ANSWERED: thanks everyone! :)

[Tulips]

Hi there!

I was hoping I could get some advice on how to post gifts from Australia to America without incurring import charges for the recipient? I've heard that even marking the parcel as a 'gift' doesn't necessarily mean that there won't be charges if the value is over the threshold (which is...?)

If I pay for extra coverage I have to state the value, but they're gifts and handmade items, I'd mostly just want my postage fees back if they got lost rather than calculate the value of handmade gifts etc.
Also, how do I declare the contents? Is there anything I should know about can/cannot send? There's some choccies I'm hoping to include (if they survive the heat leaving Australia lol).

Can anyone help me please? 

[Galactica]

There are not usually import charges on the U.S. recipient (or are you talking about sending to someone in Canada or So. America?)

 The only time I had to pay something was when I bought something REALLY expensive...

I have never ever paid import fees for ponies or dolls or toys that are less than $2000

The same is not true for Canada or just about anywhere else.

[kellyponyfeathers]

Ditto. I've received international packages insured for $900. I've never had to pay import/customs fees.

[Glacia471]

I've bought from outside the US more times than I can count and never once have had to pay import fees.

[Tulips]

Okay, that's a relief, I thought the US had a lower threshold. I remember hearing that some countries even charge fees on gifts, but I must have been mistaken and the US doesn't, I'm glad.
Thanks everyone!
Now I just have to hope I can get it ready and posted to arrive in time for Xmas, I'm cutting it close lol.

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Okay, that's a relief, I thought the US had a lower threshold. I remember hearing that some countries even charge fees on gifts, but I must have been mistaken and the US doesn't, I'm glad.
Thanks everyone!
Now I just have to hope I can get it ready and posted to arrive in time for Xmas, I'm cutting it close lol.

Yep the USA is the only country that does NOT charge its citizens those fees

[Galactica]

Okay, that's a relief, I thought the US had a lower threshold. I remember hearing that some countries even charge fees on gifts, but I must have been mistaken and the US doesn't, I'm glad.
Thanks everyone!
Now I just have to hope I can get it ready and posted to arrive in time for Xmas, I'm cutting it close lol.

Yep the USA is the only country that does NOT charge its citizens those fees

Currently... if the Cheeto doesn't get jailed or quit, it sounds like he is trying to change things)