Whenever you are packaging fragile or breakable items, the first thing to remember is that there is no such thing as "overkill" when packing them. I package a lot of breakables and have only had one item break during shipment during the past 7 years. The very first thing to do when packing fragile or breakables, is to fill the center if there is one. If what you are shipping is hollow in the middle (such as a ceramic cup, glass, or candle holder), be sure to stuff the hollow inside of the item(s) with newspaper or some other packing material (paper towels, cloth, tissue paper, etc.). Make sure it is packed in there solid. but not overstuffed.



Then you need to wrap each breakable or fragile item individually (not together) in bubble wrap. Make sure the bubble wrap is secure around the item(s) and taped securely, not loose. You can NEVER use too much bubble wrap. Generally just one layer works fine, but if you are needing to be extra careful, a second layer doesn't hurt.

Next, be sure your box has some sort of filler for the empty spaces in it. Ideally, use multi (or S)-shaped shipping popcorn (peanuts). You can even purchase these in bulk off ebay for $30 for 120 gallons! Using varied shaped shipping popcorn allows for the peanuts to fit into each other like puzzle pieces so that they won't settle much during shipping.

If you absolutely don't have access to shipping popcorn, newspaper can be used as a substitute. The biggest secret to packing things well, is to pack the box *tightly*. By that I mean, don't leave ANY room for things to shuffle around at all. Whether you are using shipping popcorn or newspaper, lay a layer on the bottom of the box, then place your bubble wrapped (and possibly newspaper stuffed) items into the box. Next cover them up with your filler material (popcorn or newspaper), making sure to pack it all in tightly, to where the filler comes right up to the top of the box (where you will have to put just slight pressure [not a LOT] on the top to tape it down.). Finally, add any packing slips, notes, etc that you need to to the very top of the box, and then tape it securely closed.

That is the best method for shipping any type of fragile or breakable item. Never leave any fragile or breakable item unsecured inside of a box, as it will likely get broken while being shuffled during shipping. And ALWAYS be sure to mark the outside of the box with large red or brightly colored fragile stickers or markings.

Hope this helps everyone out with their holiday shipping!!