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Granddaughter in NZ

(17 Posts)
Cath9 Tue 10-Dec-24 19:23:24

Any idea what to get my granddaughter for Christmas who lives in NZ who is 12 yrs of age?
I seem to either find ideas that don’t accept foreign currency or other hurdlers.

BlueBelle Tue 10-Dec-24 20:12:18

My last parcel didn’t even get there I think you should have posted before now anyway shouldnt you ?

tanith Tue 10-Dec-24 20:14:18

2 of my Grandchildren live abroad and its impossible to guess what gifts they would like. My son and I decided between us that I will transfer him the money and hes going to take the children on a 'Granny London's christmas gift trip', so they can pick something out themselves. Its not ideal but its better than their gifts going astray in the post. I hope resolve the problem.

GrandmaKT Tue 10-Dec-24 20:17:29

Amazon.com do free postage of some items to New Zealand. It might be a bit late now though. I'm not much help for what to get a 12 year old girl I'm afraid as we have 2 boys xx

Calendargirl Tue 10-Dec-24 20:33:28

As tanith said, just tfr money to parents account, and they can either buy her what she wants or let her choose for herself.

You’ll have no idea what she wants.

Cath9 Tue 10-Dec-24 21:46:13

Wow!
That is a lot of kind replies in a short period.
You are correct about sending money but that is what I did for her birthday which was only a few days ago, so very near Christmas.
I also looked into Amerzon suggesting to my son if I sent him money could he get her an Amerzon token for Australia which got changed to a suggestion of getting a Google gift card, again not possible to buy in uk and use in NZ.
Hence I sent the query to you all, so many thanks.

BlueBelle Tue 10-Dec-24 21:52:08

Personally I would have sent money and asked them to get a birthday and Christmas present or if at 12 she has her own account why not put money in her own account she can enjoy spending herself then
That’s what I do now although it was lovely sending presents from England when they were little but the postage’s have changed NZ don’t have a daily delivery anymore well not in my families area anyway

Chardy Wed 11-Dec-24 10:01:01

A friend was staying with her son in NZ for 6 weeks over Christmas. We looked for an Amazon equivalent there to surprise her, and found an NZ shop that delivered in a similar way, and could be paid digitally.
Apologies, it was pre-lockdown, so I don't remember details

NotSpaghetti Wed 11-Dec-24 10:12:41

I haven't used it but there's at least one John Lewis in NZ.

They may do home delivery

NotSpaghetti Wed 11-Dec-24 10:40:56

I'd also look here:

shoppings.co.nz/

NotSpaghetti Wed 11-Dec-24 10:44:57

Posted too soon... once you know the stores available locally you can search more effectively or if big (like, say, equivalent of Next or H&M) you can find the websites.

You could also Google (say) "jewellery near xxxx" on maps and make an arrangement directly with the shop.

I did this I the Phillipines for a florist and found a market stall trader!
They were very happy to deliver.

NotSpaghetti Wed 11-Dec-24 10:46:51

Oh yes, and I have done it with board games in the Philippines too.

I've used this method for cheese/wine etc in America.

Hithere Wed 11-Dec-24 14:08:49

Amazon card?

theworriedwell Wed 11-Dec-24 17:09:27

tanith

2 of my Grandchildren live abroad and its impossible to guess what gifts they would like. My son and I decided between us that I will transfer him the money and hes going to take the children on a 'Granny London's christmas gift trip', so they can pick something out themselves. Its not ideal but its better than their gifts going astray in the post. I hope resolve the problem.

I think 'Granny London's christmas gift trip', sounds lovely. I bet they remember the trips long after they've forgotten the actual gifts.

tanith Wed 11-Dec-24 17:52:55

Thanks theworriedwell I hope they have fun, I've sent money and presents before and twice the parcels never arrived and of course the post costs are prohibitive!

theworriedwell Wed 11-Dec-24 22:37:17

tanith

Thanks theworriedwell I hope they have fun, I've sent money and presents before and twice the parcels never arrived and of course the post costs are prohibitive!

I'm sure they will. I hope they might call you and let you know they are having fun. It would make you feel part of it. Maybe a little hint?

SheepyIzzy Thu 12-Dec-24 13:12:36

I (for mum) transfer money to sister's pay pal account as friends/family (helps keep charge down). Sister then either withdraws the money and gives grandchildren cash or transfers it to them. We found it was cheaper than going via the bank!

They are in NZ.