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How to Ship Gifts

Once you’ve adopted a letter, it’s time to get your gifts on Santa’s sleigh. Learn about your shipping options.

Shipping Overview

There are two ways to ship gifts to a letter writer: Shop online to have gifts delivered directly from Santa’s Gift Shoppe, or put packages together to ship yourself from a participating Post Office™ location. See a side-by-side comparison.

Explore Two Ways to Ship Gifts

Shop and Ship Online

Ship Packages with USPS

Shop and Ship Online

  • STEP 1

    Browse Santa’s Gift Shoppe

    Select the adoption you’d like to shop for, then pick gifts from a variety of products to fill your online cart.

  • STEP 2

    Check Out & Ship

    Go to checkout to purchase your gifts. They’ll be sent directly to the child’s address — no need to enter a shipping address.

  • STEP 3

    Check Your Inbox

    Check your email for a purchase confirmation and estimated delivery date. You can also check the letter status in Your Letters for updates.

Ship Packages with USPS

  • STEP 1

    Prep Your Presents

    Wrap and package your gift according to our shipping guidelines. Don’t forget to include the Note from Santa.

  • STEP 2

    Find a Post Office™ Location

    Bring your package to a participating location. Use our locator tool to find the one closest to you.

  • STEP 3

    Show Your QR Code® to a Retail Associate

    Go to a USPS Retail Associate (not a kiosk) and let them know you’re there to ship a USPS Operation Santa gift. Have each QR Code from your confirmation email(s) ready.

  • STEP 4

    Pay for Postage

    The USPS Retail Associate will collect shipping costs and send your gift on its way. For privacy reasons, you will not be given the shipping label or tracking information. However, you will be notified when the package has been delivered.

Compare Your Options

Find a Gift Fast in Our Online Catalog

Send gifts directly from our online catalog, Santa’s Gift Shoppe. It’s quick, easy and saves you a trip to a Post Office™ location.

Keep in mind

  • Once you’ve purchased your gift, all packaging and shipping will be handled for you.

  • You can order through the catalog, ship a package on your own, or do both — it’s up to you.

Closed for the Season

Shop On Your Own With USPS

Buy a gift from the shop of your choice, package it with a personal touch, then ship it from a participating Post Office™ location. 

Keep in mind

  • You are responsible for packaging and postage.

  • Remember that size, weight and distance can all affect shipping costs.

  • Check all shipping guidelines to be sure you adhere to regulations around restricted items.

Closed for the Season
Find a Participating Post Office™ Location

Find a Participating Post Office™ Location

Get the address, hours and directions to the one closest to you.

Use Current Location

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do I ship my gift?

Remember to ship before the deadline. We recommend shipping gifts as soon as they’re ready. Be sure to check the hours of the participating Post Office™ location closest to you.

Do I have to pay for postage? How much will it cost?

Participation in the USPS Operation Santa® program requires adopters pay for shipping. Read our Shipping Guidelines for more information on postage costs.

Can I include a personal note for the recipient?

We recommend you use the Note from Santa found in your instructions packet. It explains the program to parents and where your gift came from. You can write a note of your own as well, just please remember to sign it from Santa to keep it anonymous — and to keep the magic alive!

How many packages can I send per adoption?

You can send up to six packages through USPS Ground Advantage® service and up to six packages through Priority Mail® service for each individual adoption and each family adoption. Please note that you’ll have to pay for postage for every package. 

Is there a size or weight limit for shipping?

Packages must be under 70 pounds and have a maximum combined length and girth of 108 inches (girth is the distance around the thickest part of the package). If you are worried about the weight or size of your package, consider shipping in multiple boxes. You can send up to six packages through USPS Ground Advantage® service and up to six packages through Priority Mail® service for each individual adoption and each family adoption. Read our Shipping Guidelines for more information.

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