I have a question for international shipping. I have to fill out the customs form to attach to the box and -- per Terri's instructions in the "rules" -- I have to list what's in the box and put a price to each. For example, "fabric $10.00" and so on with the total listed not to exceed $20 which apparently triggers extra fees for the recipient.

My question is: doesn't the customs form stay on the box right to the end -- where my recipient can read what's in her box before opening? I hate the thought of spoiling her surprise before the opening date!

I'm hoping all our friends who post outside the USA (I've seen Canada, Australia, and Scotland so far) and received packages in the past can fill me in. Thank you!

another hint....my ss is a new beginning quilter !!! so was so easy to buy for her!!!!

I live in Canada so I usually have to send a customs form as well. I try to keep the list of items as basic as possible. for example - fabric, ornament, candy. We don't need to be very specific. Plus all SS know fabric will be included. The other thing is we have to put our address down but I put Secret Santa as my name. Also in the past I have used my sister's address or my mother in-laws. I let them know when I do just in case it actually comes back for some reason! I think customs just wants an idea what is being sent. I have also learned not to look to closely at the form for that reason!!!
One year, I don't know how my SS did it, but the return address was my address! I can not do that here!!
Hopefully my answer helped a bit!! any questions just ask!! :)

My postmistress told me a couple years ago, they don't care what the return address is, as long as there is a valid return address. In other words, it has to have a real zip code, etc. I change my "location" under my avatar so it doesn't say where I live. I don't think too many people live near East Gybip.

I think the hints are getting a little to close to giving away who people have. I love a surprise and try not to pay much attention to the hints. The suggestions are somewhat of a help, but I don't shop anyway, so my SS partner is going to be disappointed if she is expecting lots of goodies from stores.

Good morning everyone! Clue for day: She loves to quilt!

Well, I'm thinking that just about fits ALL of us? LOL!

I wouldn't care if the goodies were store bought or not, the fun part is participating!!!

I have three of these rulers, 12"& 6" quarter and a 6" eighth inch seam. I have used them for years and if you do PP'ing they are a must have.
Hope everyone that is sick gets well fast. No fun when sick and we want to have FUN!

In my experience, it depends who's actually on the counter, lol. My local Post Office wants an exact list whilst others will happily accept a generic 'Fabric & Haberdashery'. The customs form is so tiny I've 'trained' myself not to look at it. Even if someone were to study it, they still don't know what pattern the FQs are, what that ruler might be for, kind of pins etc. etc. It's still a surprise.
The only time I've ever guessed (Secret Pal swap) is when the sender's board name is the same as their real name - you can get round this by putting 'Secret Santa'. :)

rwquilts, I like something sweet and I have several pets living in my home. I took my cat to the vets. The vet said I had won a door prize and put a kitty in my DD arms. Needless to say, next Tues we are getting a black, white and gray tiger. It's a boy. I've never had a male cat, only females. Oh, well just one more to love. So, You could be my SS.