Shipping souvenirs from UK back to US

As of last Christmas there was still shipping by sea from the UK to the US. However it still might be more expensive than you’d like. I bought stamps when we arrived last week so I could send postcards to our grandchildren. The postage at 2.20 GBP is 3 times what the average postcard has cost me (75 pence).

You can check costs here for small items https://www.royalmail.com/sending/international

for larger items https://www.parcelforce.com/

I carry on the way over and check on the way home--expandable suitcases are genius, or just pack a cheap duffle. I am less concerned about my travel being interrupted by waiting for a bag on the way back. For the items you are describing, that would be the most economical route.

I love the idea of Royal Mail ! Thank you @ramblin' on. The site has International Economy category, but it doesn't mention to US (rather other parts of Europe, Australia, etc). The Parcelforce is not sounding inexpensive, alas

Thank you @valadelphia . Additional context though is that this will be the start of a trip to one or two other cities, with possible plane ride in between. So really really hoping to keep it carry-on.

The Royal Mail Intl Economy service says delivery to North America “in up to 6 weeks.” Not too expensive to send a couple of 2kg packages (if just a few t shirts and tote bags, should be no problem), and there is a special rate for printed matter.

https://www.royalmail.com/sending/international/country-guides/usa

Brilliant @hopper18 ! Embarrassingly enough, I looked at International Mail information too quickly. The good 'ol USA did not pop up immediately, and I didn't pick up on the North America category. Thank you

I've shipped some souvenirs home for myself from the UK a few times (to the US, east coast), most recently from Scotland last year. I can't recall the price but it was not expensive at all, and it took about a week for the package to arrive. I just wandered into a local post office and it took about 5 minutes to get it done. Super easy!

Last year I mailed a package back to my home on Monday and it arrived on Friday that same week, it was $45.00.

I frequently send books and other small gifts to friends in the USA. Royal Mail is the way to go for sure. It's our national postal service and predates UPS/DHS and the like. Although they have now been privatised they still provide a good service that includes for example a promise of delivery to any address in the UK - something the other providers do not offer! No DHL/UPS etc deliveries up here on the Isle of Skye.