I learned to ship snow globes the hard way – after one shattered and left glitter in my mailbox for months. Now they arrive intact every time.

Double-bag liquids, use rigid foam boxes, and declare contents clearly. Avoid air shipping restrictions by keeping under 100ml for international mail.

Let’s turn shipping nightmares into success stories.

What’s different about shipping liquid-filled items?

My first attempt looked like a glitter bomb exploded in transit. Liquid items need special handling¹ most carriers don’t tell you about.

Use leak-proof seals and absorbent liners. Ship upright with “This Side Up” labels. Test seals for 24 hours before shipping.

My Liquid Shipping Toolkit

After three broken globes, here’s what works:

I now submerge test every globe in water for 10 minutes before shipping. Found a tiny crack this way last Christmas! For extra security, I add two ziplock bags – one around the globe, another around the entire package.

How do I handle shipping regulations?

I once had a $40 globe held at customs for weeks over missing paperwork. Now I know the rules like my coffee order.

Check carrier fluid limits (often 100ml max). Include MSDS sheets for international. Mark as “fragile” AND “glass” – carriers treat them differently.

Regulation Cheat Sheet

Here’s my quick reference guide:

Last month, I shipped a vintage 250ml globe² to Germany via FedEx Ground. Used their Crystal Clear service – costs more but handles special items better. Always print three copies of customs forms³ – one always goes missing!

What packaging prevents leaks and breaks?

My “indestructible” packaging failed until I copied how museums ship artifacts. Now nothing breaks – even when couriers play soccer with boxes.

Use rigid foam inserts cut 2cm larger than the globe. Wrap in bubble wrap crosswise, then line box with air pillows.

The Museum Method

Here’s how I pack now:

1. Foam coffin: Carve insulation foam to hold globe snugly
2. Suspension system: Use elastic bands to float globe mid-box
3. Crush zone: Fill remaining space with packing peanuts

Test your packaging⁴ by dropping from waist height. If you hear anything move, repack! I stole this trick from a piano mover⁵ – if it works for concert grands, it works for snow globes.

Any tips for international shipping?

My Tokyo client received a globe filled with frozen slush last January. Now I climate-proof every shipment.

Use silica gel packs to prevent condensation. Choose ground shipping in winter. Wrap in wool socks for natural insulation.

Global Shipping Hacks

What I’ve learned shipping to 14 countries:

• Hot climates: Add wax paper between globe and foam – prevents sticking
• Cold climates: Line box with aluminum foil as thermal barrier
• Humid areas: Seal box edges with waterproof tape

Last week, I shipped a globe to Singapore wrapped in a heated gel pack⁶ (the kind for muscle pain). Client said it arrived at perfect room temperature. Bonus – the packaging smelled like lavender!

Conclusion

Ship snow globes like precious heirlooms – because that’s what they are to recipients.