TLC for Valentine Care Packages

(Family Features) - When you can't be with that special someone on Valentine's Day, a care package is a sweet way to send your love. Baking up a batch of homemade goodies for college students, grandchildren, active duty military personnel or significant others is an easy way to show how much you care.

Equal care should be taken to ship those goodies. Knowing how to pack and ship your gifts goes a long way toward getting them to their destination intact and on time.

"We know how important a care package can be," said Larry Adler, The UPS Store franchisee. "That's why we're always happy to show our customers how to pack their baked goods and gifts with a little extra TLC."

Adler shares these simple tips to help you create a special care package for your Valentine.

Tips for a well-packed box ...

Wrap items in at least two inches of bubble cushioning and packaging peanuts.

Secure all seams with packaging tape.

New box designed to withstand shipping stresses. No wrapping or string on exterior.

Watch How to Pack and Ship Care Packages Video

Make sure your care packages arrive safely with tips on how to pack and ship boxes with TLC.

Click to Play Video

Packing baked goods

• Send items that will travel well - oatmeal, sugar or peanut butter cookies, brownies, molasses bars, biscotti, shortbread, dried fruit or snack mixes and hard candy are all good shipping candidates.
• Use a coffee can or a potato chip canister as a cookie cutter and then use the same container to ship the cookies; they will stack perfectly and won't crumble.
• Avoid items that can't withstand heat or other extreme temperatures, such as chocolate or foods that require refrigeration.
• Prepare foods immediately before packing and shipping, and allow them to cool completely before boxing them up.
• Pack soft cookies with a slice of bread to help them to retain moisture. Don't package crisp cookies in the same container as soft ones; moisture from the soft ones will soften the crisp ones.
• Pound cakes and loaf breads can be baked and shipped in disposable foil pans after being sealed in plastic wrap.

Sending Care Packages Overseas

With thousands of service members stationed overseas, many "tastes of home" will cross international borders for Valentine's Day. To help ensure your gift arrives, check the restrictions of the destination country. The UPS Store international shipping experts can help you identify a specific country's restrictions.

Larry Adler, The UPS Store franchisee, recommends people send their greetings by January 31 for overseas delivery by Valentine's Day. Here are some other things to keep in mind:

• Don't send items that require refrigeration, including soft cheeses or fresh fruit.
• Don't ship food items in glass containers (the glass could break on the trip).
• Pork and pork by-products are not allowed to be sent to Middle East locations. This could include jerky-type products; be sure to read the label.
• High-moisture products, such as banana bread, moist brownies or products including cream cheese, could spoil before arriving at their destination. Check with your local The UPS Store to find out how long it will take to ship to your destination.

"Don't forget to include a handwritten card or letter," added Adler. "Each and every note is a valuable reminder of home for the person who receives it and a simple way to pay tribute to the efforts and sacrifices of the brave men and women who serve our country."

For military care package ideas and tips, visit Operation Gratitude at www.OperationGratitude.com.

Shipping the care package

• Seal all perishable items in an interior airtight container or plastic bag before packing them. Consider sending your treats via UPS Next Day Air or another expedited shipping method.
• Fill air gaps with squares of bubble cushioning to soften the vibration and prevent cookies or brownies from breaking.
• Use a new box specifically designed for shipping, and wrap each item in bubble cushioning surrounded by at least two inches of packaging peanuts.
• Make sure your gift recipients will be in town to receive their tasty treats. If no one is there to accept delivery of the package, it could sit on a porch or in a warehouse over the weekend.

 To find your local The UPS Store, visit www.theupsstore.com.