So I have to be very creative when I send my family things both to Hawaii and internationally.  Why?  Because many online companies will not ship to Hawaii or Internationally, except for an EXORBITANT fee.  We’re talking $50-100 an order!  Also when they do ship goods, sometimes it doesn’t get there in an edible or appropriate condition.  I’ve order Harry and David specialty foods and they were rotten/spoiled though I paid for overnight shipping.

Thus nowadays I’ve gotten more into the habit of ordering in bulk and getting free shpping to my house. Or buying the gifts where I live and then packaging the gifts myself.  I’ve been using the flat rate boxes from the United States Postal Service.  They are great!

The smaller boxes are $9.80 for either an 11×12x3 inch box, or a 11×8x5.5 inch box.  Then there is a large flat rate box 12″x12″x5.5″for $12.95!  The flat rate envelope is only $4.80 and you are allowed to stuff a sweatshirt or other goods instead as long as it doesn’t tear the envelope.   Also it only costs an extra 75 cents to track the boxes.

These packages can also be mailed FLAT rate internationally.  $23.95 to Canada and Mexico for the smaller boxes and $29.95 for the larger box.  Anywhere else it’s 39.95 for the smaller box and $49.95 for the larger box, although there is a 20 lb weight limit.  Of course it does take longer than the guaranteed 3-5 days priority mail, but it gets there faster than normal mail and is MUCH cheaper.  Though it’s not possible to track the boxes internationally, I’ve been successful whenever I’ve mailed my packages.

If you are in a bind, consider buying your gifts and shipping them using the flat rate USPS boxes!