If you have a friend, family member, or colleague living abroad who is missing home, sending them a taste of Britain is one of the most thoughtful things you can do. But knowing what to send, how to send it, and where to buy authentic British products can feel overwhelming.
This guide covers everything you need to know about sending British gifts to expats abroad in 2026 — from the best products to include, to shipping tips, customs advice, and where to buy genuine British goods that will actually make someone feel like they're back home.
Why British Expats Miss Home More Than You Think
There are currently over 5 million British nationals living abroad — in the United States, Australia, Canada, Spain, Germany, the UAE, and beyond. And while life abroad is full of adventure, almost every British expat will tell you the same thing: they miss the little things.
Not the big landmarks or the famous institutions — but the everyday things. A proper cup of Yorkshire Tea. A Digestive biscuit. The smell of Marmite on toast. Cadbury chocolate that actually tastes right. These small, familiar comforts carry enormous emotional weight when you're thousands of miles from home.
What to Include in a British Care Package
The best British care packages combine the practical (things you genuinely can't find abroad) with the sentimental (things that trigger happy memories of home). Here are the essentials:
British Tea
This is non-negotiable. Yorkshire Tea, PG Tips, and Twinings are the holy trinity of British tea — and while you can find them in some international supermarkets, they never taste quite the same. A proper box of British tea is the foundation of any good care package.
British Biscuits
Digestives, Hobnobs, Custard Creams, Bourbon Creams, Jammie Dodgers — these are the biscuits that British people grow up with and genuinely cannot find abroad. McVitie's Digestives in particular are something that simply doesn't exist outside the UK in the same form.
British Chocolate
Cadbury Dairy Milk made outside the UK genuinely tastes different — the recipe varies by country. British-made Cadbury, Thorntons, and Maltesers are always welcome in a care package. Quality Street and Celebrations tins are particularly popular at Christmas.
British Comfort Food
Marmite, Branston Pickle, HP Sauce, Heinz Baked Beans, Bovril — these are the condiments and pantry staples that British expats genuinely struggle to find abroad, or find at vastly inflated prices in specialist import shops.
British Lifestyle Products
Beyond food, British lifestyle products — homeware, stationery, gifts with a distinctly British aesthetic — make wonderful additions to a care package. Think Union Jack mugs, British-themed notebooks, or products from beloved British brands.
Shipping British Gifts Abroad — What You Need to Know
Customs and Import Rules
Most food products can be shipped internationally, but there are some restrictions to be aware of. Fresh produce, meat, and dairy are generally restricted. Packaged, shelf-stable food products — which is what most British care packages contain — can typically be shipped to most countries without issue.
Always declare the contents accurately on customs forms. Most countries allow personal gifts up to a certain value without import duty — typically £/€/$30–$100 depending on the destination country.
Packaging Tips
Pack fragile items (biscuit tins, glass jars) carefully with bubble wrap. Use a sturdy outer box. Include a packing list inside the parcel — this makes customs clearance faster and helps the recipient know what's inside if the outer packaging is damaged.
The Easiest Way to Send British Gifts Abroad
The simplest solution is to use a specialist British gift retailer that already ships internationally. At LondonPop Box, we ship authentic British products to over 80 countries worldwide — all with full tracking, careful packaging, and compliance with international customs requirements.
Browse our gift sets and bundles for ready-made care packages, or explore our subscription boxes for a monthly taste of home that keeps on giving.
We ship to British expats in the USA, Australia, Canada, UAE, Spain, Germany, France, New Zealand and many more countries.
When to Send British Gifts to Expats
The most popular times to send British care packages to expats are:
- Christmas — The time when homesickness is strongest. A British Christmas hamper is the most thoughtful gift you can send.
- Birthdays — A care package of British favourites makes a deeply personal birthday gift.
- Moving abroad — A "taste of home" package is a wonderful farewell gift for someone about to emigrate.
- Just because — Sometimes the best care packages are the unexpected ones. A surprise parcel of British treats can genuinely make someone's day.
Whatever the occasion, a British care package is a gift that says: "I know you miss home, and I'm thinking of you."