Thank you to The UPS Store for sponsoring this post. Make the holiday to-do list a little easier this season with The UPS Store!

You’ve done your shopping and wrapping – but that special someone doesn’t quite live near you. What’s next? Shipping! Shipping off your well thought out and well wrapped gift can be a little nerve racking. Are they going to get the gift in time? Will it stay safe and arrive in one piece? Will they even get the gift at all? Quiet that little mind of yours I’ve got all the tips from The UPS Store to get your holiday packages shipped safely and on time!

How To Ship Your Gifts Safely and Quickly

When To Ship

First things first, what’s your timeline? If you ship your package within the next four days, you’re in luck, UPS can have your package delivered by the 22nd.

December 22nd Delivery Days

December 18th – UPS 3 Day Select
December 20th – UPS 2nd Day Air
December 21st – UPS Next Day Air

How To Pack It

The UPS Store will pack your items for you, with the perfect box and fill for your items. I barely make it to the store with my boys, so I do a lot of online shopping, which sometimes turns into a lot of returns. I can’t tell you how many times I have rolled up in The UPS Store with a disheveled package in one hand and a toddler in the other. They’ve sealed up my things with a smile and sent me on my way; so easy! If they pack your items for you, they back their service with a Pack & Ship Guarantee. If your item is lost or damaged, you will be reimbursed for the cost of packaging materials and service, as well as shipping costs. Although I love their packing services, and use it all of the time, sometimes I like to do it myself, especially when I’m packing up a gift.

Tips For Packing Your Items Safely

• Take batteries out of items before shipping.
• Use a sturdy new box with secure corners to provide additional protection. Do not use
  old boxes or gift boxes to ship gifts, or string or wrapping paper on the outside of the
  package.
• Use at least two inches of packaging material on each side of your item.
• Make sure the sender’s and recipient’s addresses are visible both inside and outside of
  the package.
• Use packing tape on all package seams. Do not use masking, cellophane or duct tape.

I picked up a few of their printed bubble mailers, boxes, holiday stamps, and of course, bubble wrap to package up a few of my gifts.

Giving Back With Toys For Tots

While you’re shipping out your gifts to loved ones, you can also take a little time to give back. The UPS Store network is the exclusive sponsor of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, an initiative to give less fortunate children the ability to compete academically and succeed in life by providing them direct access to resources that will enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively.Through Dec. 31, participating The UPS Store locations will support the Toys for Tots Literacy Program with an in-center donation card drive. You can make a donation that will help purchase books for a local child in need. You can feel good about your packages and also feel good about helping your community and children in need. For the second year in a row, The UPS Store will have a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade® on New Year’s Day. Our 2018 float promotes the Toys for Tots Literacy Program with a “Books Bring Dreams to Life” theme. Be sure to tune in on Monday, January 1, 2018 to watch the parade, which starts at 8 a.m. PST.

Take The Stress Out Of The Holidays

I hope you enjoy this week leading up to Christmas! Take some of the stress out of your to-do list and let companies like The UPS Store help you get your gifts out on time.

Do you ship any of your holiday gifts?

-Brooke

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.