Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive my gift pack?
If you order your gift pack to be sent to yourself, we will post this within 3 working days. If you order your gift to be sent directly to your recipient, we will post it on 17 December so it arrives in time for Christmas. If you want a gift pack posted in time for Christmas you need to order by 17 December. You can still order right up until Christmas but we cannot guarantee the pack will arrive in time. However, after purchase, you will also be abe to send your recipient a free eCard of the gift you have bought them. Please note the following postal deadlines for Christmas deliveries overseas: Europe: 12 December, Zone 1: 10 December, Zone 2: 5 December. If you have any concerns about your delivery or would like to arrange for an alternative delivery date before Christmas, you can contact us at or call our head office on 020 7934 9322.
Can the gift card go directly to the person I am buying for?
If you wish the gift pack to be sent directly to your recipient, please note that we can only manage one delivery address per online order. If you want to buy gifts to send to multiple addresses, you can either order each gift separately online, or else call us on 020 7934 9322 and we will be happy to help with your order.
Can I personalise my card?
I'm afraid we can't offer this facility. However we can send you the gift pack directly so you can write your own message on the card. After purchase, you will also have the option to send your recipient an eCard of the gift you have bought them.
Is there a choice of cards?
We will insert a card of the gift you have bought in a gift card carrier. There isn't an option to choose different cards. All our cards have lovely pictures of people who have been helped by CARE in the past.
Do you claim gift aid on postage and packing?
Gift aid is not applicable to postage and packing.
Why do you have a flat fee for postage and packing?
It was much too complicated to work out different rates dependent on the number of gifts packs required. £1.00 is what it costs us to process and send one gift pack.
What happens to the gift aid you will have reclaimed on my donation?
Any Gift Aid we reclaim will be used to fund the whole of CARE International's work.
Do I get a receipt?
You will receive a thank you letter from CARE International by way of confirmation.
Can I simply make a donation?
Yes. The ordering process includes an option to make an additional donation of any amount you choose. We will send you a confirmation letter. Alternatively, if you wish to make a donation without ordering a gift, please visit the main CARE website at: http://www.careinternational.org.uk/donate
How is my gift delivered?
Gifts are typically delivered as part of broader programmes and projects. The items have been specifically requested by local communities to meet their greatest needs. As such, most gifts are delivered as part of integrated programmes which assist many members of a particular community, rather than as ad hoc gifts.
When is my gift delivered?
Gifts are delivered as quickly as possible in line with the needs of specific programmes around the world. It may take several months for a specific programme to be planned and implemented but you can be sure your gift will be delivered in a timely and efficient manner.
Will you be able to tell me where my gift has been sent to?
We are currently reviewing all the gifts that have been received and will be transfering funds to communities who have requested the items, so they can buy them in a timely and efficient manner. We will make sure we communicate to donors which communities benefited in our newsletter and on our website.
Can I ask for a gift to be delivered to a particular place?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. Specific I CARE gifts have been requested by specific communities in the developing world, to meet their most pressing needs. We ensure the gifts go where they will make the greatest difference.
Why are CARE's prices higher or lower than others I have seen?
CARE prides itself on being one of the most efficient organisations of its type in the world. Our overheads are extremely low. Price variations occur most often because the cost of supplying an item to one destination is higher or lower than supplying the same item to a different location. CARE sources items in local communities where possible, so local prices and transport costs vary.
What if a particular gift is oversubscribed?
Every item in the I CARE gift catalogue is part of an essential CARE project. However, if there is an excess of funds for any item purchased, we will redirect these to where the need is greatest within the project type it belongs to.
What is included in the gift price?
Gift prices include the cost of the gift itself, plus all transport, administration and support costs. Gifts often include training and ongoing support. For example, an animal gift may include veterinary support, or a farming gift may include training in land care and optimum framing techniques.
Over 90p of every £1 donated goes to our poverty-fighting programmes, with less than 10p spent on governance and fundraising.
Will the recipients receive multiple cards if I buy more than one gift?
When you order more than one gift for the same recipient, we will send them multiple gift cards according to the gifts you have bought, within the same gift pack.
Why do you want my Email address?
We need your email address so we can give you a transaction number in case you have any queries about your order.
Can I pay in other currencies?
You can pay with a foreign credit card but we can only enter the amount in pounds sterling.
