Secret Santa 2025 - Signups close October 30 at mignifht.
11-14-2025, 04:00 PM
#41
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 2,640
My package was sent today. It turns out Canadians are no longer welcome to ship parcels to the USA. I thought it would be nice to send my recipient some "Made in Canada" unique items but the USA does not want these things sent into the country and the duty costs were more than the value of the items. I revised my shipment and managed to get the amount of duty I had to pay to less, but it still cost me in duty fees to send the package and then again in shipping charges. I hope that my recipient does not have to pay at her end because that would just be too much. It would be easier to ship overseas than across the southern border. Anyway, Canada Post is still in rotating strike action so I am hoping that the parcel travels directly south and crosses into the US Postal System before being caught in some warehouse under lockdown.
It's the "de minimus" thing. https://www.canadapost-postescanada....id=murl_jh_782
It's the "de minimus" thing. https://www.canadapost-postescanada....id=murl_jh_782
Last edited by b.zang; 11-14-2025 at 04:02 PM.
11-14-2025, 04:51 PM
#42
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 238
B.zang…I was wondering if some places may even not be performing shipments to the US at all, because the US nonsense stance for awhile was that the external to US shipping agency needed to collect the fees that were ill defined, constantly changing rates, and many were not equipped to do so. The elimination of small personal shipment exemptions from these laws was also a significant setback for those of us with friends and family internationally. There is no net positive trade or commerce impact but significant hardship and challenge for individuals who just want to send packages to loved ones. I’m sorry it was stressful and frustrating to ship into the US this year.
11-14-2025, 07:44 PM
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Nabawa, Western Australia
Posts: 2,221
I've got items originally made in Greece , Japan, Indonesia, and fabric originated from I don't know where. I hope I'll be allowed to send it to the USA though. Both my ornament swaps got thru but they were very simple..
11-16-2025, 09:16 PM
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 927
I'm waiting on one item to hopefully arrive tomorrow, and one item will definitely not get here in time, but it was just a fun addition, oh well. I've got a few things to add from stash, so after work tomorrow I'll wrap everything while I bake some baklava. I made some for Dad's Bible study a few months ago, and it is his turn to bring treats again, and they specifically asked him if he could talk me into making it again. I guess it is nice to be well thought of, but the idea of all that work on a work night makes me groan. The things we do for love.
11-17-2025, 07:32 AM
#47
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 238
@quiltingdragon ooooh baklava! So tasty and yes oh so much work! Fiddling with the phyllo after a long day could be a hassle. Put on some good tunes, YouTube videos, or a podcast to see you through!
I just started making my annual rumballs yesterday. I made them once for my MIL upon request over a decade ago and somehow am now obligated to make them annually.i really don’t like making them, I find them boring (kind of just assembly). No one else even likes them! I try to throw on some Christmas music and engaging YouTube to downgrade them from nutty chocolate balls of resentment to just a chore like dishes.
I just started making my annual rumballs yesterday. I made them once for my MIL upon request over a decade ago and somehow am now obligated to make them annually.i really don’t like making them, I find them boring (kind of just assembly). No one else even likes them! I try to throw on some Christmas music and engaging YouTube to downgrade them from nutty chocolate balls of resentment to just a chore like dishes.
11-17-2025, 07:46 AM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 963
B.zang…I was wondering if some places may even not be performing shipments to the US at all, because the US nonsense stance for awhile was that the external to US shipping agency needed to collect the fees that were ill defined, constantly changing rates, and many were not equipped to do so. The elimination of small personal shipment exemptions from these laws was also a significant setback for those of us with friends and family internationally. There is no net positive trade or commerce impact but significant hardship and challenge for individuals who just want to send packages to loved ones. I’m sorry it was stressful and frustrating to ship into the US this year.
