If you’re considering sending a gift, you’ve come to the right place. In today’s digital age, where gifts often come in digital forms like e-gifts and vouchers, sending a physical gift by mail can add a special touch for the recipient.
Whether you’re sending a gift to family overseas or within the same country, rest assured that the process is straightforward, and we’re here to assist you.
Our comprehensive guide on shipping gifts covers the following:
Packaging a Gift
Even if you opt for gift wrapping, it’s crucial to place it within a sturdy cardboard box for protection during transit. Gift wrap alone won’t suffice.
Select a box that accommodates your gift and offers enough space for padding. Too small a box leaves little room for protection, while an excessively large box can lead to excessive movement.
Fragile items should be individually wrapped with bubble wrap.
Fill any gaps to fully encase the contents, preventing direct contact with the outer box. Ideal materials include bubble wrap, air pillows, packing peanuts, or newspaper.
Consider double-boxing for added protection, especially for fragile items.
Seal the outer box securely with robust packing tape, paying special attention to the corners.
Attach the shipping label firmly and ensure the barcode is visible. Ensure your printer is in good condition and not set to economy mode to allow for easy scanning.
Include a return address on both the outside and inside of the package.
Weighing and Measuring Parcels
To obtain an accurate shipping quote, measure and weigh your package, including all packaging, after you’ve packed the gifts.
If you lack a tape measure, consider using the AirMeasure app to measure, and use kitchen or bathroom scales to weigh the package.
Shipping Parcels/ Gifts Internationally
Shipping gifts overseas involves considerations like customs documents, charges, and country-specific restrictions.
Customs Documents
A crucial step when shipping internationally, customs documents detail the package’s contents for the receiving country’s customs authority.
Information needed includes item descriptions, values, shipping purpose (e.g., Gift), and recipient’s address/contact details.
Parcel Monkey provides these documents during booking, ready for attachment to the package.
Customs Charges
Some countries levy duty on gifts above a certain value. It’s essential to check the customs authority’s regulations in the recipient country.
To qualify as a gift, items must meet specific criteria, including being described as gifts, intended for personal use, and sent between individuals.
Country Restrictions
Certain items may be restricted for import to specific countries. It’s crucial to review the customs authority’s website of the receiving country for information on these restrictions.
What Not to Send by Courier
Prior to dispatch, consult the list of prohibited and restricted items to ensure your package is safe for delivery and eligible for protection coverage.
Prohibited Items include items like nail varnish, perfume, items with batteries, and blades or knives.
Restricted Items encompass high-value items like precious metals, watches, musical instruments, cameras, and computers.
Protecting Your Gift
Most of our courier partners offer free protection coverage up to a specified value. This information is provided in your quote results. Extensions may be available for items exceeding the free coverage threshold.
Note that restricted or prohibited items are ineligible for cover.
Ensuring Timely Delivery
It’s advisable to send your gift well in advance to account for any potential delivery issues. While our courier partners, including UPS, USPS, and DHL, are highly reliable, peak seasons like Christmas or Thanksgiving may lead to slightly extended delivery times. Sending your gift early is recommended to ensure it arrives on time.
Couriers typically establish final mailing dates before holidays, particularly for international packages. It’s best to dispatch your package well ahead of these deadlines to mitigate potential delays during the festive season.
