Did You Know that You Can Send THESE Items in the Mail?!
Did you know that you can mail nearly anything without putting it in a boring cardboard box?! Yep, many items don’t require any extra packaging at all. Of course, some of the more fragile items might need the protection, but you can still find some clever ways to mix things up when sending packages during the holiday season!
Kids just LOVE getting mail anyways… why not make it extra special?!
But first, a few tips…
It’s your job to make sure the package is safe for shipping. My rule of thumb is to throw it against the wall a few times (seriously – those sorting machines are brutal!). If it survives, it can be shipped.
Make sure your address label is legible and secure, as well as your postage. Also make sure you have the correct amount of postage. If these are off, it will delay your package, and probably be sent back. If you’re looking to keep shipping costs low, keep in mind that you can send anything weighing up to 13oz via First-Class Parcels. Anything above that will need to be sent via Priority Mail.
If you’re looking to send something for just one stamp, it’ll need to be in a rectangular envelope and under 3.5oz. Anything sent as a letter should not have raised stickers or anything glued to the envelope, as those things don’t fit through the sorting machine (and could even damage it), so they will need to be sent as a package. For a onlineplete list of rules, click HERE.
Flip Flop
What?! Yes, you can actually Mail a Flip Flop! (Tip: Choose a smooth flip flop, so your postage will stick to it! You cannot tape over or glue your postage at all!)
Fun Tip: You can mail an odd object, like potatoes, flip flops, or even a brick, to a friend with ZERO effort by ordering through MailAPotato.online! How fun!!!
Beach Ball
Mailing a beach ball would be a super cute way to send out invites for a summer party, or send it to your kiddo who’s away at summer camp! Such a cute idea!
Lightweight Tubes and Canisters
Hang onto those Pringles tubes! You can ship cookies, toys, or other fun things in them! Add some fun paint or decorative paper to the outside, and just slap a label and postage on it. What kid wouldn’t love this fun Halloween Happy Mail? Too cute!
Toys and Other Objects
If you’re not scared of an object breaking, you can totally slap a label and postage on it and send it as-is. This cute shovel idea from The House of Hendrix suggests writing “I dig you” on the tag. Love it!
Boxed Candy
Apparently you can just drop a box of candy in the mail… who knew?? Candy tends to be on the heavier side, so shipping will be a little pricier, but it’s such a fun idea for surprising a kiddo!
Packing Tape Postcards
Yes, you can actually make a postcard out of packing tape! I really love how creative you can be with this. Aren’t these Halloween postcards super fun!? Just make sure that your address label is under the tape, BUT the stamp must be on top.
Popsicle Stick Postcards
These Popsicle Stick Postcards are so darn clever!
Sweet Slice Postcards
Can you believe these Sweet Slice Postcards are made with floral foam? Such a fun idea!
Make Your Own Envelope
You can use wrapping paper, craft paper, or even magazine paper, as they’ve used here. This is a great way to upcycle magazines or books, and it’s so darn cute!
Customize Your Stamps
Beyond custom invitations, greeting cards, and postcards, you can also upload your own photos to create custom postage using Zazzle.
Fun tip: If you’re looking for interesting ways to inspire you or the kids to get back to “snail mail” (including an interesting history of mailing people), check out this fun list from Laura Grace Weldon!
Written by Danielle for Hip2Save. Danielle is a proud mom to 5 amazing kids in Utah, who lives for coffee and baking. She’s dedicated to balancing her own interests and passions, while encouraging her children to follow their own paths in life.
