advice - gifts, not heavy

[perSue]

ok so i've got family/friends who live overseas.
i can't use US postage to get stuff there as they're non-military.

SO, I'd like some ideas for a family (mom, dad & 2yo baby), that I can ship in packages smaller than 4lbs.

(anything over 4lbs and I have to pay almost triple the price.)

What ideas do you have for me to send that are small, lightweight, but most importantly, useful!?

[JanieD]

I sent packages overseas by US Postal Service & try to keep them as light as possible, 2 or 3lbs. I send items like kitchen or hand towels, very small Christmas tinket (tiny snowglobe or figurine), Yankee Candle votives & candle holder, fun socks, plush animals, childrens books & small toys (slinkies, windup or matchbox type cars). I'd love some different suggestions since I send similar items year after year!

[rainbowgc]

Micro fleece socks or throws.

[perSue]

i just get tired of hitting up the dollar stores for "cheap" stuff... when i'd like to send quality stuff... but lotsa stuff is too heavy to ship w/in a budget.

other things i send are stationary (personalized), mini sewing kits, sometimes for women/girls, makeup (glosses, polishes), hair ties.
for guys, socks, a tee or two.
i've sent keychains, bottle openers, plastic dishes, dvd's, and other little stuff.

it's hard sometimes to think "inside" that little box and what'll fit!!

[Lady_V]

What do we have here in the US that isn't readily available or very expensive overseas?

Is there a candy they love that is made here? (my fav. candy is 'foreign' and would love to receive it as a gift since it is costly here)

an ornament that symbolizes something local to you

small organizer/calendar

dvd's (I sent a Bob the Builder movie to a friends son for his birthday a few years... I got an email telling me he hasn't stopped laughing because "Bob doesn't speak English, he is talking American" )

books on cds

make a movie clip of family photos, old and new... they can be made on the computer easily. If they do not have a computer, or can't play video cd's on it, there are places to convert the file and burn to a dvd.

Babies are babies, they don't care what it is, as long as they can eat the paper

[PrairieRose]

Also mail early and use surface mail. I used to have a lot of penpals and we'd always be shipping our Christmas gifts this time of year.......Saved me gobs.

[justatxmom]

Amazon gift cards are pretty light as is MC's and Visa's gift cards....they're quite useful too. I've also found that they are always the right color and the right size.

I know gc's are kinda inpersonal but at least they could shop online for what they need/want and save you postage.

[POOTERSMOMMY]

How about copies of old pictures. Or make a calendar from family pictures. I also like the pictures on CD or DVD or tape.
Take a group picture of all the family or friends back here - have someone holding holiday message.
The lightest package would be gift cards.
Make them a very special homemade card.
Gifts don't always have to be things. Write a poem or have young ones draw pictures. There's a lot of things you cando for little shipping cost.
I hope you get many fun ideas!!

[mnmarty03]

Everyone's ideas here are great.

Just wanted to make sure you know that you CAN use U.S. postage to non-military abroad.. I do all the time.

One thing to consider though, is that the only way you can ship things vis us postage any more is by air - so unless it is light, it will be very expensive. they got rid of the whole "shipping by boat" idea.. which sucks, but is still doable.

But still, I would guess that sending a small package by air to wherever abroad by US postal service will be cheaper than that same package via UPS or FedEx or DHL or something. Just a guess though.

Happy sending!

[leezza]

Persue,

I have a really good idea:

*How about really nice slippers for each member of the family.....it will keep there feet warm and they will think of you all winter long : )

*Good quality gloves, (ie: leather)

Although they can get stuff in europe with the US dollar down and the EURO up it is less expensive here I think.

Good Luck and you are a nice friend.......I send my friends in the UK a card only : )

Kind Regards,
leezza

[MomK]

A piece of jewelry for the mom...like a charm...lightweight and sentimental.
Engraved keychain for dad, small book for 2yo. The p.o. gives a book rate.