Sending packages? Cancel Title is required

I noticed in the story center that people mentioned that they have been sending packages to their sponsored children.  I didn't realize that we could (and I have been sponsoring for quite some time now!) because I was always told that it was not possible nor recommended.  Has that changed?  Is it possible to send packages to a child sponsored internationally?

 Thank so much for anyone's help!

Debbie

yes, you can send DPs, direct packages to your child. Contact CI for the address you send the package to. They are not really recommended by CI because they can be very expensive to mail. Many times, the postage can be more than the cost of the items you send. Also, it is not guaranteed that the package will make it to your child. This has happened. Other packages have been opened and items missing. 

It's my opinion that SNGs Special Needs Gifts are much better. that way your child can choose what they want/need and it also benefits the area economy where your child lives. 

I was also under the impression that it was not possible to send packages, so this is helpful and welcome information. Thank You!!!

Special Needs Gifts are definitely a better economical choice than mailing a Direct Package. The exception (for me, at least) is when you sponsor a number of children in the same country. If this is the case, spending the $60-$80 to mail a DP is worth it because you are able to do something special for multiple kids for the amount of a single SNG. With 12 kids + 5 group kids, I can't afford frequent SNG's of $100+ (and I don't like sending smaller amounts), but I can still mail a package that contains gifts for three or more sponsor kids inside.

For the most part, I've had only good experiences with mailing Direct Packages. Occasionally, I have been charged customs fees or have had the customs officials remove "contraband" items from the box, but none of my packages have been lost or have arrived with items missing due to theft. The big thing is to be careful about the contents list you provide for customs (vague is good), and USPS seems to draw the least amount of attention from customs (particularly the flat-rate envelopes).

The countries I have successfully mailed gifts to are: Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Ecuador, and Zambia.

I have always mailed packages to Guatemala.  I find them more personal because you can introduce them to items they will never buy.  For example a dictionary, hair accessories, addition & multiplication cards.
The packages have always reach them except one I mailed in November to avoid the Christmas rush. CI is still tracing it for me.

I have a quick follow-up question for this old thread! If we are sending a DP, do we have to label all the goodies inside with the child's number? If so, what exactly has to be on the label of each item? Would it just be covered by a label on the outside of the box?

As long as everything in the package is going to the same child, there's no need to include the child's information on every item inside the package.  Just noting their name and identification number in one place is good! :)

Thanks! That makes everything a lot easier!

I have sent a DP to my sponsored child in ecuador, but through Amazon (which will only send books). Shipping was more then the books in question and there is no guarantee the children will get them (even through Amazon).  Amazon marked the package very clearly that it was books and a donation. Probably to lessen the chance of them being stolen. My sponsored child and her sister did receive the books, but I sent them with the realization they may never get them. Many of these countries are rife with corruption and/or interment mail service.