SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wt-dont-gift-wrap-souvenirs

Why shouldn't you gift-wrap souvenirs you carry back into the US?

Officers may need to unwrap them for inspection.

Start playing free

  1. Wrapped gifts cost more duty
  2. Officers may need to unwrap them ✔
  3. Wrapping paper is banned

Why: All gifts you bought or received abroad must be declared. CBP says not to gift-wrap items you carry home, because they may need to be unwrapped during inspection. Wrap them after you land.

Huh, didn't know that: Gifts can count toward your duty-free personal exemption, unless they are for business.

The dad joke
Why did the present refuse to be wrapped? It didn't want to be under inspection.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Officers may need to unwrap them. All gifts you bought or received abroad must be declared. CBP says not to gift-wrap items you carry home, because they may need to be unwrapped during inspection. Wrap them after you land.

  1. Welcome to the United States (US Customs and Border Protection) www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/WelcomeToTheUS.pdf
    Do not gift-wrap your articles because they must be available for CBP examination and may be opened.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

TravelWhat decides whether your US duty-free exemption is $200, $800 or $1,600?TravelFor a foreign visitor, Thailand requires a passport to be valid at least six months after which date?TravelFor a foreign visitor, how long must a passport remain valid after leaving South Africa?

That's stuff everyone should know.