[ruthyroo]

Our first Xmas in NZ is coming up fast, and I've a bit of a dilemma what to do about Xmas pressies for rellies back in Scotland. I want to send / give them something so they don't feel too forgotten about while we're off partying in NZ (yeah right!) but the cost of sending parcels is so high compared to the value of the goods likely to be sent I am really reluctant to do that (must be the presbyterian coming out in me now I am here!). So I reckon my options are:

Go for light pressies (possum fur gloves and scarves all round!) and just pay the cost to ship a parcel over to each family, or
Buy everything on line in the UK and have it delivered to my sister and pay her to wrap and deliver them all, or
Forget the whole thing and send a card with big kisses and the offer of free accommodation in the future as a present!

What are all you peeps that are out here now doing about this? Maybe it's time for a survey...

[Diny]

Ruthy

If you go to the lounge area I'm pretty sure there's a thread covering this exact subject happening right now.

Diny

[evelynne_r]

Hiya,

This is my second Christmas over here, and I have to confess I've given up on sending NZ stuff as gifts - it really is expensive. The last thing I sent over was some Kiwi honey for my father - the postage was more expensive than the honey!!

I often use Amazon for gifts - going from the UK site, you would only pay local postage. I've also ordered stuff online from Marks and Spencers and Interflora.

Just my tuppenceworth :o)

Evelynne

[Moorf]

I have spent all morning wrapping our pressies to send home... it's all possum socks/scarves/gloves, paua jewellry and calendars.. off to post it all later so I'll let you know the prices!!

[Annierobrigado]

hi moorf,

are your presents kiwi looking? are there any good kiwi shops around, you know, made in NZ that sort of thing? wouldnt want to send presents that can already be bought back home in the mall!

have yourself a merry little christmas!

annie

[Moorf]

All pressies we bought were made in NZ... we bought Possum/Merino wool mix hats/scarves/gloves - all between $35 - $55.

Bought a couple of $12 NZ calendars..

Paua earrings cost between $12 - $40 sterling silver.

Postage costs (to UK, Airmail):-

1 package weighed 0.47kg (contained 2 calendars, 1 pair socks, 1 pair gloves, 4 cards) Cost = $16.47

1 package weighed 0.54kg (contained 1 scarf, 1 pair socks, 1 hat, 2 "kiwi" purses (for kids), 1 pair possum nipple warmers, 1 pair earrings and several cards) - $18.24

1 package contained just one LARGE calendat, weight = 0.26kg cost = $11.14

There ya go... hope that helps someone. We aren't supposed to be buying gifts this year (a family agreement of sorts!) but we couldn't resist sending back some NZ stuff :P

Moorf

[Annierobrigado]

thanks moorf. the calendars would be great, at least it would feature the fantastic views of new zealand. if i send those to the philippines everybody would sigh and say, how lucky annie is to be living there! (not that i am already, hehehe. I WISH!)

annie