Bringing family gifts

[VeeNDee 44]

Since I am no longer a resident of Canada, I assume I have to follow the rules about what visitors to Canada can bring into the country correct? I have been reading up on it and was hoping to clarify or get confirmation on some things. From what I can figure out, each visitor is allowed to bring $60 in personal goods into the country. If my husband and I travel together, does that mean we have a combined total of $120? If they are gifts, my understanding is that they cannot be wrapped. What about items your family ships to you and then asks if you can bring them across. If they are under the limit is there any trouble with that? I was unable to find more information on that. What about items like homemade cookies? I know certain food items are prohibited but is it easier to bring a sealed container of store cookies or homemade cookies in a Tupperware container for example? I know it's a lot of questions so thanks for your feedback!

[VeeNDee 44]

P.S. I should mention we will be driving not flying

[neiks 19]

You are correct and you will be considered a non resident for CBSA purposes of tax exemptions. As a non resident you may bring gifts up to $60 each duty and tax free. So basically it is a per item and as long as each item is under $60 no duty or tax. If the item is over $60 then you may have to pay duty and tax on the amount over $60.

Items ordered by Canadian residents and shipped to your location in the US for convenience do not qualify as a gifts.

Examples: You are bringing up christmas presents....$50 sweater for Dad, $40 perfume for Mom, $20 toy for nephew and $350 TV for Grandma. Dad's, Mom's Nephew's gift no duty or tax. Grandmas's Tv $350-$60 = $290 value for duty and tax to be collected on.

Canadian brother in law orders $760 from Cabelas and has it shipped to your address in the US and you are going to bring the items up for him. His order consists of 38- $20 duck decoys. You will be paying duty and tax on his behalf on the $760 at the border when you bring them up for him as they are not bon a fide gifts.

PS... we (CBSA) don't care about cookies unless we are feeling hungry at the time.