The Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Holiday Shipping

The holidays are a season for joy, connection, and giving — but let’s be honest, they can also bring a little bit of chaos. Between wrapping gifts, planning gatherings, and keeping up with your to-do list, getting everything shipped on time can feel like one more thing to juggle. That’s where PostNet comes in. Whether you’re sending handmade gifts across the country or mailing care packages to loved ones overseas, we’re here to help make holiday shipping simple, safe, and stress-free.

Plan Ahead: The Golden Rule of Holiday Shipping

Here’s the truth: the earlier you ship, the happier you’ll be. Every year, carriers like UPS®, FedEx®, DHL®, and USPS® see an enormous surge in volume during the holidays. With so many packages moving across the country (and the world), even the best logistics systems can get a little backed up. That’s why our number one rule for holiday shipping is simple: ship early. Why early shipping matters:

• Avoid delays: High volume and winter weather can slow things down.
• Save money: Ground services cost less than rush shipping.
• More options: Early birds get the widest range of carrier and delivery choices.
• Peace of mind: No last-minute stress, no nail-biting tracking checks.

Pack Like a Pro: Best Practices for Protecting Your Gifts

The journey from your hands to your recipient’s doorstep can be a challenge during the holiday season. With everything from conveyor belts and delivery trucks to long distances involved, it’s essential to ensure your packages are well-prepared for the trip. A helpful tip: ask about our specialty packaging materials for fragile or valuable items. We’ll help you choose the right combination of box, cushioning, and carrier for any and every shipment.

1. Choose the Right Box

Start with a new, sturdy, corrugated box that’s the right size for your item. Avoid reusing old boxes (no matter how “good enough” they look) because they lose strength over time and can break under pressure.

2. Cushion, Don’t Cram

Use proper cushioning materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam inserts. Fragile or oddly shaped items need at least two inches of padding on all sides. Newspaper, towels, and clothing don’t absorb shock the same way as they compress too easily.

3. Secure & Seal

Use strong packing tape, not masking or duct tape. Reinforce seams and corners, and avoid overpacking (a bulging box is a red flag to handlers).

4. Label Clearly

Make sure your label is placed on the top of the box, not over a seam, and always include a return address. For extra protection, place a duplicate label inside the box in case the outer one is damaged.

5. Skip the DIY Stress

If packing isn’t your thing, that’s what we’re here for! Our trained PostNet team knows exactly how to pack fragile, heavy, or unusual items — from glass ornaments to guitars. We follow carrier-approved methods to ensure your gifts arrive safe and sound (and your shipping protection coverage remains valid).

Choosing the Right Shipping Option

Every shipment is different and so is every timeline. The good news is that PostNet partners with all major carriers, so we can help you find the perfect balance of cost, speed, and reliability. Whether you’re mailing a homemade gift to family or sending a token of appreciation to an international client, here’s a quick rundown of when to send:

If you want the most budget-friendly option:

• Choose Ground Shipping (UPS®, FedEx®, USPS®).
• Best for gifts that aren’t time-sensitive.
• Typically takes 3–7 business days depending on distance.

If you’re sending something last-minute but don’t need overnight delivery:

• Go with a 2-Day Air service.
• Great for holiday gifts, care packages, or business items with tight — but not immediate — deadlines.
• Usually arrives in 1–2 business days.

If you need something to arrive ASAP:

• Select Next-Day or Express Shipping.
• Perfect for urgent, valuable, or highly time-sensitive items.
• Delivered next business day.

If you’re shipping internationally:

• Use an International Priority service.
• Ideal for gifts going overseas or to military bases.
• Delivery typically ranges from 2–5 business days, depending on the destination and customs processing.

Timing Tips to Beat the Holiday Rush

Carrier deadlines change from year to year, but here’s a helpful general guide for December shipping. The earlier you send, the less stress you’ll have in your holiday season, and the more you’ll save. Ground services are more affordable, and with early planning, you’ll avoid last-minute express fees.

Suggested Ship-By Dates:

• Ground Shipping (UPS®, FedEx®, USPS®):
  Ship during the first or second week of December for the best chance of on-time delivery.
• 3-Day Select Services:
  Aim for mid-December.
• 2-Day Air Services:
  Typically safe until around December 20.
• Next-Day Air Services:
  Usually available until around December 21, but earlier is always better.
• International Priority Shipping:
  Send gifts in late November or early December to allow time for customs and longer travel routes.

The earlier you send, the less stress you’ll have during the holidays — and the more you’ll save. Ground services are more affordable, and with early planning, you’ll avoid last-minute express fees.

Skip the Stress. We’ve Got the Rest.

Whether you’re shipping gifts to family, clients, or faraway friends, PostNet makes it easy to cross “holiday shipping” off your list. We’ll help you choose the best carrier, professionally pack your gifts, and make sure everything arrives on time and in perfect condition. You can even print your holiday cards or design festive custom labels while you’re here — all in one stop.

So this season, let PostNet take care of the logistics while you focus on what really matters: making memories and spreading joy. Find your nearest PostNet center today to get started and make this holiday season your most stress-free one yet.

*Dates are for estimated delivery before December 25th of a given year. Delivery dates are not guaranteed and may vary depending on origin, destination and other conditions including unexpectedly high volume. Please note that carriers may cancel delivery and service guarantees in a given year.