Christmas Holiday Shipping Boxes: What to Buy, How to Use Them, and What to Skip

Shipping gifts for Christmas is one of those tasks that most people put off until the last minute, and then they overpay for boxes and shipping. The problem is that most people either use whatever boxes they have (old, flimsy boxes that don’t protect the gift) or buy boxes at the shipping store (where they’re expensive). The right approach is to plan ahead, buy quality boxes at a good price, and ship early. This guide covers what to buy, how to use Christmas shipping boxes, and what to skip.

Christmas holiday shipping boxes covers the boxes used to ship gifts during the holiday season, including corrugated boxes, flat-rate boxes, and specialty boxes. The best shipping boxes are sturdy, the right size, and affordable. The worst are flimsy, too large, or too expensive.

The right Christmas shipping boxes protect gifts and save money. Here’s what to buy, how to use them, and what to skip.

Types of Christmas Shipping Boxes

Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes are the standard shipping box. They’re the boxes you use for most gifts.

What to look for:

• A double-wall or heavy-duty corrugated box (for fragile or heavy gifts)
• A single-wall corrugated box (for light, non-fragile gifts)
• A box that’s the right size for the gift (not too big, not too small)
• A box with a tight-fitting lid (or flaps that close securely)
• A box that’s new or in good condition (don’t use a damaged box)
• A set of boxes in assorted sizes (small, medium, large)

What to skip:

• Boxes that are too large (you pay for air, and the gift shifts)
• Boxes that are too small (the gift doesn’t fit)
• Boxes that are damaged (they don’t protect)
• Boxes that are too thin (they crush in transit)

Price range: $1 to $5 per box (bulk), $2 to $10 per box (retail).

Flat-Rate Boxes

Flat-rate boxes are the boxes from USPS, UPS, or FedEx that ship for a flat rate, regardless of weight. They’re the boxes you use for heavy gifts.

What to look for:

• A flat-rate box from USPS (Priority Mail Small, Medium, or Large)
• A box that’s the right size for the gift
• A box that’s free (the boxes are free, you pay for the shipping)
• A box that ships for a flat rate ($8 to $25, depending on the size)

What to skip:

• Flat-rate boxes for light gifts (you’ll overpay)
• Flat-rate boxes that are too large (you pay for air)

Price range: Free boxes, $8 to $25 shipping.

Specialty Boxes

Specialty boxes are the boxes designed for specific items. They’re the boxes you use for fragile, awkward, or valuable gifts.

What to look for:

• A dish barrel box (for dishes and glassware)
• A wardrobe box (for clothing on hangers)
• A picture or mirror box (for framed art)
• A wine shipper (for wine bottles)
• A laptop box (for a laptop or tablet)
• A bike box (for a bicycle)

What to skip:

• A specialty box that’s too expensive
• A specialty box that’s not needed (a standard box may work)

Price range: $5 to $25 per box.

Decorative Shipping Boxes

Decorative shipping boxes are the boxes with a holiday design. They’re the boxes that look festive and that can be used as a gift box.

What to look for:

• A box with a holiday design (snowflakes, trees, or a solid holiday color)
• A box that’s sturdy (corrugated, not thin)
• A box that’s the right size for the gift
• A box that can be used as a gift box (no need to wrap)

What to skip:

• Decorative boxes that are too thin (they don’t protect)
• Decorative boxes that are too expensive
• Decorative boxes that are too small or too large

Price range: $3 to $10 per box.

How to Use Christmas Shipping Boxes

Step 1: Choose the Right Box

Choose a box that’s the right size for the gift. The box should be slightly larger than the gift, with room for padding.

How to choose:

• Measure the gift
• Choose a box that’s 1 to 2 inches larger than the gift (on each side)
• Choose a box that’s sturdy enough for the gift (double-wall for fragile, single-wall for non-fragile)

Step 2: Wrap the Gift

Wrap the gift in wrapping paper or tissue paper. This protects the gift and makes it look nice.

How to do it:

1. Choose wrapping paper or tissue paper
2. Wrap the gift (completely covered)
3. Secure with tape
4. Add a ribbon or a bow (optional)

Step 3: Add Padding

Add padding to protect the gift during shipping. This is the most important step.

What to use:

• Packing paper (crumpled, for filling empty space)
• Bubble wrap (for fragile items)
• Packing peanuts (for filling empty space)
• Air pillows (for filling empty space)
• Towels or clothing (for padding, if you’re shipping these items anyway)

How to do it:

1. Place a layer of padding at the bottom of the box
2. Place the wrapped gift in the center
3. Fill the sides and top with padding (so the gift doesn’t shift)
4. Close the box and shake it gently (if the gift shifts, add more padding)

Step 4: Seal the Box

Seal the box securely so it doesn’t open in transit.

How to do it:

1. Use packing tape (not masking tape or scotch tape)
2. Tape the bottom seam (the full length)
3. Tape the top seam (the full length)
4. Tape the edges (for extra security)

Step 5: Label and Ship

Label the box and ship it.

How to do it:

1. Write the recipient’s address clearly (on the box or a label)
2. Write your return address (on the box or a label)
3. Add a shipping label (from USPS, UPS, or FedEx)
4. Take the box to a shipping store or schedule a pickup
5. Ship early (before the holiday shipping deadline)

Where to Buy Christmas Shipping Boxes

Amazon

Amazon has the widest selection of shipping boxes, with bulk options at low prices.

Best for: Bulk boxes, assorted sizes, low prices.

Uline

Uline is the best source for bulk shipping boxes. They sell boxes by the bundle or the pallet at wholesale prices.

Best for: Bulk boxes, wholesale prices.

Home Depot and Lowe’s

Home Depot and Lowe’s sell shipping boxes in small quantities. They’re a good source if you only need a few boxes.

Best for: Small quantities, local pickup.

USPS

USPS gives away flat-rate boxes for free. You pay for the shipping when you send the box.

Best for: Flat-rate shipping, heavy gifts.

Shipping Stores

Shipping stores (UPS Store, FedEx Office) sell boxes and shipping supplies. They’re the most expensive option, but they’re convenient.

Best for: Last-minute shipping, specialty boxes.

What to Skip Entirely

Boxes that are too large. You pay for air, and the gift shifts and breaks. Choose a box that’s the right size.

Boxes that are too small. The gift doesn’t fit, or the box is too tight and the gift breaks. Choose a box that’s the right size.

Boxes that are damaged. A damaged box doesn’t protect the gift. Choose a new or good-condition box.

Boxes that are too thin. A thin box crushes in transit. Choose a sturdy box.

Masking tape or scotch tape. These tapes don’t hold in transit. Use packing tape.

Shipping late. Shipping late means you pay more for expedited shipping, and the gift may not arrive by Christmas. Ship early.

FAQ

Where can I buy Christmas shipping boxes? You can buy Christmas shipping boxes at Amazon (bulk, low prices), Uline (wholesale, bulk), Home Depot and Lowe’s (small quantities, local pickup), USPS (free flat-rate boxes), and shipping stores (UPS Store, FedEx Office for last-minute and specialty boxes).

How much do Christmas shipping boxes cost? Corrugated boxes cost $1 to $5 per box (bulk) or $2 to $10 per box (retail). Flat-rate boxes are free (you pay $8 to $25 for shipping). Specialty boxes cost $5 to $25. Decorative boxes cost $3 to $10.

What size box do I need for shipping a Christmas gift? Choose a box that’s 1 to 2 inches larger than the gift on each side. This leaves room for padding. A box that’s too large means you pay for air and the gift shifts. A box that’s too small means the gift doesn’t fit.

How do I pack a Christmas gift for shipping? Choose the right size box. Wrap the gift in wrapping paper. Add a layer of padding at the bottom. Place the gift in the center. Fill the sides and top with padding (packing paper, bubble wrap, or peanuts). Shake gently to check for shifting. Seal with packing tape. Label and ship.

What should I avoid when shipping Christmas gifts? Avoid boxes that are too large or too small, damaged boxes, thin boxes, masking tape or scotch tape (use packing tape), and shipping late (you’ll pay more and the gift may not arrive by Christmas).

When should I ship Christmas gifts? Ship Christmas gifts by December 15 for standard shipping, by December 18 for expedited shipping, and by December 22 for overnight shipping. Ship earlier for international shipping (by December 1). Check the carrier’s holiday shipping deadlines.

What’s the cheapest way to ship a Christmas gift? The cheapest way is to use a USPS flat-rate box (free box, $8 to $25 shipping) for heavy gifts, or a standard corrugated box with USPS Priority Mail or Ground Advantage for light gifts. Compare rates on PirateShip, ShipStation, or the carrier’s website.

References

• USPS. “Holiday Shipping.” https://www.usps.com/holiday/shipping-dates/
• Amazon. “Shipping Boxes.” Check on Amazon
• Uline. “Corrugated Boxes.” https://www.uline.com/BL_8139/Corrugated-Boxes