There are few things sadder in the collectibles world than opening a parcel to find a beloved figurine broken in transit. Honestly? It breaks my heart every time I see it happen (note - shocking picture at the bottom of this post!).
Sadly, delivery drivers and sorting depots are not always as gentle as we might hope. Parcels can be stacked, knocked, dropped, tipped upside down and shuffled around multiple times on their journey. Because of this, I always package figurines as though the box may have a rough trip — especially when the original packaging is no longer available.
Over time, I’ve developed a packaging method that has helped countless fragile pieces arrive safely to collectors around the world. So if you’re selling Disney Traditions, Jim Shore, Enesco, Lenox, Swarovski, or any delicate ornament, here are my favourite tips for packaging safely and securely.
1. Protect Delicate Areas First
Before wrapping the figurine fully, look carefully at the vulnerable parts.
Think about:
- Crowns and tiaras
- Arms and fingers
- Thin wings
- Flowers or accessories
- Extended dress details
- Delicate character poses
One of my favourite tricks is using packaging peanuts (or foam packing pieces) between delicate areas. They are brilliant because they can be:
- Cut to size
- Gently moulded
- Wedged between fragile gaps
- Used to stop movement during transit
For example, if a figurine has a raised arm or delicate accessory, placing a soft foam piece around or beneath it helps prevent pressure and movement.
You can also tuck extra peanuts into looser areas after bubble wrapping for additional support.
2. Bubble Wrap Properly — But Avoid Excess Tape
Bubble wrap is your best friend when packaging figurines. I always use several careful layers around the ornament to create cushioning and absorb shocks during transit. Don't scrimp - it is simply not worth the risk.
However, one important tip:
Avoid wrapping the figurine in excessive tape.
Why? Because excited collectors tend to unwrap quickly — and fighting through layers and layers of tape increases the risk of accidental breakage.
Instead:
- Fold the bubble wrap neatly
- Use minimal tape only on the outer wrapping
- Never tape directly onto the figurine itself
- Make it secure, but still easy to unwrap safely
The goal is protection without turning the parcel into an archaeological dig!
3. Fill Empty Space Inside the Box
Once your figurine is wrapped, the next step is preventing movement inside the parcel.
A figurine should never be able to slide around inside the box. Even small movements during shipping can lead to chips or snapped pieces.
Great filler materials include:
- Bubble wrap
- Brown packing paper
- Newspaper
- Tissue paper
- Scrunched kraft paper
- Even that old Christmas wrapping paper you always promise yourself you’ll reuse one day!
The aim is to create a snug, cushioned environment around the ornament.
4. If the Box is Bulging… It’s Too Small
This is such an important one.
If the box is bulging, straining, or difficult to close properly, it is too small. Full stop.
It can be tempting to “make it work” — especially if you’re running low on boxes — but tight packaging puts pressure directly onto fragile areas and massively increases the chance of damage.
Always allow enough space for:
- Bubble wrap
- Cushioning
- Void fill
- Shock absorption
A slightly larger box with proper padding is far safer than a cramped one.
5. Double Boxing for Valuable or Large Pieces
For particularly valuable, heavy or delicate figurines, I strongly recommend double boxing.
This means:
- Wrap and secure the figurine in one smaller box
- Place that box inside a second larger box
- Fill the gap between the two boxes with padding
This extra layer absorbs shocks incredibly well and can make a huge difference for statement pieces or international shipments.
6. Always Label the Parcel as Fragile
I always mark parcels as FRAGILE on multiple sides of the box so the warning can be seen from any angle.
Will every courier handle it perfectly? Sadly, no. But clear labels absolutely help encourage more careful handling.
I also recommend:
- “This Way Up” arrows for certain pieces
- Waterproof labels if shipping internationally
- Strong parcel tape around all seams
7. Shake Test Before Posting
This is one of the simplest but best tests.
Before sealing the parcel completely:
Gently shake the box.
If you can feel or hear movement inside, add more padding.
A properly packed figurine should feel secure and cushioned with very little movement at all.
8. Think Like a Delivery Depot
This sounds strange — but it helps enormously.
When packaging, imagine the parcel:
- Being stacked under heavier boxes
- Turned upside down
- Sliding in a van
- Dropped from a short height
- Sitting in cold or damp conditions
If the figurine would survive that, you’re probably packaging correctly.
Final Thoughts
Collectors know these pieces are more than just ornaments. Many are sentimental, rare, retired, or long-hunted treasures.
That’s why I always package every figurine as though I were sending it to myself. I would far rather use a little extra bubble wrap and packing time than risk somebody opening a broken piece they were excited to receive.
Safe packaging protects not only the ornament — but also the joy and magic attached to it. ✨
