My husband LOVES cookies and he especially loves getting them by mail. So, that is one of the best care package ideas. There’s nothing quite like homemade cookies to make my pilot’s eyes light up and his smile grows big, even on a boring day.
One common problem in sending care packages is getting them there in one piece. In other words, not as a bag full of crumbs but actually still in the whole cookie shape. The solution? It’s all in the packaging. Your loved one can receive and enjoy fresh-tasting, whole cookies if you follow my method.
Supplies needed
- A flat rate box, usually medium or large. Free at any post office. (You can use whatever box you’d like, but the post office flat rate ones go two-day shipping to the military mail center. After that it may take a while).
- Ziplock (or any brand) food containers that will fit evenly into a flat rate box. You might have to measure your box and the containers figure out how to get the maximum amount of containers in your package. (see USPS flat rate box dimensions below).
- Cookie supplies. You can use a pre-mixed package from the store or make it from scratch. Totally up to you!
- Packing material. Depending on the fit of your box or if you add extra items to your care package, you may need some padding. Grab some plastic bubbles, newspaper, magazine, paper towels, old scrap towels, and an old t-shirt, or even a new t-shirt you’re sending. Whatever keeps things from rattling around.
- Customs form. When you pick up your flat rate box, you might as well grab your customs forms. It’s always easier to fill them out at home rather than when you’re standing in line at the post office… especially if you have kids!
- Priority mail label. Also at the post office, grab a free priority mailing label so you can do that from home.
- Packing tape.
- A note, card, or anything else you want to send along with your cookies.
Instruction on how to ship baked goods
- Make the cookie.
- Let them cool completely. I let mine cool overnight, but if you do that, be sure to put them in a ziplock baggie or air tight container overnight to lock in the freshness.
- Set out your small containers.
- Wrap the cookies in plastic wrap. Test and see how many will fit on top of each other and then still be able to seal the container.
- Wrap aluminum foil around the packs of cookies.
- Place in containers and seal.
- Set containers into the box.
- Add any padding you need.
- Include a note and maybe a photo or anything else you want to send.
- Fill out customs form, and seal package.
- Take to Post Office and send! You can even arrange to have packages picked up if you need to!
Your cookies will be able to stand rough handling, high or cold temperatures, and even a few weeks of travel time. Also, that is the tip of how to ship baked goods. Have fun!
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