If you’re living away from your loved ones this Valentine’s Day and want to send a package in the mail, don’t wait too long and pack your parcel carefully. It can take up to two weeks for an international parcel to arrive, and the postal service does see a bit of a surge in traffic at this time of year.

With its recent woes and cut down of services, you’re cutting it fine already if you use parcel post or airmail, but USPS does have priority mail both nationally and internationally to speed things up (you can even use express mail if you’re tardy).

Another option is to employ services such as UPS, FedEx and DHL to get your parcel there in time. Since they specialize in fast delivery, that should do the trick. Internationally-speaking it can get expensive, but even UPS ground will still get a parcel to your loved one in the United States or Canada before Valentine’s Day—if you get organized right now.

UPS will package parcels effectively for you, giving you security that your thoughtful gift will arrive in time. But if you’re packing parcels yourself, there are two things you mustn’t skimp on: Padding, and tape. You can stash away bubble wrap from previous parcels you receive and reuse it to ensure the item, at the center of its packaging, doesn’t move around. Movement within the box is the single greatest cause of damage.

For lighter items that aren’t breakable, you can also pad with wadded-up paper such as advertising sheets and newspaper, but bubble wrap is lighter and cushions better. As for tape, choose good tape. Store brands from office stores are decent, but some of the name-brands are actually superior. The heavier the item, the stronger the tape should be. Cheap, flimsy tape can break and will spoil the surprise.

Of course, you can avoid all of this work by using daFlores online florist. Our range of gorgeous blooms creates the perfect impression this Valentine’s Day, and your expression of love is delivered right to the doorstep. Since we use garden-fresh flowers daily, they’ll last for at least a week, guaranteed. You can add gifts such as bottles of wine, balloons and chocolates, and we also have custom collections with teddy bears and balloons and other sweet items.