Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1987-12-02, Page 9Overseas gifts Unless you've got some flying reindeer kicking around the yard, sending Christmas gifts overseas will involve ad- vance planning, selective shopping and careful packaging. Thousand of Ontario residents mail gifts out of Canada each Christmas. Unfor- tunately, some of the gifts might just as well have stayed in the stores where they were purchased, says Diane Middleton of the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations (MCCR). "Despite their best intentions, people run into a number of problems with long distance gift -giving," Middleton says. "Every year, some presents arrive too late for Christmas, others are damaged beyond repair because of improper packaging and there are always a few that don't reach their destinations at all." According to Middleton, early planning and a few calls to the local post office can save money, aggravation and disappointment. The deadline for mailing parcels to a particular destination is the first thing to find out from Canada Post or the courier you plan to use. If you're already too late, perhaps a money order would be the best gift this year. It may also be possible to buy a present through a company specializing in foreign gift orders, pro- viding delivery as part of the purchase. Foods and plants that could not be shipped to foreign countries can often be sent through these firms. When checking on mailing dates, find out if there are restrictions on what you can send into the country in question. Packages containing restricted items can be confiscated by customs officers. Postal costs depend on weight, )so try to choose light items. Ease of wrapping and durability are also considerations to keep in mind when picking a gift. Insurance may be available from the post office depending on the destination in- volved, but it will only cover loss, not damage. When sending valuable gifts, find out if insurance can be purchased, the maximum amount of coverage allowed and current rates. You should also ask about the advantages and costs involved in registered mail and special delivei3 services. Even armed with all this information about postal regulations and services, it's possible to make mistakes buying gifts, Middleton says. "You could buy a super light -weight, in- destructible doll_ that passes all the customs and postal regulations only to find out too .late that the intended recipient hasn't played with toys in years," she says. "People tend to remember others as they were when they last met. Don't send clothes unless you know exact sizes and color preferences. "It's probably too late for this year, but make a mental note to ask some discreet questions about future gifts the next time you write to your friends or relatives overseas." Another general concern with gifts going out of Canada involves repairs and war- ranties. It can be impossible to have some items serviced in foreign countries. Get- ting etting warranties honored in another coun- try is generally not possible, even if the company involved has a branch plant or outlet there. THIS AD WILL DISAPPEAR IN SECONDS IF WE PUT IT ON THE RADIO SEEING IS BELIEY1NG Regardless of what you finally pick as a gift, check it over carefully before ,n i1ing to ensure it isn't missing any parts and is free of defects. The local post office can provide advice about proper packing and labelling. toucknow Sestina, Wednesday, December 2, 1I 7 ---fie 9 .041. : " AntrAir OWAt:tom' ~ 'ser ser zor ator Ar ler At Or law Shopping days 14 until Christmas it aor :or Anif: 241T Atkr Aar AT :dr aft Ana:a ler .111- R 1N We at Fincher's are devoted to our castontet's needs. As a result we have expanded our store to ac- commodate s comtnodate more for your shopping pleasure. By adding convenience and better selection, we are able to serve you ... our valued friends & customers. SUPER SPECIAL! CANADIAN AUTHORS •Farley Mowat *Margaret Lawrence •Margaret Atwood •W.O. Mitchell BANTAM BOOKS Buy 2 and Get 1 F EE PLUS .... MORE THAN 0 FF ✓ FISHER -PRICE TOYS fit BOARD GAMES (Excespecial) ✓ TILLEY LEATHER WALLETS eff,";:, ✓ PLAYDOH SETS ✓ TIMEX WATCHE PAINT BY NUMBER SETS PLAYSKOOL TOYS ',PLUSH TOYS ✓JIGSAW PUZZLES ✓ LEGO TOYS NERF TbYS ✓ MODEL KITS CHILDREN'S BOOKS 00 OTHER TOYS, GAMES, PUZZLES, GIFTS, BOOKS SALE PRICE ,,SPECIALLY FOR OUR 3 DAY GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION SUPER SPECIAL! CHRISTMAS GIFT BOWS PKG. OF 25 1129 SAVE '�/ i0. SUPER SPECIAL. CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAP 8 ROLL PKG., 400 TOTAL INCHES 99 EXPANDED GIFT DEPT. ALL GIFTWARE OFF +NCLUDING: Brass. Crystal, Figurines (Area's Best Selection), Kitchen Accessories. Glassware. Wine Sets. Decorative Plates. Anniversary Gifts, Wall Pla- ques Wall Clocks Baby's Gift Items PLUS SHOP OUR CLEARANCE GIFT ISLAND 50� SAVINGS HALF PRICE' ALL CARLTON CARDS BOXED CHRISTMAS CARDS Specials in effect Thursday. December 3 ttwu gh Saturday. December 5. 1 S7. OFF FEAltURING SPECIAL ENVELOPES FOR THE 310 STAMPS.