Christmas gifts you can’t send in the mail

Santa with package to mail. Tag on gift reads: Love from across the Miles**Fine grain has been added to this image
Santa with package to mail. Tag on gift reads: Love from across the Miles**Fine grain has been added to this image

With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are sending gifts for loved ones overseas whom we are unable to reunite with this year. However, the Christmas rush can result in overlooking crucial details that will delay getting presents under the tree in time. 

An Australian insurance comparison website has done some research and revealed the Christmas gifts that may not be able to go through the post. Abigail Koch, travel insurance expert at Compare The Market, offers these suggestions when travelling with Christmas gifts or if posting overseas:

Prohibited presents when sent via mail

  1. Cards with cash. Aussies might be surprised to know that they cannot send holiday cards with cash overseas, or more than AU$200 domestically. Sending gift vouchers are a good alternative, or sending a card but then transferring the money instead.
  2. Jewellery. You cannot go wrong gifting anyone with jewellery, however gold and silver jewels and precious stones may not be permitted in certain international services and some countries will not accept them unless they are insured.
  3. Toy pistols with paper caps. Any toy gun with a paper cap is classified as an explosive and cannot be sent anywhere. Reconsider the types of toys you want to mail out this holiday season.
  4. Gifts valued at AU$2000 and more. Be careful when sending expensive gifts to loved ones overseas. Any gift that exceeds $2000 in value in a single consignment must be registered with Customs and Border Protection Service. Senders can register by submitting a form electronically, at a Customs office or KeyPost authorised post office.
  5. Hair products. Reconsider sending hair spray or dye this Christmas, as certain hair colouring products, including peroxides, and any flammable liquids cannot be sent through the mail.
  6. Extra lithium batteries with your toy gifts. Do not package additional lithium batteries with your toys. Any batteries must be installed in the gift for the device to be sent and not in the packaging with the device.
  7. Fruit and vegetables. A fruit hamper is a great Christmas present idea, but even sending produce interstate can be a complicated process, with certain fruits and vegetables requiring permits. Due to the possibility of pests and diseases, some are prohibited completely.

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