You will probably find a time when you will need to wrap a gift and send it by
parcel post or parcel service. You will want your gift to arrive in good condition.
Wrapping it properly and addressing it carefully will help insure this.
There are several guidelines you need to follow for the Post Office to deliver your
package:
1. Use a sturdy container.
2. Cushion the contents - bottom, sides and top.
3. Close it securely. Do not use wrapping paper and twine,
instead, use reinforced tape to close the carton, (strapping
tape is good).
4. Label it correctly. Include a duplicate label inside the carton.
Mark clearly the name and complete address, including zip
code, of the sender and receiver. You may include special
markings such as “fragile”, etc., in three separate places:
(above the address, below the postage and on the reverse
side).
If you are sending your package with another carrier, (U.P.S., FedEx, etc.), you
need to find out if their guidelines are any different than the above.
Normally, packages should not exceed 70 pounds in weight and 108 inches in
length plus girth, (the measurement around the carton). The girth and length should not
exceed 130 inches. Remember: Check with the service delivering your package to
make sure these measurements have not changed. Also remember that the more a
package weighs, the more it will cost to send it.
VII. WRAPPING WITHOUT A BOX
Wrapping without a box is never as satisfactory as wrapping with one. On occasion,
however, we have no choice and must do the best we can with odd shaped gifts. This
can really test your creativity.
Although your gift item may not fit in a box, whenever possible make a tube for a long
narrow item by rolling a piece of corrugated cardboard around it to form a cylinder or cut
2 square cornered pieces of cardboard to fit above and below the item. This, at least,
gives you edges to work with.
Gifts that have some form, such as bowls, jars, open topped boxes, etc., may be
wrapped with cellophane or tissue paper in the following manner: Cut 2 squares of
paper large enough to cover the gift plus an ample amount to give a nice spreading
effect at the top when tied. Overlap the squares as shown and place the gift in the
center. Bring all eight corners together over the top of the gift and tie a piece of ribbon
or cord over the center top of the gift. Fan out the paper evenly above the knot and
decorate as you like.
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