Bibliophilic Christmas Surprise!

I would ask at the post office how much it is though for media mail and how much for priority, since I am assuming these packages will be over 13 oz. Sometimes the difference is not that much, sometimes less than a $1...media mail is a last resort send for me, it could take weeks, so it's a good thing the mail date is early November as you said with the holidays and all. But this sounds like a great idea and a great swap! If I can I will definitely join in! Thank you!!!

Yes, that is a good point. Sometimes media mail is a lot less expensive (as in, a LOT), but for one or two books it won't be.

Actually when I wrote that I had us sending more books than two, and just didn't update the rest. I decided it might be better to limit the requirement to two, and someone could send more if they wanted to.

Thanks for pointing that out!!

Oh yes, definitely check with your local PO. I'm not sure I've ever sent a package of books where the difference between media and priority is less than a dollar, though. Example:

1 lb. package Media Mail - $2.38 Priority - $5.05

The difference in price goes up higher with increased weight. I'd have to send about 20 lbs. of books before priority (flat rate medium box) shipping was comparable in price. And I doubt I'll be sending that much. ;D

USPS shipping rate calculator

A flat rate box (which allows up to 70 lbs) may be a good way to go, you are right. I think my small difference in price were for items that were about 2lbs, so yes the higher the weight the more the difference, it's just depends. Flat rate boxes are free so grab one the the PO and see how many books you can fit in it, although can you decorate a flat rate box? Just questions I have, trying to find the best way to do this. I could wrap the books inside in nice paper and then put them in the flat rate box, would that be acceptable?

Will the small flat rate hold books or is it too small?

It will hold REALLY small books. It's a small box. I'm not sure if you can decorate the outside of them or not. Unless the books are really heavy it's probably cheaper to send media mail.

Yes you can decorate it, within reason. I generally use some special hand carved stamps on mine, or stick a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon on one side. I sent a (big!) shoe box crammed full of books to my sister once for $7.75, including insurance. It would have been crazy expensive to send. The medium flat rate box costs more than that and will hold about a third the books (or maybe 1/4) but will arrive more quickly. In her case it only took a week, though, anyway.

Media mail rates... one pound is $2.38, and it goes up to 70 pounds, which is $29.29. Parcel post is even cheaper. Definitely check at the post office... there are so many options... if it will fit in a flat rate envie it will go for $4.90. I will add that!!

Yes, you can wrap them inside OR decorate the shipping package, or both. Just let your partner know whether things inside are wrapped or not.

Also, the "expected delivery" on my media mail chart says 2 days... it depends where it is going, but definitely check out postage prices and delivery dates.

I moved this send by date back a bit... I hope no one minds. I just started thinking maybe that was really too early for a Christmas box!

I mailed today... Media mail, Very Heavy box, delivered in four days, $4. Yes!