Slightly off-topic, but...

[jle2234 68]

Sorry, this is less about immigration and more a silly question regarding living in the U.S.

 

My parents recently sent me a care package of some Canadian goodies, and I would like to reciprocate with some items from the U.S. I live in a suburb of NYC and attend school in Manhattan, so can also send NYC-specific items. In the interest of paying a reasonable amount for shipping, I'd like to send only non-perishable items.

 

Has anyone sent this kind of package before? Do you have any suggestions for items to include? So far I just have t-shirts from my school.

 

As a somewhat side note, does anyone know if I can mail coffee from the U.S. to Canada?

 

Thanks in advance!

[AshMarty 359]

I don't know about Canada but I send goodies to Australia often. I just follow the rules of what I would be able to bring into the country if I were traveling. It is packaged food, I choose non-perishable sealed items (like candies/cookies). No live seeds/plants. When at the post office they will make you fill out a form to ensure the package goods are allowed. 

 

Also I only send it through the United States Postal Service.

 

I once received a quote to send a small package to Australia for 600 dollars from UPS. USPS sent the same package for 120 dollars and laughed when I told them how much it cost through UPS (the said USPS is almost always the cheapest option internationally). 

Edited February 14, 2018 by AshMarty

[NikLR 13,220]

I send packages to my kid for birthdays etc.  Generally it is reasonable price wise if its not heavy.  If you send anything keep a list of what it is made of, where it is made and the cost.  You are required to send that detailed of a list for Canadian customs.  Sending things to the USA is easier than sending things to Canada I have found! 

[falcngrl 3]

Mark it as a gift and the stated value should be below $60 to prevent them from being charged duty on the package. 

USPS has three boxes that are priced per box no matter how much it weighs. Best for sending super heavy items as they are fairly expensive. 

[Flames9_RN 358]

when  I send stuff back to Canada  I usually use USPS.....but this past Christmas UPS was actually cheaper...surprised me!   

[Ontarkie 13,915]

We always sent USPS, just be prepared for things to take about 3 weeks. It does tend to get help up at the border for a bit. 

 

We just give a brief description like hat, gloves, candy, if there is more then one type of food item we will list a few things like chocolate, gummies, or what every.  

 

Make sure you mark it as gift and keep the prices or each item in check. You don't want them getting nailed with duty/taxes. 

 

We never used the If it fits it ships packages to send up to Canada. Even supper heavy things going first class worked out to be cheaper. 

 

If you have a digital kitchen scale you can also weigh it and print off the label online with USPS. You can figure out the shipping and change the packaging if need be before actually sending it off. We found envelopes even though weighed the same as a box were cheaper. Of course sometimes a box is a must. 

[NikLR 13,220]

Ah i tend to use ups for shipping to Canada since they let me track it all the way to final destination cheaper than usps does.  

[Flames9_RN 358]

make sure u check out UPS....rates must have changed .....and of course depends on size/weight..location.....1 issue I had with UPS was filling out the customs forms....not super clear how u do it online......now i days I rarely mail stuff back....waste too much in shipping charges.....rather just send my sisters $$$ to buy the nephews gifts.