paper makes it ideal for gift wrapping, allowing for neat and aesthetically pleasing presentation. Together, these tapes help streamline the shipping and wrapping process, making holiday preparations more efficient and stress-free.
Holiday Shipping 201: Shipping Goodies
There are a few things you should consider when shipping perishable goods to make sure they arrive intact.
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Tip 1: Choose recipes that will withstand shipping conditions including loading and unloading, vibration, and temperature changes. Biscotti, sugar cookies, shortbread cookies and bar cookies are generally good choices. Candies, such as caramel popcorn, peanut brittle and truffles, can also ship well.
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Tip 2: Pack goodies snugly in plastic wrap, foil, or decorative tins to prevent jostling. Place cakes in a tin or rigid plastic container. Secure bundles and seal containers with Scotch® Washi Tape to keep them closed tightly and looking festive.
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Shipping Fragile ItemsShipping fragile items requires careful packaging to ensure they arrive intact and undamaged. The best method involves using a sturdy, appropriately sized box that allows for ample cushioning around the item. Wrap each fragile item individually with Scotch™ Cushion Wrap or Scotch™ Cushion Lock Protective Wrap, making sure there is very little empty space in the box to absorb shocks and prevent shifting during transit. Clearly label the package as "Fragile" on all sides to alert handlers to take extra care. Additionally, consider double boxing for extra protection, placing the wrapped item in a smaller box before placing it in a larger one with additional cushioning. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage and ensure your fragile items reach their destination safely.
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Festive Holiday PackingDecorating your shipping boxes during the holiday season adds a personal and festive touch to your packages, making the experience of receiving a gift even more special. By adorning the outside of your boxes with colorful wrapping paper, ribbons, stickers, or stamps, you create an immediate sense of joy and anticipation for the recipient. This extra effort transforms a simple package into a delightful surprise, reflecting the care and thoughtfulness you've put into the gift. It’s a fun and creative way to express your holiday spirit and can make your packages stand out among the rest. Just as the gift inside is a token of your appreciation, the decorated exterior becomes a part of the overall experience, spreading cheer and excitement from the moment it arrives at the recipient's doorstep.
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Military Shipping Tips
Shipping to military personnel overseas requires some special considerations to ensure that packages arrive safely and in a timely manner. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:
1. Use the Correct Address Format: Military addresses have a specific format. Make sure to include the service member's full name, rank, and unit, followed by the appropriate APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office), or DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) address. Avoid including the country name.
2. Check for Restrictions: Each military location may have specific restrictions on what can be sent. Check with the USPS or the Military Postal Service Agency for any prohibited items or size and weight limitations.
3. Choose the Right Shipping Service: Use USPS Priority Mail Military Service (PMMS) for faster delivery times. This service is specifically designed for shipping to military addresses and often offers flat-rate boxes.
4. Package Securely: Use sturdy boxes and plenty of cushioning materials to protect the contents during transit. Seal the package securely with strong packaging tape.
5. Include a Packing List: Inside the package, include a list of contents and the recipient's address in case the outer label becomes damaged.
6. Plan for Longer Delivery Times: Be aware that shipping to military addresses can take longer than domestic shipping, especially during peak holiday seasons. Plan and send your packages early to ensure timely arrival.
7. Consider Customs Forms: Fill out the necessary customs forms accurately. These forms are required for all packages sent to military addresses outside the United States.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your package reaches your loved ones in the military safely and efficiently, bringing them a touch of home no matter where they are stationed.
Visit the USPS Military Shipping Page
