Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the UPS Store at 16625 Redmond Way in Redmond is offering tips on properly packing care package items to help them arrive intact.

“Proper packing is key when shipping Valentine’s Day goodies,” Jones said. “You should put as much care into packaging your items as you do preparing your items. You want that same expression of love to be conveyed when your loved ones open their care package after receiving them.”

Here are some tips Jones suggests when packing and shipping your Valentine’s Day goods:

• Send items that will travel well, such as oatmeal, sugar or peanut butter cookies, brownies, molasses bars, biscotti, shortbread, dried fruit or snack mixes and hard candy.
• Use a coffee can or a potato chip canister as a cookie cutter and then use the same container to ship the cookies. They 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. Consider sending treats via UPS Next Day Air or another expedited shipping method.
• Pack soft cookies with a slice of bread to help them retain moisture. Don’t package crisp cookies in the same container as soft ones. Moisture from the soft ones will soften the crisp ones.
• Fill air gaps with squares of bubble cushioning to soften the vibration and prevent cookies or brownies from breaking.
• Use boxes specifically designed for shipping and wrap each item in bubble cushioning surrounded by at least two inches of packaging peanuts.

The UPS Store in Redmond is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, visit www.theupsstorelocal.com/2022 or call (425) 869-7447.