Have you ever wondered why some families send essentials instead of cash to their loved ones living abroad? For millions of expats and immigrants, the decision is personal. While sending money is common, care packages with food, toiletries, or household items can better meet your relatives’ immediate needs. From practical challenges like high local prices or limited availability, to emotional and cultural traditions, sending essentials can show care in a way money alone sometimes can’t. This Remitly guide will help you understand why families make this choice, the challenges you may face, and tips to make sending care packages smoother.
Practical reasons behind sending essentials instead of money
Sending a care package rather than sending money can help ensure your loved ones have what they need, even when local conditions make certain items hard to find.
Cost considerations
Everyday items like groceries, medications, or hygiene products vary a lot in price and can be much more expensive in some countries.
In Nigeria, imported baby formula is costly due to high duties, taxes, and exchange rates, making shipments from abroad more affordable. In Algeria and Jordan, menstrual hygiene products are disproportionately expensive, costing three to four times more than in the US.
Even everyday products like cooking oil in Argentina or diapers in rural Honduras can be expensive or hard to find in rural areas.
Sending essentials directly can help your family access reliable supplies. Bulk shipments of non-perishable items such as rice, cereals, or toiletries can help save money over time. Planning recurring shipments for recurring items such as diapers or sanitary products can further reduce costs and relieve monthly budgeting pressures.
Access to specific items
In many parts of the world, some products may be scarce or unavailable locally. Medical supplies, dietary-specific foods, or favorite toiletries may not be stocked in neighborhood stores, especially in rural regions.
In India, gluten-free foods are common in cities, but harder to find in rural regions. In parts of Eastern Europe, specific skincare brands like Cetaphil or Neutrogena are often unavailable, leaving families to rely on international shipments.
In some Latin American countries, educational supplies like textbooks or art materials may not be widely available, making international shipments the most reliable way for students or children to access what they need.
By sending essentials directly, you can help your loved ones get exactly what they need, whether it’s gluten-free foods for a child, medical supplies for elderly relatives, or familiar toiletries for daily comfort. While monetary support could technically be used to buy local alternatives, there’s no guarantee these items will be available or of the same quality.
Direct support for loved ones
Sending items also provides a sense of direct support. When money is tight, cash sent may go towards urgent expenses such as rent, utilities, or school fees. This can leave little left over for other essentials like medicine, baby supplies, or personal care items.
By sending goods instead of money, you can guarantee your support reaches the intended purpose—diapers, vitamins, or comfort foods—when they’re needed most.
Cultural and emotional significance
Beyond practical considerations, sending goods often carries emotional and cultural meaning that money alone can’t.
A gesture of personal care
Care packages show that you know and understand your loved ones’ preferences. Including favorite snacks, preferred toiletries, or a comforting item like a blanket can communicate attention and care across distances.A package of carefully chosen essentials feels more personal than cash. It’s a gesture that can strengthen your familial bonds, especially when distance makes regular visits impossible. In this sense, international care packages become symbols of love and connection.
Cultural and traditional practices
In many cultures, tangible gifts have special significance. Certain holidays, celebrations, or family customs place strong value on delivering specific foods, household items, or symbolic gifts.
- Philippines: Overseas Filipinos send balikbayan boxes, large packages filled with food, clothes, toys, and electronics as a cherished symbol of love and support.
- India: Families exchange sweets, dried fruits, and household goods during Diwali, emphasizing the importance of tangible gifts.
- West Africa: Family members often send staple foods or clothing for Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
- Middle East: During Ramadan, care packages with dates, sweets, or essential household goods are often sent to support family members abroad.
Even outside formal traditions, sending care packages demonstrates effort and consideration, which can be especially meaningful across generations. A thoughtful care package can show that you’ve considered your loved ones’ specific needs and likes, strengthening family bonds when regular visits aren’t possible.
Challenges to consider when sending essentials
While sending essentials can be meaningful, it comes with challenges. Being aware of them can make the process smoother and reduce stress for you and your loved ones.
Shipping costs and logistics
International shipping can be expensive, and reliability varies by courier and destination. Brazil is known for long customs delays, and in Kenya, packages may be held by customs until additional fees are paid. During peak seasons like Christmas or Lunar New Year, courier backlogs can slow down delivery worldwide.
Planning ahead, comparing courier rates, and using services with tracking can help reduce stress.
Storage and perishability
Not all items travel well. Perishable items like fresh foods, dairy products, or certain medications may spoil before arrival. Bulky goods such as bedding or large appliances can also be expensive to ship and difficult to store.
Focus on durable, non-perishable goods such as canned food, powdered milk, toiletries, or baby supplies. Check with your family about available storage space before sending larger packages.
Timing and urgency
Some items, such as medication or seasonal clothing, are only useful if they arrive on time. Delivery delays can reduce the impact of your shipment.
Planning shipments around birthdays, holidays, or school seasons can help ensure your packages have the intended purpose. If speed is critical, pairing a small essentials package with a remittance transfer can be a practical solution.
In regions affected by seasonal weather, like monsoon seasons in South Asia or winter storms in Eastern Europe, shipping delays can become more common. Planning shipments well in advance, and including backup items such as extra non-perishable food or toiletries, can help ensure your loved ones have what they need, even if a future package is delayed.
Benefits and advantages of sending essentials
Despite the challenges, families often choose to send essentials instead of money for several reasons:
- Providing what’s needed: Care packages help ensure your loved ones receive the specific items they need that may be too expensive or not available locally.
- Peace of mind: While cash offers flexibility, sending essentials can ease concerns about whether cash might be spent on other urgent needs.
- Cost efficiency: For recurring needs, sending non-perishable goods in bulk can be more affordable than multiple smaller cash transfers.
Tips for successfully sending essentials abroad
A few strategies can make the process smoother and ensure your package arrives safely.
Research reliable shipping options
Not all couriers are the same. Consider delivery speed, tracking, insurance, and customs assistance. Using a trusted global provider can reduce stress for both you and your loved ones. Common express services like DHL, FedEx, or UPS are often reliable, offering:
- Faster delivery times
- Door-to-door tracking
- Insurance options for valuables
- Customs clearance assistance
In some regions, local or community-based shipping options may be better. For example, Correios in Brazil and India Post EMS are affordable options for smaller shipments.
Understand customs regulations
Every country has its own import rules. While this may sound overwhelming, checking the customs website for your recipient’s country only takes a few minutes and can save costly delays.
- Declaration forms: Be accurate and honest when describing contents and declaring value—packages may be opened and inspected.
- Gift allowance thresholds: Many countries allow small-value items to be imported duty-free. These amounts vary by country, such as €45 EUR ($53 USD at the time of writing) in the EU or $900 AUD ($588 USD at the time of writing) in Australia. If your package exceeds the allowance, your recipient may have to pay taxes or duties.
- Restricted or prohibited items: Common examples include alcohol, tobacco, certain foods, plants, electronics with lithium batteries, and counterfeit goods. Before sending your package, check the customs website of the destination country for a list of restricted and prohibited items to ensure your gift is allowed.
Create a schedule for shipments
For recurring needs, consider creating a schedule for shipments, such as sending diapers or menstrual products monthly. Combining multiple family shipments into one larger box can reduce costs.
Pack thoughtfully
How you pack matters just as much as what you send:
- Use sturdy boxes with reinforced tape.
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap.
- Separate liquids to prevent leaks.
- Clearly label packages and include a packing list to help your loved ones check the contents.
Adding a personal note or small keepsake can make your package feel extra special.
Consider combining essentials with cash
Sometimes a mix works best. Essentials cover hard-to-find goods, while cash provides flexibility for bills, fresh food, or emergencies.
For example, a parent in Mexico might send school supplies and clothes in a package, along with a small cash transfer for tuition fees to their child studying abroad. In India, dietary-specific foods could be shipped while money is sent for groceries. This way, your care package meets both practical and emotional needs.
Why it matters
Sending essentials instead of money is more than just a logistical choice; it’s a thoughtful way to show care, attention, and understanding for your loved ones’ specific needs. This approach balances practical, cultural, and emotional considerations: it ensures your family receives the items they need, honors traditions and personal preferences, and strengthens connections across distances.
By considering factors such as cost, availability, timing, and local customs, you can make sending care packages smoother and more meaningful. Staying informed about the best ways to support your loved ones helps you navigate challenges like shipping logistics, customs regulations, and item selection. Thoughtful planning ensures that your care reaches its intended purpose and makes a tangible impact in the lives of those you care about.Remitly makes it easy to provide timely support to your loved ones abroad. Learn how to send money safely and conveniently to help them access the essentials they need, and complement your care packages with fast, reliable transfers.
FAQ
Why do families prefer sending food or goods over money?
Many families feel that sending physical items shows thoughtfulness and addresses practical issues like inflated costs, limited availability, or specific recipient needs.
What common items are sent instead of money?
Non-perishable food, hygiene products, baby supplies, clothing, and medications are common. Families often personalize packages based on preferences and requirements.
How can I save on shipping costs for essentials?
Consider bulk shipments, off-season shipping, and combining packages with others. Comparing courier services can help you find the most reasonable options.
Is sending cash a better option in some cases?
Yes, cash can be helpful when items are available locally or when flexibility is important. Many families choose to combine cash with essentials for the most balanced approach.
What should I avoid sending in care packages?
Avoid perishable goods, hazardous items, or anything restricted by customs. Checking regulations in advance can prevent complications.