A birthday by mail: how to assemble a package that feels like a party
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
5 min reading time
A card is not enough, a large package is expensive. Three sample packages for a long-distance birthday, calculated with actual box sizes and prices.
Someone's having a birthday and you can't be there: a cousin who moved away, a friend living abroad, a colleague who just moved into student housing. A card alone feels meager. Sending a large gift quickly costs more in shipping than in content. What lies in between is a small package containing several items: something to celebrate with, something edible, and something lasting.
This article is about assembling such a package. Not about what the perfect gift is, but about the practical side: which box, what content, and what can go wrong during shipping if you're not careful.
Start with the box, not the gift
Most people buy items first and then look for a box. That's counterproductive, because the box size determines whether your package fits through the letterbox or has to be sent as a parcel — and that makes a difference in price. For most carriers, the limit for letterbox post is a height of just over three centimeters; always check the current sizes and rates with the carrier you use, as they vary per provider.
Practically, this means: for packages under three centimeters thick, plan flat; above that, plan in height. These sizes are available in our assortment:
The same 15 x 10 x 4 cm box is also available in black and pink, both for € 1.99. If you want something with a handle, there's the Yellow Treat Box with handle measuring 15 x 8 x 8 cm for € 2.99; it's better to send this in an outer box rather than loose, as the handle can get caught.
The contents: four layers
A package that feels like a party usually consists of four types of items. Take one of each kind and you'll be fine; take four of one kind and it becomes a bag of sweets with a card.
Something to celebrate.Name candles with 100 names for € 1.00 are the strongest item per euro for this purpose: flat, light, and the recipient can use them right away. LED Balloons, 5 pieces for € 2.95 go flat into the box when uninflated.
Three things come up repeatedly. Loose space: anything that can shift, will shift. Fill gaps with foam hearts, crumpled paper, or a piece of bubble wrap (€ 12.95 for a large roll, useful if you ship often). Heat: chocolate and marshmallows soften in a delivery van sitting in the sun for hours; choose hard candy or freeze-dried items during warm periods. Pressure containers: aerosol cans, party poppers, and confetti cannons are restricted or prohibited by many carriers. If you want to include such an item, check with your carrier first; leaving it out saves you a package getting stuck.
Sealing and addressing
Seal the box along the seam and secure the sides so the flaps don't pop open if the package ends up on its side. Scotch Crystal Tape from 3M, 2 pieces costs € 6.00 and is great for a gift box because it's transparent and doesn't break the color of the box. If you want it to be visible whether someone has opened the package in transit, use VOID Security Seal Stickers, 60 pieces for € 9.95.
Do not write the address on a colored or glossy box, but on a white label: ink on gloss smudges and gloss makes scans harder to read. Check house number additions (a, bis, 2-hoog) separately from the rest of the address; this is the most common error that leads to a return.
Finding everything together
The boxes and envelopes are in Boxes and Letterbox Packaging. You can find the contents under Birthdays, Sweets, and Party Supplies — these also include garlands and playful accessories, for those who appreciate them. Not sure if your contents will fit in a particular box size? Email the dimensions to info@verpakkingdeals.nl, and we'll help you check before you order.
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