How to Wrap Christmas Presents for the Mail

Receiving pretty presents is more important than you may think. It was considered meaningful enough to become one of the 5 love languages. If someone you care about feels especially loved through gifts, then the wrapping is just as important as what is inside. Presents by themselves are simply things under pretty paper, but the thoughtfulness and care shown in the wrapping make them memorable and meaningful.

When I was a child, I often received gifts from my grandparents in the mail. The gifts were always homemade and wonderful, but they came wrapped in plain brown paper. Once they were tucked under the tree, the wrapping looked crumpled and sad compared to the brightly decorated packages around them. That memory is why I always make an effort to wrap mailed gifts so they look just as pretty and exciting as the ones given in person.

Wrapped Gifts for the Mail can be Pretty

These days I send parcels out to a couple of family members every Christmas. Gifts that need to travel in the mail require more care than the ones under your own tree, but they can still be festive and beautiful. A package might not be able to have a large, fluffy bow, yet with layers of pretty paper, some twine, or a cheerful pom pom, it can look just as special.

Wrapped this way, mailed gifts are sturdy enough to arrive safely and still look lovely when they are placed under the tree. They may not take up much space in a shipping box, but when unwrapped, they carry the same feeling of thought and celebration.

Embellishment Ideas for Wrapped Gifts

When wrapping parcels for the mail, it helps to keep embellishments flat and sturdy. Anything too three-dimensional, like ornaments or fluffy bows, can get crushed in transit. Flat decorations travel best and still look beautiful.

Some of my embellishments are made with a cutting machine, but that is not necessary. Scrapbook stores are full of unique and affordable paper products such as cardstock, stickers, and cutouts that work wonderfully on mailed packages.

Pom poms are another favorite. They are soft, cheerful, and hold their shape surprisingly well even after traveling. Since I first wrote this post, I have shared a full tutorial just on how to make beautiful pom poms, so I will link to that for you at the end.

Tips for Wrapping Parcels for Mailing

Wrapping gifts that will be mailed is a little different than wrapping ones that sit under the tree. The goal is to balance pretty with practical, so your gifts arrive looking just as lovely as when you placed them in the mail.

• Choose sturdy paper. Kraft paper, heavy Christmas wrap, or even fabric like tea towels hold up much better than thin bargain wrap.
• Reinforce edges and corners. Gifts with sharp corners can poke through paper. A layer of tissue or extra wrapping around the edges keeps everything neat.
• Tape securely. Use packing tape to hold the wrap in place, then cover it with decorative tape or ribbon to keep it pretty.
• Skip bulky bows. Anything tall or delicate will be crushed in transit. Instead, go for flat ribbon, washi tape designs, or paper cutouts.
• Bundle small gifts. If you are mailing several small presents, consider wrapping them together inside one larger package for extra protection.

These small adjustments help mailed parcels survive the trip while still looking festive and thoughtful when they are opened.

Post Office and Shipping Requirements

Once your gifts are wrapped, the next step is packing them safely for the mail. Place the individual presents into a sturdy shipping box with padding such as tissue, kraft paper, or packing paper to keep them from shifting.

Even the prettiest wrapping benefits from an extra layer of protection. Slip each gift into plain brown kraft paper or a padded envelope before mailing. Clearly mark on the outside that there is a wrapped gift inside and remind your recipient to remove the outer covering when the parcel arrives. This way, the first thing they see under the tree is your thoughtful, beautifully wrapped present and not the shipping paper.

Seal the outer box securely with strong packing tape, and if you like, add a layer of brown kraft paper and string for a neat, traditional look.

I always let my family know when a parcel is on the way, and I tell them they can open the shipping box right away. That way they can place the individually wrapped gifts under their tree to enjoy until Christmas morning.

Each postal service has its own guidelines for weight, size, and packaging, so it is best to check before heading to the counter

Canada Post Guidelines for Mailing Packages

US Postal Service Guide

Wrap It Up

Sending gifts through the mail takes a little more care, but it is worth every bit of extra effort. Thoughtful wrapping turns a parcel into something special and shows the love and attention that went into choosing the gift. With sturdy paper, flat embellishments, and a protective outer layer, your presents will arrive safely and still look beautiful under the tree.

Pretty wrapping creates a sense of anticipation and joy before the gift is even opened. It is one more way to share the excitement of Christmas with the people you love, even if they live far away.

Like these ideas? Pin them for later and make your Christmas parcels extra special this year.