natalietrueman84 10 Posted November 18, 2013 Hi All, Its my first xmas away from my family and I would like to send them something a small gift, but i know the postage is very expensive (usually more than the actual gift!). Does any one know of any nice gifts I can send back home to family and friends which ar elight and wont cost the earth? Much appreciated! Natalie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted November 18, 2013 Whatever you do, do it quick. Last posting is not far off. My local PO said last week of November was good but defo by the end if first week of Dec if you wanted a parcel there in time. I'm posting a few cards and a couple of little things this weekend. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gpo1971 822 Posted November 18, 2013 Can you order them stuff from UK websites and just get it delivered there? e.g. M&S. I normally just get my folks hampers and wine and stuff from Marksies. It's not just the cost, stuff I have sent in the past has never arrived. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lindor 3,927 Posted November 18, 2013 I was thinking of sending gifts from UK websites. I drink, therefore I dance..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
keily 3,072 Posted November 19, 2013 our first 2 years here I sent everyone back a pressie and some got 3/4 ...cost me more to post than the pressies themselves ... i now use www.giftinspiration.co.uk and www.voucherexpress.co.uk ....not quite the same as sending a personal gift but a hellava lot cheaper :wink: mrs keily LIFE IS A COIN , YOU CAN SPEND IT ON WHATEVER YOU WISH , BUT ... YOU CAN ONLY SPEND IT ONCE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diane 507 Posted November 19, 2013 Also for those whose families want to send them stuff out here without postage costing them a fortune, remember thebookdepository.co.uk does free postage worldwide as well Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LKC 2,977 Posted November 19, 2013 Also bear in mind that gifts over 36GBP entering the UK from a non-EU country will attract duties and taxes as outlined here http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/customs-travel/customs/postal/. You are probably better off ordering them from UK companies. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dmjg 4,061 Posted November 19, 2013 We buy little, light, unique things all year then post them back late September by boat. Each parcel is worth about 30 quid and wrapped ready to go. Easy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dom Churchill 2,611 Posted December 7, 2013 I sent a small package to the UK, and I think it cost me around $18.....I think the box weighed little over a kilo...... No one can tell you exactly what you have gotta be You've got to stand your ground and fight to save your life It may be hard but ooh ooh it's the only way Always remembering there ain't no second prize There ain't no second prize Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chicken66 194 Posted December 7, 2013 Also bear in mind that gifts over 36GBP entering the UK from a non-EU country will attract duties and taxes as outlined here http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/customs-travel/customs/postal/. You are probably better off ordering them from UK companies. I've been caught out with the duties and taxes before on gifts sent to u.k. not very nice when you've sent something over and person receiving the gift has to pay duties and tax. I only use u.k. websites now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jen85 10 Posted December 9, 2013 Its best to use the sea mail which goes late September being that has passed may be best now to buy online in the UK and have it delivered otherwise it may not make it in time. FYI, Sea Mail is about half the price of Air Mail. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fosseboy 25 Posted December 9, 2013 I have just sent some Australian chocolate - Cherry Ripes through SANZA a UK based website and sent a big box for under £15. They have gift boxes as well. To send 1 Cherry Ripe block from Perth was going to be at least $6.50 in postage alone and anything heavier $15. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SarahJane690 228 Posted December 10, 2013 I often send calendars with Aussie scenes/ wildlife / flowers etc. you can get them pretty cheaply and postage is not much and it's Aussie so it gives them a little taste of your new life. :biggrin: Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ikes 167 Posted December 11, 2013 I've been caught out with the duties and taxes before on gifts sent to u.k. not very nice when you've sent something over and person receiving the gift has to pay duties and tax. I only use u.k. websites now. I too have just been caught out and my daughter got a card from Royal Mail saying there is a Customs fee of 16pounds+! I didn't know about the limit on gifts and have often sent and received gifts above that amount without any fees. I told my daughter to forget it as she can buy the pyjamas and make up that I sent for about 16 quid in the UK. I will order her something online and my family and I have agreed to no more overseas postage in future, and will shop online instead. I spent over $100 on postage just for a few gifts, and when I went to post Christmas cards, AusPost have done away with the $1.60 'card only' option and are charging $2.60, so it'll be Moonpig cards from now on too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BrownEyedGal 72 Posted December 11, 2013 OMG dmjg...you are SOOOOOO prepared!..I'm good but not that good. I've stopped sending - costs way too much - so they get stuff that I wrapped in newspaper when I was last home - heheh. I told them where it all is and they can collect at their leisure..I put post-it notes on them. Well, I barely had time to do it, let alone do it properly. Anyhooo its the thought that counts!!! LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
