Unique Ways to Package & Mail Gifts to Friends & Family

You’ve hunted for the perfect gift. Instead of wrapping it and delivering it in person, you need to send it off through snail mail, but how do you go about making it look just as thoughtful and presentable?

Sometimes, it’s the extra touches that make all the difference. Whether you’re sending a happy bag or box to a friend who’s always there for you or a care package to grandma to let her know you miss her, here are some unique ways to package and mail gifts to friends and family. 

1. Drop-In a Handwritten Note or Card

To add a personal touch, be sure to send along a handwritten note or card. Whether you choose to use monogrammed stationery or just a Post-it note, a handwritten note is a perfect way to say “Hello!” If the gift is for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, find a card to express how monumental and celebratory the day is.  

If you’re at a loss for words, remember that it doesn’t have to say much—after all, the gift might be sent to someone you text or chat with every day—but at least send a short and sweet sentiment that lets them know who sent it, even if it’s just to say how great of a person they are or how much they mean to you. 

2. Add Some Homemade Baked Goods or Candy 

Another personal gesture is to make some homemade baked goods, such as brownies or cookies. Wrap them up carefully in a plastic container to protect them from being jostled around or squished during transport. You could also send a mason jar filled with pancake batter or a cookie-making kit that they can prepare themselves. 

Of course, if you’re not much of a baker, you can always add some candies. Think of what their favorite hard candies might be. Or is their favorite snack more savory-based like chips or pretzels? You might want to avoid chocolate-covered pretzels or gooey-substance goodies that could melt, though. 

3. Decorate the Box Itself

Buy a few stamps or simply create some fun scribbles with colored Sharpies. You can even buy roller stamps, which offer a continuous print design that makes your gift package look like it’s carefully tied and wrapped in ribbons. Plus, roller stamps come in a variety of prints and patterns to choose from! Decorating with cute stickers is another fun and retro way to personalize a gift. 

4. Add a Pop of Color

Inside your package, be sure to add a bright and festive pop of color! You can accomplish using several methods. Scrunch up some colored tissue paper to add both color and some cushion to your gifts. You could also line the box with scrapbooking or craft paper. Get creative with colored Sharpies and doodle on the interior and exterior of the box. You could also add color with some large confetti circles or iridescent and holographic cellophane.  

5. Get Clever with Filler Materials

Colored tissue paper is perfect to add a pop of color, but why not take it a step further? If you want to get really creative, skip the tissue paper entirely, and secure your gifts with other items. 

Line the package in something like ribbons or luxe papers for a more glamorous-looking gift package for weddings. But, for a more casual occasion, you can also go a more affordable route with everyday aluminum foil or butcher paper. 

If you’re feeling really creative and crafty, head to a thrift store or consignment shop and explore. You never know what you might find as filler: strips of leftover wallpaper or even old maps that lend an adventurous vibe. You could even pad the gift with balls of soft yarn, especially for those crafty grandmas and friends who would make a scarf or sweater with it!

6. Apply Cute Stickers and Tapes

Stickers are another unique way to package and mail gifts. Just take a look in any arts and crafts store, such as Michaels, and you’ll find some really cute themed stickers. It’s an easy way to dress up an otherwise boring cardboard box.

And, instead of using plain clear tape, use washi tape. Washi tape makes a wonderful way to secure the edges together and comes in countless colors and patterns! Go even bolder with wide, colored duct tape! 

7. Secure Your Package Properly

Make sure that your package is equal parts form and function. After all is said and done, the most important step is to make sure you secure your package properly so it’s durable enough to survive the journey. No matter how many times you write in a black bold Sharpie “This End Up,” assume that it might get tossed about. Even the most gentle carriers make accidents. The last thing you want to hear from your friend or family member that the package—or worse, the gift inside—was damaged. 

8. Have the Recipient Open the Package Virtually 

For such a sentimental delivery, make sure you get tracking on your package. That way, you can see when it’s been delivered and make sure the recipient does, indeed, find it on their doorstep. Plus, it means you can ask your friend or family member to wait and open the package over video chat. That way, you can see their surprised face and joy from receiving such a thoughtful gift. 

Of course, this isn’t always possible. Some grandparents, especially, may not be technically inclined. But, at the very least, give them a call to show them how much you care.