Gift packing and shipping: getting it there in one piece

We make and ship in small batches, so packaging is part of our daily work. From wooden money boxes and board games to 3D-printed parts, the rule is the same: stabilize the item, cushion the shocks, keep parts together, and label clearly.

Packing fragile wooden items

Wood is sturdy overall, yet corners and protrusions take the hit first. Each item gets a soft wrap layer—corrugated wrap or bubble wrap—then goes into a box with void fill so nothing can rattle. For heavier pieces or those with glass-like inserts, we use a stronger box and often double-boxing: a padded inner box nested in a second box with extra cushioning around it. For sharp corners, simple cardboard corner guards add a lot of safety.

When a gift includes multiple wooden parts, we separate each with paper or film so they don’t rub. A thin top layer of fill helps absorb vibration during transit.

Packing 3D-printed parts

3D prints are light but can be brittle at thin sections, clips, or threads. We bag small elements separately with a label so nothing gets lost, then add a gentle wrap and use a fill that cushions without crushing—paper fill or loose peanuts rather than stiff spacers. If a parcel combines wood and printed parts, we place the wood at the bottom and the printed pieces on top with a layer in between.

Parcel locker or courier

Parcel lockers are convenient to pick up anytime and usually fast across town. Downsides: size limits and, near peak dates, full lockers that delay handover until a slot frees up.
Couriers suit larger boxes and involve fewer transfers. The trade-off is timing—you need someone available or to reschedule delivery.

For fragile gifts we tend to prefer couriers: fewer handlings, less pressure on the box. If self-pickup matters most, lockers are fine—just choose a sturdier outer box and firm inner packing.

Holiday timing: order earlier, breathe easier

Before major holidays everything slows: carriers get busier, lockers fill, and small-batch production also lines up. Wood finishing, assembly, and 3D-print prep take time. Ordering earlier leaves room for personalization, a quick correction if needed, or a re-send if a parcel gets stuck somewhere.

A practical rule: add a few extra days even for domestic shipments. If you want a name or letter on a wooden piece, add a few more on top.

If a parcel arrives damaged

It happens. Keep the evidence: don’t discard the box or the fill. Take photos of the outside, label, inside, and the issue itself. Contact us as soon as you can with the photos and your order number. Carriers sometimes need the packaging for inspection, so please hold onto it until we close the case. Clear photos speed up resolution with the courier or locker operator.

Shipping directly to the recipient

When sending a gift straight to its recipient, two things matter: neutral inner wrapping and clear information inside. A simple kraft wrap within the shipping box and a short note works well. If you don’t want prices in the box, ask the seller when ordering—most can accommodate that.

For multi-part gifts, include a short contents list in the box (or send it by email) so the recipient can check everything. For personalized text, double-check spelling before production and dispatch.

A good trip for a gift starts with this: the item must not move inside, and the package needs a first layer that takes the hit. Then choose between the convenience of lockers and the lower handling count of couriers, and give yourself a few extra days before peak dates.