All men and women over Bar/Bat Mitzvah should send at least one Mishloach Manot. Children (of the age of Chinuch) should also do so. [The Lubavitcher Rebbes would distribute three Mishloach Manot packages – to a Kohen, Levi and Yisrael.]
The Mishloach Manot should contain at least two types of (respectable) ready-to-eat foods and/or beverages other than water. [The Lubavitcher Rebbes would include a food item as well as a beverage.]
Men should send their Mishloach Manot to men, and women should send their Mishloach Manot to women.
Some authorities hold that Mishloach Manot should be delivered through a Shliach. The Shliach may even be a child.
The Mishloach Manot should be both sent and delivered during Purim day (and not the night before or after).
It is praiseworthy to give Mishloach Manot to many people. [Technically, one doesn’t need to adhere to the above-mentioned Halachot with regards to any additional optional Mishloach Manot that one sends. Nevertheless, it is commendable to do so.]
When giving Mishloach Manot to one who is not yet observant, one should remind him to make the appropriate Brachot on each food item.
Mishloach Manot may not be sent to an Avel (within 12 months of a parent’s passing or within 30 days of a spouse, child or sibling’s passing). However, the Mishloach Manot may be sent to an Avel’s spouse or child. The Avel himself is required to send Mishloach Manot, but should send simple food items.
When sending Mishloach Manot in a new (non-disposable) utensil that requires Tevilat Keilim, it should be performed by the recipient and not by the sender. This is because Tevilat Keilim needs to be performed by the end user.
