How to Send a Gift From Canada to the United States

By eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Filling Santa's bag and sending him across the border from the Great White North? A whisper in Santa's ear about U.S. customs regulations can save money and trouble later on.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Address Books
Boxes
Address Labels
Marking Pens
Packaging Tape
Padded Envelopes

Step1

Check with U.S. Customs to make sure that whatever is being sent is acceptable - liquor, tobacco products and guns are examples of items that are not permitted. A good place to start is the U.S. Customs Web site (www.customs.ustreas.gov).

Step2

Choose your mode of shipping. In Canada, UPS is generally more expensive than the franchised Canada Post mail, but it may be worth it if you're in a hurry (Canada Post franchised outlets are located in many Shoppers Drug Marts and 7-Elevens).

Step3

Address your package clearly - and don't forget to put "U.S.A." after the ZIP code.

Step4

Check the "gift/cadeau" box on the customs slip and provide a full description of the objects inside.

Tips & Warnings

Choose gifts that are small and light - sending packages from Canada to the United States costs a lot more than you may expect, especially if you're used to U.S. postal prices.
Mail from Canada to the States usually takes at least a week and can take two. Don't forget to allow extra time because of the holidays.