As the new year begins, many local families are reflecting on Christmas spending and asking what could be done differently for 2026. One growing concern is the rising cost of sending gifts overseas.
Brightwater resident Lucy Davis, who has family in the UK, says postage often costs as much as – or more than – the gift itself.
“My niece recently had a baby, and I’d love to be shopping for her, but it’s gutting to spend the same amount on postage as you would have on the gift,” Lucy says.
While buying from UK websites is cheaper, Lucy says it removes the chance to send New Zealand items that reflect where her family now lives.
“It would be nice to send mum something New Zealand-like, so she can think of us and where we are.”
Instead, her family creates photo calendars online and has them delivered in the UK, paying under $8 New Zealand dollars for shipping.
“It’s the only way we can give something personal.”
Richmond father Jamie Keen says the cost of sending parcels has become unreasonable. Jamie recently sent a care package to his son in the UK.
“We wanted to send him some Kiwiana stuff – things he likes,” Jamie says.
“Pineapple Lumps, Cookie Time biscuits, a couple of bars of Whittaker’s chocolate, and an Arsenal shirt.”
The items cost about $50 and weighed just under two kilograms. The postage alone came to $141.
“That was a shock,” Jamie says.
“It wasn’t special delivery, not tracked or signed for – just a basic delivery service.”
On top of the hefty postage, the recipient also pays customs fees. Altogether, sending a $50 gift under two kilos cost Jamie around $200.
Looking ahead, Jamie says next Christmas they’ll likely transfer money or use UK-based services like Amazon, where delivery is free.
Many families told Nelson App they feel postal costs are out of control, with some noting that sending a standard Christmas card within New Zealand now costs between $4.80 and $5.80.
