Filipinos have a long-standing tradition of sharing love through gifts, even across vast distances. Whether it’s the balikbayan culture of sending homegrown products to family overseas or surprising loved ones on birthdays, Christmas and other milestones, the act of sending gifts abroad remains a cherished part of our culture.
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, parcels often carry more than items — they carry memories, comfort and connection. If you’re wondering how to send gifts overseas from the Philippines, this step-by-step guide will help you plan, pack and ship your parcel safely so it arrives in perfect condition, wherever your loved ones are in the world.
Planning what to send: gift ideas that ship well
Choosing the right gift to send is the first step to a smooth shipping experience. You’ll want gifts that not only represent home but also travel well and meet international shipping guidelines. Consider durability, sentimental value and whether the gift can survive various climate conditions. For instance, chocolate may melt during transit to hotter countries, while fragile ceramics may require extra protective packaging.
Here are some of the best gifts to send abroad from the Philippines:
- Local delicacies: Dried mangoes, banana chips, polvoron, otap and barquillos are lightweight, non-perishable and beloved by both Filipinos and foreigners.
- Handcrafted items: Think woven bags from Mindanao, embroidered linens from Lumban and wooden home décor from Ifugao. These items are durable and unique.
- Beauty and wellness products: Solid soaps, balms and travel-sized skincare products make practical yet thoughtful presents, provided they comply with airline liquid restrictions.
- Personalised gifts: Items such as watches, jewellery and custom-made keepsakes can make lasting impressions.
Choosing the best gifts to ship internationally is just the first step. The next is making sure that your parcel arrives timely and safely at your recipient’s doorstep.
Check country restrictions before packing
Not every gift can cross borders freely. Checking the specific restrictions for your destination is a critical step in ensuring that your package can pass customs clearance from the Philippines. Failure to comply can result in delays, confiscation, or even fines.
Here's a quick look at some common restrictions for popular destinations:
- United States: You will not be able to send fresh fruits, meat, plants and cosmetics with prohibited ingredients.
- Japan: The import of meat products, fresh produce and certain health supplements is restricted.
- China: You cannot send fresh food, seeds, religious materials in bulk and certain publications.
- Hong Kong: There are restrictions on controlled medicines, counterfeit goods and some food additives.
- Singapore: The import of chewing gum, certain health supplements and controlled chemicals is strictly prohibited.
Tips for safe and secure shipping
Your package will go through various handling stages on its way to your recipient, from loading and unloading to scanning. To ensure that they arrive in pristine condition, it’s essential that you pack properly for shipping. Here’s how:
- Use strong, corrugated boxes and seal all seams with quality packing tape.
- Cushion delicate or breakable items with bubble wrap, foam or crumpled paper.
- For liquids (within allowed limits), double-seal containers in waterproof bags and clearly label them.
- Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.
- Opt for temperature-controlled shipping if you’re sending delicate or fragile items.
- Make sure both sender and recipient details are written clearly on the parcel, including postcode and country.
Tips to avoid delays or issues
Even the best-packed gift can face delays if certain precautions aren’t taken. To ensure the shipping process goes smoothly, here’s a how-to guide to follow:
- Declare all items accurately — never attempt to hide restricted goods inside a gift box.
- Ship early, especially for peak seasons like Christmas, New Year, or Valentine’s Day.
- Factor in holidays in both the Philippines and the destination country, which may affect delivery times.
- Use DHL Express’s express delivery option for urgent shipments — delivery from the Philippines to major destinations like the US, Canada, and Europe can take as little as 1–3 working days.
By following these best practices on shipping gifts internationally, you can avoid unnecessary stress and guarantee that your gift arrives right on time.
How much does it cost?
DHL Express international shipping costs vary based on:
- Weight and dimensions of the package
- Destination country – shipping to farther locations will cost more
- Service level – express delivery options often come with higher rates
- Nature of contents – fragile items that require special handling may incur additional fees or taxes
You can easily check the cost before sending by using the DHL Express Rate Calculator. This tool gives you an instant quote, allowing you to have a clear idea of your budget before shipping.
Extra tips for a thoughtful delivery
To add a personalised touch to your gift, consider:
- Including a handwritten note or printed photo
- Decorating the inside of the box for birthdays and special occasions
- Wrapping each item within your package individually to enhance the unboxing experience
Little touches like these can turn a standard delivery into a moment your loved one will remember.
How to ship your loved ones gifts with DHL Express
Whether you’re sending a small token of appreciation or a box full of home comforts, DHL Express makes it easy to put a smile on your loved one’s face no matter where they are. With reliable international shipping, flexible shipment service options and transparent global parcel tracking, you can be sure your gift will arrive quickly and safely.
Here’s how to ship with DHL Express:
- Prepare your package: Wrap securely, verify compliance with destination country rules and fill up the necessary documentation.
- Create your shipment online: Use the DHL Express website or MyDHL+ platform to fill out shipment details, print your waybill and get your tracking number.
- Arrange pickup or drop-off: Schedule a door-to-door collection or bring your parcel to the nearest DHL Express Service Point.
- Track your shipment: Monitor its journey in real time through DHL’s global parcel tracking system, from the moment it leaves your hands to the moment it arrives at your recipient’s doorstep.
Plan ahead, choose the best gifts for international shipping, pack them with care and trust DHL Express’s shipment service to deliver your love across borders.
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