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Step 1
Wrapped gifts can be sent ahead of time. (Phot credit: Chodra/Morguefile)Send Ahead. If you already know that you will be attending a special occasion, you may want to send the gift ahead of you. You can choose any shipping carrier and properly pack your gifts. Wrap any fragile items in bubble wrap. This is probably the best way to avoid the hassle of bringing gifts with you.
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Step 2
Gift Wrapping Materials (Photo Credit: Chodra/Morguefile)Bring Along. If you did not have enough time to buy and ship gifts ahead of time, you can bring your gifts along with you. If you are traveling by land you can bring your gifts already wrapped. If you are traveling by air, you should not wrap your gift. The airport security would be required to inspect your gift, especially if there is something in your package that they cannot identify through the X-ray. The best option is to carry your gift in a gift bag if it can fit one. If you must carry your gift and it cannot fit in a gift bag, you can bring gift wrapping materials and put them in your luggage to be checked in. Remember, you cannot carry-on sharp objects like blades, cutters and scissors. Stow the gift securely inside the overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you.
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Step 3
Luggage (Photo credit: ronnieb/Morguefile)Check-in. You can also put your gift in your luggage that you will check in to avoid any hassle at the security area. If your gift is breakable, pack it with bubble wraps and make sure that the airline personnel put fragile stickers on your luggage so that they will handle your luggage with care. Remember that there is no guarantee that your items will arrive safely at your destination. Oftentimes, airlines would not even cover damages due to improper packing. Oftentimes, airlines will not even sell you insurance for fragile items checked in your luggage. Airlines will, however, cover if you ship your item as a cargo.
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Step 4
Wine BottleLiquid Gifts. You cannot bring drinks past the security check point. So if you think you can carry with you that rare wine to give as a gift, forget it. Security will ask you to dump the item or ask you to ship it instead. If your recipient is a wine lover, check with the airlines if there is a wine store past the security check point. If you are traveling overseas, you can go to duty-free shops that are inside the terminal past the check points.
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Step 5
Duty Free Shops (photo credit: A30_Tsitika/Flickr_Attribution_NoDerivative2.0Generic)Last minute gifts. If you did not have enough time to prepare and get a gift, you can buy last minute gifts at the airport. There are shops before and past the security check points where you can buy gift items your recipient will truly love. Be prepared to get a sticker shock. Oftentimes, items sold at the airport are expensive. Stocking stuffer for the holidays are great items you can save on when you are doing last minute travel and gift giving. For a book lover, there are plenty of books to buy at the airport. A book can keep your cost down and you can fit it in a gift bag. If you are on your way to the airport, stop by get a gift card from a department store that you can give as a gift. Ensure that there is a branch available at your destination to ensure your recipient can use the gift card. Better yet, get a gift card that can be used anywhere such as those offered by major credit card companies. Your recipient can use these types of gift cards at any stores, even online. You can also buy last minute gifts at your destination. Stop by a shop next to your arrival gate for unique gift items.
Comments
mrskjjohnson said
on 6/13/2009 I would just recommend the shipping ahead of time. It is was better, and offers more insurance from the shipping company than the airline will offer you.
kaseysviewblog said
on 7/19/2008 Really interesting article.
ElleZsen said
on 1/20/2008 Very helpful info! I used your suggestion in step 1 over the holidays. Very easy and not nearly as expensive as I thought. Much Thanks!