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How to Ship Christmas Ornaments Without Breaking Them

The best way to ship Christmas ornaments is to wrap each one on its own, pack them snugly in a small inner box, then put that box inside a larger shipping box with cushioning on every side. This box-in-a-box method keeps a knock on the outside from reaching the ornament. Finish with a shake test: if anything moves, add more padding.

Here is the method step by step, plus what changes for glass, ceramic, acrylic and fabric ornaments.

What you need

  • A small sturdy box that holds the ornaments with a little room to spare
  • A larger, new or strong shipping box
  • Bubble wrap, tissue paper and crumpled paper or packing peanuts
  • Packing tape (not string, ribbon or household clear tape)
  • A card with the sender’s and recipient’s addresses

How to pack ornaments for shipping, step by step

  1. Take off anything loose. Remove hooks and slip loose ribbons off so they cannot scratch or tangle. Tuck them into a small bag in the box.
  2. Wrap each ornament on its own. Start with tissue paper so bubble wrap does not mark a painted surface, then add a layer of bubble wrap and tape it closed. The USPS says fragile items need to be individually wrapped or stuffed.
  3. Fill hollow ornaments. A hollow ball or bell is stronger with a little tissue inside it, as long as the cap is still easy to replace.
  4. Pack the inner box snugly. Lay a cushion on the bottom, stand the heaviest pieces on it, and fill the gaps so nothing can roll. Ornaments should not touch each other. Close and tape the box.
  5. Build the outer box. Choose a box a few inches larger than the inner one on every side. Put a layer of crumpled paper or peanuts on the bottom, set the inner box in the middle, then fill the sides and top.
  6. Do the shake test. Close the lid without taping and shake gently. If you hear or feel movement, add more fill.
  7. Add an address card inside. The USPS suggests a “to” and “from” card inside the box in case the outer label comes off.
  8. Seal it well. Tape along the folds and edges, and reinforce the bottom. The USPS advises packing tape rather than string or ribbon, and taking care not to cover the label.

Why the box-in-a-box method works

A parcel can be dropped, stacked under heavier boxes or squeezed on its way. With one box, the ornament sits close to the wall that takes the hit. With two, the outer box and its padding absorb the knock, and the inner box keeps the ornaments still. It also lets you use a sturdy outer box even when the ornaments are a small, odd-shaped set.

The USPS also points out that box size matters both ways: a box that is too small gets overstuffed and can burst, and one that is far too large lets contents shift and can collapse under weight from outside.

What changes by material

Glass and blown-glass balls

These are the most fragile ornaments to send. Give each one its own compartment if you can: a cardboard divider, a cupcake liner tray or an egg carton for small balls. Use the box-in-a-box method every time.

Ceramic

Ceramic chips at edges and points first, so pad those well. Our guide on whether ceramic ornaments are breakable compares how each material behaves.

Acrylic and wood

These rarely break, but flat acrylic scratches easily. Keep any protective film on, wrap in tissue, and pack them flat so they cannot slide against each other.

Crochet, felt and embroidered ornaments

These will not break, but they can crush. Pack them loosely in tissue and avoid squashing raised details. A single box is usually enough.

Does a “Fragile” sticker help?

Marking the box “Fragile” does no harm, but do not rely on it. Packages are sorted in large numbers and at speed, so pack as if the box will be dropped. The padding is what protects the ornament, not the label.

If you buy extra insurance for an expensive or heirloom ornament, read that carrier’s own packaging requirements before you ship, and keep photos of the item and your packing in case you need to make a claim.

Shipping an ornament as a gift

If the box is going straight to the recipient, wrap the ornament first and then pack the wrapped gift as above. Our guide on how to wrap a Christmas ornament as a gift covers boxes and tissue that also help in transit. Traveling with ornaments instead? See can you bring Christmas ornaments on a plane.

Quick answers

  • What is the best way to pack Christmas ornaments? Wrap each one separately, pack them snugly in an inner box, and cushion that box inside a larger one.
  • Bubble wrap or tissue paper? Both: tissue against the ornament, bubble wrap over it.
  • Can I ship ornaments in a padded envelope? Fabric, crochet and flat acrylic or wood ornaments can travel that way. Glass and ceramic need a box.
  • How do I know there is enough padding? Shake the box. If nothing moves, it is packed well.

When the ornaments come home again after the holidays, our guide on how to store Christmas ornaments covers the same principles for the attic or closet.

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