Shopping from Abroad
How to Send Gifts to Family in Nigeria from Abroad
Living in the UK, US or Canada and want to send gifts to family in Lagos? Why buying locally in Lagos markets often beats shipping, how to arrange it, pay safely and confirm delivery.
Christmas, a birthday, a new baby, mum's retirement: there are plenty of reasons to send something home. But if you live in the UK, US or Canada, shipping physical gifts to Lagos can be slow and expensive. Often there's a better way: buy it in Lagos and have it delivered locally.
Option 1: Buy locally in Lagos (often the smartest)
Lagos markets sell most of what people ship from abroad (kitchen appliances, fans, fabric, shoes, bags and jewellery) at local prices with no international shipping. Here's how it works:
- Choose the item with your family member (or surprise them).
- Find a trader through family recommendations or a directory such as the Tejuosho shop directory.
- Ask for a video of the actual item and agree the price.
- Pay safely in naira; see paying Lagos traders from abroad.
- Arrange collection or delivery: your family picks it up from the shop, or the trader sends it via a local dispatch rider.
- Confirm receipt with a photo or video from your family.
Option 2: Send money and let them choose
Sometimes the best gift is choice. Send money with a note ("this is for your new outfit for the wedding") and recommend a market. Pair it with our Tejuosho shopping guide so they know where to go.
Option 3: Ship from abroad
Shipping makes sense for items that are hard to find or much better value where you live, such as specific brands, medication your family uses (check rules first) or personal items. Compare couriers and cargo agents in our shipping guide. The same options work in reverse.
Gift ideas that work well bought in Lagos
- Fabric or a sewn outfit for an upcoming event. See Nigerian fabrics explained.
- Kitchen appliances: blenders, kettles, cookware sets and rechargeable fans (great during power cuts).
- Shoes and bags for church or parties.
- Jewellery: see buying gold jewellery.
- Festive foodstuffs bought fresh in Lagos for Christmas or Sallah.
Avoiding problems
- Use traders recommended by people you trust.
- Pay a deposit to new traders, and the balance on delivery confirmation.
- Keep the WhatsApp chat and receipts.
- Check electrical items are tested before collection.
Coming home yourself? Read our Lagos shopping guide for diaspora and visitors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send a gift to Nigeria?
For many items, the cheapest option is to buy the gift in Nigeria and pay a local trader to deliver it or have family collect it. Shipping heavy items from abroad is usually expensive.
What gifts are popular to send to family in Nigeria?
Popular gifts include fabric and outfits for events, home and kitchen appliances, phones and accessories, jewellery, and foodstuffs bought locally for festive seasons.
How can I be sure the gift was delivered?
Ask the trader for a video of the item packed with your name, then ask your family member to send a photo or video when they receive it.
