Sending a gift to a loved one overseas? Whether it’s for a special occasion or a spontaneous surprise, international gift shipping comes with a few important things to consider.

Here’s what you need to know to make the process smooth, thoughtful, and memorable.

1. Timing Your Surprise

Most international deliveries take about 2 to 5 working days, but it’s always best to plan ahead. Customs clearance can sometimes cause delays, especially during peak seasons or holidays.

Tip: Ship early to make sure your gift arrives right on time — surprises are better when they aren’t late.

2. Keeping It a Surprise — What to Consider

Yes, you can choose to use your own contact details instead of the recipient’s to keep the gift a true surprise. But here are a few things to weigh:

• Potential delays: Customs may need to reach the recipient and won’t be able to if you’re listed instead.
• Risk of failed delivery: If contact attempts fail, the parcel might be returned.
• Return fees: In such cases, you’ll be responsible for the full return charges.

It’s a balance between surprise and certainty, so consider what works best for you.

3. Avoiding Customs Hassles

Customs clearance is one of the biggest variables in international shipping, but you can make it easier by:

• Ensuring you’re not shipping any restricted or prohibited items
• Providing complete and accurate information during the shipping process
• Choosing DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) to pay all customs charges upfront — so the recipient doesn’t get a surprise bill

4. Keeping the Contents Private

Worried about spoiling the surprise? We’ve got you covered.

• Shipping labels won’t reveal what’s inside the box.
• Commercial invoices are submitted electronically, so there’s no visible paperwork attached to the parcel.

Your recipient gets a clean, mystery-filled package just as you intended.

Understanding the finer details of shipping a gift lets you send it with more confidence and care. It’s not just about what’s inside the box — it’s about the entire experience, from packing to delivery.

Make your surprise extra special. Let JustShip help you share joy, wherever it needs to go.