Choosing a gift for someone who lives overseas can be a little different from choosing one for someone who lives around the corner.
There’s the usual question of what will they like? Followed by a few more practical considerations. Will it fit in the parcel? Is it easy to pack? And, perhaps most importantly, will it arrive looking anything like it did when it left?
Thankfully, some of the loveliest gifts are also very good travellers.
When we’re helping someone choose a gift for overseas postage, we tend to look for three things: lightweight, compact and non-breakable. It sounds simple, but these qualities can make a surprising difference once a gift starts its journey across the world.
Then comes the fun part — finding something that feels right for the person receiving it.
the LemonTree Loves...
There are a few things the LemonTree loves when it comes to gifts heading overseas. The balance needs to be just right — thoughtful enough to feel special, practical enough to be useful, and easy enough to pack away for the journey. And, of course, we’re always drawn to something with a little personality.
A Maxwell & Williams Botanic Floral Tea Towel is a lovely example. Made from 100% cotton and featuring beautiful Australian flowers, it is practical, easy to fold into a parcel and useful long after Christmas has passed. It also brings a lovely touch of Australia to an everyday item.
For something a little more playful, we love the Wilson Payne socks featuring Aussie icons such as blue heelers, black cockatoos or blue wrens. They’re colourful, quirky and wonderfully easy to post. Socks also have the added advantage of being one of those gifts that somehow manages to be both useful and fun — a rare achievement in the world of present buying.
If your recipient is happiest in the garden, you could take a different approach altogether. A Myrtle & Moss Gardener’s Hand Cream paired with a Le Sac gardening belt makes a thoughtful combination, particularly for someone who enjoys spending time outdoors. It’s practical, a little indulgent and feels much more personal than choosing something because it happened to fit in the post.
And then there are those gifts where the story behind the piece is every bit as important as the piece itself.
Henschke Jewellery is particularly special to us at the LemonTree. Every piece is individually made, giving each one its own character. You can choose an existing piece or even design something specifically for the person you’re giving it to.
We love that. A gift sent overseas doesn’t need to be large or elaborate to be memorable. Sometimes it’s the story, the personal touch and the individuality that makes it special.
Give yourself a little time
There is one thing worth thinking about before your overseas gift leaves the LemonTree: when it needs to be posted.
Australia Post releases its international Christmas cut-off dates each year, and they vary depending on where your parcel is going and which postage service you choose. Economy services generally have the earliest deadlines, with standard and express services allowing a little more time.
As the dates can differ from country to country, the best place to check is the Australia Post website, which has the most up-to-date information for your destination and chosen service.
While we can help you find the right gift, unfortunately we haven’t yet worked out how to control the international postal service.
Sending something special
Whether it’s a practical gift, something a little quirky or a piece chosen especially for the person receiving it, there’s something rather lovely about sending a parcel overseas.
It’s a small way of saying I was thinking of you — even when there’s half a world between you.
Visit us in store or explore our collection online at thelemontree.com.au.
