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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 the two ways you can shop for and ship your gifts: on your own with USPS or online in Santa’s Gift Shoppe.

Send Gifts on Your Own With USPS

Follow the steps below to package gifts on your own to ship through USPS. Or have packaging and shipping handled for you by shopping our new online catalog.

Step 1

Prep Your Presents

Wrap and package your gift according to our shipping guidelines.

Step 2

Include Santa’s Note

Don’t forget to include the Note from Santa to let the recipient know they’re part of the USPS Operation Santa® program.

Step 3

Find a Post Office™ Location

Bring your package to a participating location by December 16. Use our locator tool to find the one closest to you.

Step 4

Show Your QR Code® to a Retail Associate

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

Step 5

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 and tracking information. However, you will be notified when the item has been delivered.

Keep in mind

  • Ship your gift by December 16. Earlier is even better, so families know their needs have been met.
  • Check all shipping guidelines to ensure you’re adhering to regulations around restricted items and see if the package you’re sending requires any special stickers.
  • Be mindful of size, weight, and distance, all of which can affect shipping costs.

If you decide you’re not able to answer the letter, please cancel it as soon as possible so someone else has the chance to adopt it.

Shop for Gifts Online in Santa’s Gift Shoppe

New for 2024, you can now shop and ship gifts online without having to handle shipping yourself. Find the ideal gift using our new online catalog, Santa’s Gift Shoppe, powered by Toys“R”Us®.

Keep in mind

  • Place your order as soon as possible to help families plan ahead. Santa’s Gift Shoppe closes December 16.
  • Once you’ve purchased your gift, all packaging and shipping will be handled for you.
  • Free shipping is offered on orders over $49.
  • You can order through the catalog, ship a package on your own, or do both — it’s up to you.

If you decide you’re not able to answer the letter, please cancel it as soon as possible so someone else has the chance to adopt it.



Find a Participating Post Office™ Location

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

Use Current Location

Top Packing and Shipping FAQs

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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