Christmas packing tips

We will be flying to Florida for Christmas. What tips do you have for packing presents? Someone said to Fed Ex them but then I worry about them getting there on time since Christmas shipping is a busy time. Also, if I ship them up wouldn't I just have to ship them back? Sounds costly. Gift sizes would be things like 2- Ipod clock/radios, clothes, a couple small stuffed animals. Not too bad really. I guess I am most concerned about the clock/radios.

Wrap at your destinaion

As a TSA employee, I suggest you pack your items unwrapped. If we cannot tell what is inside the box/package we must unwrap them. I personally try to be careful with the wrapping so it can be re-done, but sometimes no matter how careful I am the gift needs re-wrapped.

FedEx has guaranteed timetables. Just leave an extra day for weather delays and you will be golden. They are truly the best.

Take your gifts unwrapped and take flat-packed gift bags and tissue to stick them in once you arrive at your destination, or buy the bags after you get there. But I always worry about gifts being stolen out of my checked luggage, especially small items. It happens all the time. You might want to pack your gifts in your carry on bag and check everything else.

If you can't take them onboard or in baggage, US post office has a special flat-rate Priority box, usually 2-3 days, any weight, $8.95. Boxes come in a couple of different shapes. You have to go there and ask for the special flat-rate box first. I'm in mail-order, and use this method frequently for heavier shipments that need to travel pretty quickly.

DeniseM said:

Take your gifts unwrapped and take flat-packed gift bags and tissue to stick them in once you arrive at your destination, or buy the bags after you get there. But I always worry about gifts being stolen out of my checked luggage, especially small items. It happens all the time. You might want to pack your gifts in your carry on bag and check everything else.

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I think this is what I will end up doing with the Ipod stuff. For the other stuff maybe I will dedicate a suitcase to them, leave them unwraped and get one of those special locks that only airline people are suppose to have a key for. Can anyone tell me where I can find one and if they are still ok to use?

swift said:

Can anyone tell me where I can find one and if they are still ok to use?

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You can find them any where that sells luggage, including Walmart, I think.

Sheila