As someone who has spent a lot of Christmases away from home, I wrote about them all here, it has always been important for me to feel connected to my family and friends back home at this special time of year.

One of the best ways for me to do that has been through buying presents for them. I don’t know if I ever put so much effort or thought into Christmas presents before I left home but it is one of my favourite things to do for my family and friends now.

It’s a time when they’re always coming to my mind and I remember all their funny little quirks and what makes them awesome as I deliberate over what gift I want to pop in the post for them.

Working within the restrictions of the post system and New Zealand’s strict bio hazard rules forces me to get extra creative with my gifting every year too. So I can’t send that delicious craft jam picked up at the European Christmas markets, or next seasons nail polish colours to my younger sis? No worries Royal Mail; challenge accepted!

As I’m always trawling the internet myself for postable gift ideas, I thought I’d pay it forward and share some of the winning ideas I’ve had over the years and awesome things I have been sent by others.

If you still have a bit of shopping to do I hope this gives you a bit of inspiration and if you have any other ideas that have worked for you please add them in the comments. Oh and let me know how you connect with your family overseas too. Of course I always plan in a Skype session to open the presents on my Christmas Eve, their Christmas morning which totally sets me up for the holiday period.

Although these ideas all have a NZ flavour they could easily be sent anywhere in the world.

Cookie Time Postcard Cookies – One of the best ideas ever and such a great surprise to receive in the mail! Basically it is a cookie that can be slipped through your letter box. Cookie Time is a bit of an institution in New Zealand and you will definitely be a winner if you chose to put one of these on your Kiwi friend’s doorstep.

The Caker Cake Mixes – I was sent a dark chocolate and chili cake which looked and tasted divine. There are lots more options on the website now. Cake is always a good idea!

Photo Credit -thecaker.co.nz

Or of course – order them a cake! How could you go wrong with one of these beauties? ^^

The Book Depository – This website is a godsend. Free shipping anywhere in the world. FREE! Their delivery is reliable and quick and they have such a huge selection of books you’re bound to find something to suit anyone or everyone on your gift list. Ben often makes it a personal challenge to buy a book for everyone on his gift list.

The Ryan Gosling Tea Towel by NZ designer Colleen Pugh who sells her creations through her label Dear Colleen. One of my friends sent this to me for my birthday last year and I love it so much I haven’t been able to use it. It’s hanging in my stairwell instead and still makes me laugh.

Check out this link too, Ryan has seen the tea towel!

Photo calendars, books or prints – Yes! Definitely inflict pictures of you and your adventures on friends and family members. It’s guaranteed to keep you on their mind through the whole year. I have used Moonpig for cards numerous times and PhotoBox for calendars this year. Both are great quality for reasonable prices.

Kiwi Etsy Stores – Support local crafters by ordering a gift from a New Zealander on Etsy. Etsy is a market place for all things craft, so chose out something original and skip the pricey shipping by keeping it all in NZ.

Happy shopping!