(Family Features) - Back-to-school time is exciting and a little bit scary - for parents and kids alike. Whether the kids are headed off to elementary school, high school or college, they could all use a little extra love.

I've found that a batch of favorite cookies is a simple way to show love to the kids - without embarrassing them in front of their peers! A couple of cookies tucked into the lunch box or a whole batch shipped off to the dorm can do wonders for someone needing a little taste of home.

If you're going to ship a cookie care package, here are some tips to make sure they arrive fresh and intact.

Timing is Everything

Ship your cookies on Monday or Tuesday to ensure the packages arrive before the weekend. If you wait any longer, the cookies could end up sitting in a warehouse until the following week.

All In a Day's Work

Schedule the baking and shipping as close together as possible, preferably within 24 hours. This ensures freshness. But, be sure the cookies have had a chance to cool before packing.

Handle with Care

It doesn't hurt to wrap your cookies a few times. The more protection around the cookies, the less likely they are to break during shipping. Place two cookies back-to-back, with a small piece of waxed paper in between them. Wrap them loosely as a pair in plastic wrap. Then place them in small plastic sealable bags.

For more packing tips, cookie recipes and information visit VeryBestBaking.com.