The Cheapest Way to Ship Seasonal & Holiday Decorations in 2026

Holiday decorations are one of the trickiest categories to ship — glass ornaments shatter easily, wreaths are oddly shaped, string lights tangle, and artificial trees are massive. Whether you're selling vintage ornaments online or sending decorations to a second home, here's how to ship them safely and cheaply.

Compare Shipping Rates by Decoration Type

Box of Ornaments (5 lbs, 14" x 12" x 12")

Wreath in Box (4 lbs, 24" x 24" x 8")

String Lights/Garland (3 lbs, 16" x 12" x 8")

Artificial Christmas Tree (30 lbs, 48" x 20" x 20")

Large Inflatable Decoration (10 lbs, 24" x 18" x 12")

Packing Holiday Decorations

Glass Ornaments

Wrap each ornament individually in tissue paper, then bubble wrap

Place a piece of cardboard between layers of ornaments

Use cell dividers (like wine bottle dividers) for uniform-sized ornaments

Fill all voids — ornaments must not be able to shift

Mark FRAGILE on all sides

Pro tip: Wrap ornaments in clean socks for dual protection and space efficiency

Wreaths

Place the wreath face-down on a piece of cardboard

Wrap loosely in tissue paper (don't crush decorative elements)

Place in a box that matches the wreath diameter

Add crumpled paper around the edges to prevent sliding

Ship flat — mark THIS SIDE UP

Alternative: Wreaths ship well in pizza-style boxes

String Lights

Wrap lights around a piece of cardboard to prevent tangling

Secure the ends with tape or twist ties

Place in a box with padding — avoid poly mailers (bulbs can break)

For LED lights, minimal padding needed; for glass bulb lights, treat as fragile

Artificial Trees

Disassemble into sections if possible

Wrap each section in stretch film or large garbage bags

Protect branch tips with bubble wrap at the ends

Place in the original box (always save artificial tree boxes!)

Without original box: use a wardrobe box or custom-sized box

For pre-lit trees, wrap light strands carefully to prevent wire damage

Figurines & Nativity Sets

Wrap each figurine individually in bubble wrap

Use tissue paper first for painted or gilded surfaces (bubble wrap can leave marks)

Place heaviest items at the bottom

Fill all spaces between figurines

Ship in a rigid box — never a poly mailer

Timing Your Holiday Decoration Shipments

Peak Season Shipping Deadlines (Christmas 2026)

Peak Season Surcharges

All major carriers add surcharges during November-December:

• UPS: $2-5 per package during peak weeks
• FedEx: $2-5 per package during peak weeks
• USPS: Generally no surcharges (best value during peak season)

Strategy: Ship decorations early (October-early November) to avoid peak surcharges and delays.

Money-Saving Tips

Ship early — avoid peak season surcharges and delays

Save original packaging — manufacturer boxes provide the best protection

Use USPS during peak season — no surcharges unlike UPS/FedEx

Compare all carrier rates with atoship for up to 89% savings

Sell locally for large items like artificial trees where shipping approaches the item's value

Reuse packing materials — holiday season generates plenty of bubble wrap

FAQ

How do I ship glass ornaments without them breaking?

Wrap each ornament individually in tissue paper and bubble wrap. Use cell dividers between ornaments. Fill all voids in the box so nothing can shift. Ship via Priority Mail for shorter transit time and less handling.

What's the cheapest way to ship an artificial Christmas tree?

FedEx Ground or UPS Ground is cheapest for trees under 70 lbs. Keep the original box — it's designed for this purpose. Disassemble into sections and wrap each piece to prevent branch damage.

Can I ship a wreath without it getting crushed?

Yes — use a flat box sized to match the wreath diameter. Place the wreath face-down on cardboard, pad the edges, and mark THIS SIDE UP. Pizza-style boxes work well for standard 24" wreaths.

When should I ship holiday decorations to avoid delays?

Ship by early November for guaranteed arrival before December. If shipping during peak season (December), use Priority Mail or express services and add 3-5 extra days buffer for potential delays.

Are there peak season surcharges for shipping decorations?

UPS and FedEx charge $2-5 per package surcharges during peak season (typically November through early January). USPS does not add surcharges, making it the best value during holiday season.