The Christmas gift giving season is here once again. And for many, that means shipping items as well. After selling on eBay for a few years, I acquired a knack for packaging and shipping. I actually enjoyed that part of the business. It also taught me very well when shipping for personal reasons.
One of the biggest concerns I found to really consider is how your recipient will respond to the packaging. Presentation is key as well as weight. Some people have allergies to certain things, some are more picky about what materials they will have to dispose of when they receive their package.
Whether you are going “green” or if cost is a factor in your packaging materials, there are many alternatives to the usual packing peanuts and bubble wrap. My experience has taught me to always use brand new packaging materials. For those looking for alternatives, your newspapers and a paper shredder can be most useful. Shredded newspaper can be a reliable packaging material, if you also keep in mind, that the print on such kind of paper can rub off onto the items you are shipping, so,always wrap the item(s) in something else before placing it among the shredded newspaper.
There are many kinds of paper that will do in a pinch for packaging as well. Depending on the weight and size of the items, I have seen people use tissue, tissue paper, and even paper towels. If one of the gifts is a clothing item you will be sending, you can be creative in using that as your packaging material as well. Presentation is key to having a fun package to open. Maybe use the clothing item, such as a shirt to roll your small item up into and tie with a bow.
No matter what it is you are shipping, make sure it is compliant with the shipping regulations of the shipping company you have chosen. Presentation, safety, and weight of packaging are all factors to consider this gift shipping season.