Send your gift basket off to its destination with confidence that it will arrive safely. Here are some tips on how to pack pickled peppers or anything else for that matter.

1. Use a heavy corrugated NEW box with flaps. If you must use a used box it should be clean and look new. Be sure to remove all old labels, stickers and postage .

The best buys on shipping boxes will be at packaging supply companies where they are sold in sets of about 20 or 25, depending on size.

2. Your box should be big enough to allow about 3 empty inches around your design.

3. If you create designs with a fan at the top, consider a basket that’s tall enough to allow for the fan. Get these from packaging suppliers or box manufacturers since the average office supply store will usually carry just cube sizes.

4. Place cellophaned or shrinkwrapped gift basket in box. Some designers wrap the finished design in bubble wrap also as an added precaution.

5. Surround the basket with crumpled paper,  loose-fill peanuts or packing foam. Pack tightly so there’s no banging-around room. Avoid packing newspaper in the box. The ink may rub off on recipient’s hands. Not a pretty sight.

6. For a very heavy basket, consider using engineered foam inserts, such as for all four corners, along with the loose-fill peanuts. Many use the two-box or box within a box method for heavy baskets.

7. Avoid shipping chocolate in hot or summer months. If you must ship fragile foods in summer, at least ship them by 2nd day air.

8. Close the packed box tightly and tape securely with a two-inch good quality shipping tape. No cellophane, masking or duct tape. Consider buying a tabletop dispenser for your wide tape. It’s often easier to handle than the handheld dispenser for basketeers.

9. Place a clearly written label on top of box. Print neatly with a very dark black or blue ink and be sure to include zip code.  Avoid using markers or other inks that may run. As a safety precaution put clear tape across the label as well.This prevents the label from popping up at the corners, and helps avoid damage from any potential water contact. The ideal label is the one you create on the carrier’s website. They have bar codes easily read and understood by the carriers.

10. Visit the sites of the major carriers and packaging companies for more detailed information on packing materials and proper packing.

11. You can arrange for pickup, carry your properly packed box to the nearest carrier location or even easier, ship at your local Staples, Office Depot, or other local office supply store.

For the best rates, ship your packages ten business days ahead of preferred delivery date. Waiting until the last minute increases your blood pressure and lowers the likelihood that your gift basket will arrive in a timely manner.