| Have you created the perfect gift basket but now | | | | The proper cushioning ensures that your basket does |
| need to figure out how to ship it? There are several | | | | not get damaged in transit. There are many cushioning |
| important considerations to ensure that your gift | | | | options including heavy kraft paper to wrap around the |
| basket arrives in perfect condition: | | | | basket or fill gaps, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and |
| 1) Prepare the Basket for Shipping | | | | pillow packs. You may find that a combination of |
| When creating your basket, be sure to place items | | | | cushioning works best. Some cushioning such as |
| evenly throughout the container so that weight is | | | | packing peanuts can be expensive to purchase (and |
| distributed throughout the container. Nestle items in a | | | | very expensive to ship to you due to bulk). Recycling |
| high quality paper shred (you may want to stabilize the | | | | cushioning products you have from packages you |
| basket or container first with several sheets of | | | | have received is always a good idea. |
| crumpled kraft paper). Secure items to each other with | | | | 5) Weigh the Entire Package |
| high tack glue dots to ensure they do not shift during | | | | To get an accurate total shipping weight, weigh the |
| shipping. Wrap the basket in cellophane and tie at the | | | | entire package with cushioning. Heavy gift baskets can |
| top with a decorative bow. Alternatively, use dome | | | | be very expensive to ship. To control costs, use |
| shrink wrap bags (available online from many gift | | | | lightweight items in your basket. For items in jars (dips, |
| basket supply stores) and use a heat gun to shrink | | | | jellies, etc.), use the smaller sizes offered by gourmet |
| wrap your basket. Be sure to cut any extra wrap | | | | suppliers. |
| from the bottom of the basket for a clean | | | | 6) Pick Shipping Company |
| presentation. | | | | If you plan on shipping baskets frequently, contact |
| 2) Consider the Weather and Season | | | | each shipping company that serves your area to |
| Are you shipping chocolate or other perishables to a | | | | determine which has the service and pricing options |
| warm destination? If so, consider using ice packs or | | | | that meet your needs. Many shipping companies |
| shipping via overnight delivery to ensure your creation | | | | enable online preparation of shipping labels and a |
| does not melt or spoil. | | | | tracking mechanism. If you run a gift basket business, |
| 3) Pick the Right Box | | | | let your customers know whether you deliver to |
| Use a sturdy box that is at least 2 inches wider (on | | | | Hawaii, Alaska, international destinations, APO/FPO |
| each side), deeper and higher than your basket. This | | | | addresses, P.O. Boxes or whether you have any other |
| extra space is used for the cushioning that will protect | | | | shipping restrictions. |
| your basket. Keep in mind that non-standard boxes | | | | You have taken the time to create a beautiful basket. |
| can incur higher shipping costs. | | | | Make sure you take the necessary steps to have |
| 4) Include Cushioning | | | | your basket arrive in perfect condition. |