Mike82

Hi guys

We are heading for our first xmas in oz and just wondered what is the best way or recommended way to send presents back to family? Also does anyone know the cut off dates to send them to make sure they arrive for xmas?

Any info would be greatfully appreciated.

Mikey an Claire

shears

According to the Aus Post website (for parcels) "Sea Mail delivery can take between 2 and 3 months" - so you'd have to send them now (or last month!) to guarantee delivery by Christmas

What about shopping online @ UK stores and getting the presents sent directly from them ... save you the postage (pretty expensive to send stuff from here)

cheers
shears

Gjn200

21st September by boat. Cheaper to fly back with them yourself than send anything heavy by air.......

Pollyana

I'm a firm devotee now of Amazon who will deliver direct to the UK address, and often gift wrap too

moneypenny20

I use internet companies who gift wrap and deliver. I never actually see the pressies You're too late for ship post and air post is painfully expensive. However, if you do use airmail don't put down the true value of the gift. Just say 'gift' and put about $25 on the form (or less of course).

cappuccino

Is that really ok to do, just write 'gift'? I always try to be creative with the truth and make things sound more boring than they are. It's horrible to send, and receive, gifts with the true contents listed cos it takes all the fun out of the surprise of opening a parcel from overseas

moneypenny20

I put gift and not had any comeback. I sometimes put a bit more info but like you object to sending something and having the contents labelled on the outside sort of defeats the object.

Kingseat

Our local post office makes you write what the gift is on the customs form!

I've sat and done a huge amount of Christmas Shopping today. All going to a friend who will deliver in the UK for me. I've used QVC, Liz Earle, Amazon and Hotel Chocolat. Easy!

Mrs Jackaroo

I never post pressies home either - I'm an online shopper all the way

Mike82

Thanks for the info guys, looks like i will be doing quite a bit of internet shopping then!!

Cheers

Michael

pumpkin blossom

Yes the customs form says you must not just put gift down and items must be listed.

Lorna at Vicenza

Me too. It used to drive me mad looking for something ok to post and then paying for the postage. Now I can choose big things or more delicate things that I would never have posted from here before.

moneypenny20

I guess it depends on how nice your Customer Services Representative () is at Aus Post. We've got a nice bunch, even the cow who must have been suffering PMS one time and I've often got away with gift.

pumpkin blossom

No, I mean it says on the actual form that you stick to the parcel 'do not put gift'.

moneypenny20

I realise that, however the lovely lovely ladies (in case they're reading) at the Aus Post I use check the form and have let 'gift' through on many occasions.