8 things to remember when sending parcels this Christmas

It might be a tad early to start preparing the turkey with all the trimmings, but it’s not too early to start sending your Christmas presents.

If you’re planning on shipping Christmas gifts to loved ones this year, it’s time to get organised. We’ve put together 8 key things to remember this Christmas to help you get started.

Plan ahead

The postal networks become extremely busy over the next few months, so we recommend you send gifts in plenty of time. Even if you’re sending a parcel domestically, don’t leave it to the last minute! (Although, we do have services for that!)

We’ve published our Christmas Last Posting Dates online for shipping within the UK and abroad.

Cut-off dates vary by courier and service, so please ship as early as possible. However, we understand life can get a bit hectic, especially during the festive season, so we offer parcel delivery services even on Christmas Eve!

Check what you can send

Don’t end up on our naughty list this Christmas!

When sending parcels, every country and courier has their own rules and regulations. Don’t leave your gifting to chance!

For example, alcohol is prohibited with all services apart from Parcelforce and APC Liquid.

Check our Prohibited & Restricted Items list before you begin packaging your items. If you’re sending a parcel overseas, we recommend you check with local Customs regarding rules and charges.

Wrap your items efficiently for transit

You’ve spent time picking out the perfect Christmas gift for your loved one, so make sure you package your item sufficiently for transit. Whether your parcel is only travelling a few miles down the road or thousands of miles overseas, your package must be robust to withstand various weather conditions and handling in transit.

Many Christmas gifts sold in attractive packaging will not be suitable for shipping. The most important thing is to encase your item in cardboard; otherwise, it cannot be sent via any of our services.

We recommend you choose a durable double-walled cardboard box, use cushioning materials and fasten the lids with strong tape.

For more information, read our packaging guidance or watch our video guide.

Weigh and measure your parcel correctly

You will need to enter the parcel weight and details when obtaining a quote with us. It is essential to do this as accurately as possible to avoid any unexpected surcharges- a few kilos more or less can affect the price.

Measure the length, width and height of your parcel using a tape measure or a ruler if it is a small shipment or packet. Note the measurements in centimetres.

For the parcel weight, ensure your scales are calibrated and note the reading in kilograms.

Pick the right courier service

You want your gift to be in safe hands as it travels to its destination. That’s why we partner with reputable carriers who offer low-cost domestic and international Collection and Drop Off services.

Choose from Economy, Express, Next Day, Same Day, and Timed parcel courier services depending on your schedule and budget. As a self-tracking service, you can check the progress of your delivery online via our Tracking Portal.

If your gifts are wrapped and ready to send, why not check out our range of affordable Economy services?

Complete a customs invoice (international delivery only)

If you send a Christmas present from the UK to another country in Europe or worldwide, you must complete a customs form (commercial invoice). Customs authorities will use the form to determine if any taxes and duties apply to the goods you send.

When you book with us, we will take you through filling out these documents to relieve the stress of sending gifts abroad.

Add Transit Cover for higher-value items

Most of our services come with free transit cover, typically between £15 – £25. However, if you’re planning to send a higher-value gift that exceeds the free included cover, we recommend you purchase Enhanced Transit Cover.

Enhanced Transit Cover is optional at the time of booking but can give you extra peace of mind during the gift-giving season.

Send your Christmas gifts with Interparcel today!

Generate an instant parcel delivery quote today and see how much money you could save. All you need to do is enter your parcel details via our online Quote Tool for an instant list of reputable courier services.

If you're a business customer, it's important that your shipping strategy is optimised to handle an increase in Christmas orders. Our helpful shipping tools and free tracking features are designed to improve delivery and give your customers a merry Christmas.

You can also speak to our friendly team of parcel experts over the telephone via email or live chat.

Now, put your feet up and treat yourself to an early glass of bubbly!