Whether you are looking ahead to Christmas or planning for your loved ones’ birthdays, when you can’t be there in person, you’ll need to send gifts by post. The logistics and cost of delivery may influence what you choose to buy as a gift. It will need to be non-perishable, easy to package and not so heavy that it becomes more expensive to send it than it is to buy it. Below we have gathered some advice and inspiration on gifts for posting, to help you find the perfect present to convey your best wishes when you can’t deliver them in person.
The perfect gifts by post
To ensure your parcel gets the best reception, it’s a good idea to tailor your gift to the recipient. Expand on that feeling of anticipation and excitement when the parcel arrives, by sending something that will make them feel special. If you’re stuck for inspiration, here are just a few ideas for gifts that travel easily in the post:
Clothing – if you’re close enough to your recipient to know their size and understand their fashion preferences, then you can’t go wrong with clothing. It’s soft and easy to package up and is pretty resistant to damage in the post.
Accessories – if you’re not brave enough to give an item of clothing, why not try an accessory instead? Items such as scarves, hats, gloves and bags are again easy to package up and give you access to a huge range of styles, colours and materials so you can pick something that encapsulates your recipient. Belts and jewellery work equally well and if you’re worried about providing enough padding within your packaging to protect these items in the post, simply buy them online from your chosen retailer and select your recipients’ address at the checkout. Many retailers also offer gift options so you can hide the amount you have spent on the receipt they receive and enable easy returns if the item doesn’t fit.
Gifts for the home – for recipient’s who love their home decor and whose style profiles you feel comfortable with, go with something they can use around the home. If you need to send gifts by post, home accessories such as cushions and throws are great choices, as are outdoor gifts such as picnic blankets or beach towels as we head towards the warmer weather.
Books and games – sometimes you are buying for not just one recipient but two, so rather than choosing two separate gifts why not consider something they will both enjoy such as a game? Perfect for rainy days or gatherings with friends, games can be the crux of a fantastic evening, making them a great gift. They’re also easy to send in the post! As are books. If you’re buying for a bookworm, or for someone who needs to take time out to relax, choosing a great read that fits in with their lifestyle is sure to be a welcome gift.
Gifts for posting: what not to send
Just because you are sending a gift in the post doesn’t mean you can’t get creative, but you do still have to adhere to the guidelines provided by your chosen carrier. All postal service providers will have a list of prohibited items that they don’t allow to be sent through their network. These might include:
- Liquids
- Perishable goods
- Precious stones
- Designer goods
- Tobacco products
- Firearms or associated products
- Money
- Artwork
This doesn’t mean you can’t send these items at all. For example, if you want to send liquids such as perfume or home fragrance, you can order these from your chosen retailer and request them to be sent directly to your recipient. The retailer will then ensure that the item is adequately packaged and the appropriate delivery service chosen.
Other items which you might want to steer clear of when it comes to gifts for posting are those that might be easily damaged. This might include anything delicate or made of glass. Again, if you wish to send these items as gifts it is generally best to have them delivered directly from the retailer to ensure the correct steps are taken to protect the items during transit.
What about delivery?
When it comes to sending gifts by post you generally have two choices, get them delivered directly from the place you bought the gift or send them yourself. There are advantages and disadvantages to both:
If you send the gift yourself, you’ll have a chance to look at it and make sure it’s right before you send it on. You can also choose to gift wrap the item first. However, you will be responsible for packaging it up safely and securely and choosing the best delivery service to get it to your recipient on time.
If you get the gift delivered from the gift retailer, you won’t be able to look at it first, but you can rest assured that they will take responsibility for packaging the gift and ensuring it gets delivered on time. If there is a problem with the delivery, or the gift gets damaged in the post, then you can contact the retailer who will chase up the delivery or replace the item if it becomes damaged or lost.
Roxtons is an online and instore retailer specialising in clothing, accessories and gifts. Visit their website for inspiration on gifts for posting or advice on choosing the perfect present for your recipient.