Thrifty Christmas TIP: Money Saving Technique, Packaging

Ok, ALL of my family lives NO WHERE NEAR ME! So I must ship all Christmas gifts to them. This presents me (no pun intended) with all sorts of problems;

1. Shopping for gifts that don't cost to ship more than the gift itself costs
2. Finding packing cheap (I mean who really wants to spend $$$ on peanuts and pop wrap and boxes?)
3. Economically finding a way to ship the items.

My solution....

Plastic Grocery Sacks...I know I have waaaaaaay too many of these, however tucked into my box are light weight and cushion nicely. I will say you have to use a LOT of them, but it doesn't cost me a dime other than saving them through out the year (which I do anyway...)

Boxes...I ask Wal-Mart, grocery stores and occassionally do the "dumpster" diving to find my boxes, but start now, because everyone else employs these techniques too!

Shipping, did you know the USPS has flat rate priority boxes that you can stuff full (as long as it's under 70 lbs) Not only that, the box itself is free!

Here's directly from http://usps.gov/

• Flat Rate Shipping
  Simplify your shipping with flat-rate boxes and envelopes.
• OptionsPriority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes can be used for both domestic and international shipping. Envelopes are 12.5" X 9.5".Flat Rate Boxes are available in multiple sizes and shapes.
  
• 11" x 8.5" x 5.5" - Perfect for shipping a pair of shoes.
  
• 13.625" x 11.875" x 3.375" - Ideal for shipping a shirt or pair of pants.
  
• 12" x 12" x 5.5" - About 50 percent larger than the other two Flat Rate Boxes.
• The Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box ships for $2.00 less when sent to an overseas APO or FPO address. Price is based on qualifying ZIP Code.A military-branded Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Box is available and can be ordered online.
• RestrictionsContents must reasonably fit within the Priority Mail packaging, and weigh less than 70 pounds.
• SuppliesGet free Priority Mail shipping supplies online.