Send a piece of Aotearoa to loved ones abroad with carefully chosen NZ gifts that travel well and arrive with meaning.
Whether you’re sending Christmas gifts to family in the UK, a birthday surprise to friends in Australia, or a care package to a homesick Kiwi abroad, NZ gifts connect people across oceans. The key is choosing items that ship safely, clear customs easily, and arrive carrying the warmth of home.
Best NZ Gifts to Send Overseas
The ideal gifts for international shipping are lightweight, non-perishable, and won’t trigger customs restrictions. Here are the top categories:
Art Prints & Paper Goods
Flat, lightweight, and uniquely NZ – art prints are perfect for international shipping. Glenn Jones prints featuring beloved Kiwi birds, Flox graphic art, and scenic NZ photography ship easily in tubes or flat packs. Tea towels, cards, and calendars featuring NZ designs also travel brilliantly.
Jewellery & Small Keepsakes
Pounamu (greenstone) jewellery carries deep cultural meaning and ships worldwide without restrictions. Silver jewellery from designers like Nick von K and Boh Runga makes meaningful, compact gifts. Small wooden items, ceramic ornaments, and paua shell pieces also travel safely.
Books & Magazines
NZ cookbooks, photography books, children’s picture books, and Maori culture guides share knowledge and stories. Books about native birds, Te Reo Maori, and NZ history help those abroad stay connected to home.
Wool & Possum Products
New Zealand’s premium wool and possum fur blend is luxuriously warm and uniquely Kiwi. Scarves, gloves, socks, and beanies in this blend make practical yet special gifts. Sheepskin slippers and merino wool accessories are also popular choices.
International Shipping Tips
What Ships Easily
- Art prints & paper: Tube or flat pack, lightweight
- Jewellery: Small, valuable – use tracked shipping
- Textiles: Wool, clothing, soft items
- Books: Printed media ships as “media mail” in some countries
- Ceramics: Pack carefully with bubble wrap
What to Avoid or Check First
- Food items: Many countries restrict honey, dairy, meat products
- Plants/seeds: Prohibited in most countries
- Alcohol: Heavy, fragile, restricted
- Cosmetics: Check liquid restrictions
Always check destination country customs regulations before sending food or natural products.
Shipping to Popular Destinations
Australia
Australia has strict biosecurity. Honey, certain foods, and plant materials need careful checking. Non-food NZ gifts ship easily and typically arrive within 5-10 business days via standard post.
United Kingdom
Since Brexit, customs declarations are required for all packages to the UK. Gifts under GBP 39 are generally duty-free. Allow 10-15 business days for delivery, longer at Christmas.
United States
The US allows most NZ gifts without issue. Manuka honey can be sent, but declare it correctly. Economy shipping takes 2-4 weeks; express services reduce this to 5-7 days.
Europe
EU countries have harmonised rules – most non-food NZ gifts ship without problems. Customs forms are required, and VAT may apply on items over certain thresholds.
Gift Ideas by Recipient
Who Are You Sending To?
- Homesick Kiwis: Kiwiana gifts, NZ snacks (check customs), home comfort items
- International friends: Art prints, pounamu, unique NZ designs
- Family overseas: Photo books, personalised items, quality keepsakes
- Kids abroad: NZ children’s books, soft toy kiwi, Te Reo toys
- Business contacts: Corporate NZ gifts, premium Manuka honey (where allowed)
Timing Your International Gift
Christmas Shipping
Christmas is the busiest time for international post. For guaranteed Christmas delivery, send parcels by late November to Australia, early November for the UK/Europe, and mid-November for the USA. Express services extend these windows by about a week.
Year-Round Considerations
Allow extra time around Easter, Chinese New Year, and local holidays in the destination country. Track your parcels and purchase insurance for valuable items.
NZ Stores That Ship Internationally
Many NZ retailers offer international shipping, making it easy to send gifts directly from New Zealand.
- Artist direct: Many NZ artists ship prints worldwide
- Te Papa Store: Ships internationally with quality NZ products
- NZ Post: Parcel services to most countries
- Speciality retailers: Many Kiwiana shops offer global shipping
Tip: Some stores include customs documentation and handle shipping – this saves you the packaging hassle.