Inspired Gift FAQs

How does it all work?
When you buy a UNICEF Inspired Gift, you can choose to give your loved one or colleague an e-card or paper gift card with a photograph and description of the gift/programme you have purchased. Meanwhile, we dispatch your gift (or one from the same category in the event that there is a greater need for it) to children and their communities around the world. You will always know which area of our work you are supporting, and can be assured that it is helping the world's children, right now. 

Does purchasing an Inspired Gift count as a tax-deductible donation?
Yes, the cost of an Inspired Gift is treated as a tax-deductible donation. However, any courier/delivery fee is not tax-deductible.

I want to buy an Inspired Gift, but I don't want a card.
If you don't want to get an Inspired Gift card, you can select the e-mail option and put your own email address in the space given.

Will I get two cards if I purchase two of the same Inspired Gifts?
Yes, and you are able to nominate a different delivery address for each card, if you wish.

How do I send my Inspired Gift to someone other than myself?
When you order an Inspired Gift, you can choose to send either an e-card or a printed card. When you get to the first 'Shipping Details' page, the 'Delivery Address' on this page refers to items other than Inspired Gifts (eg. Christmas Cards). The next page gives the option for e-mail or physical delivery.

You can send the physical card to any address, but please note that we only add to the physical card 'from (your name)'. We cannot add a personal message.

If you would like to add a personal message, either send an e-card or get the card delivered to yourself for personalisation.

Are items procured by UNICEF produced with regard for human rights?
UNICEF applies the highest international standards of social responsibility, ethical procurement, safety and regulatory compliance in all the products we procure and deliver to the field. Suppliers have to sign a statement acknowledging terms and conditions related to child labour provisions when they bid, and when they sign contracts with UNICEF. If at any stage UNICEF discovers that a supplier breaches its contract and contravenes the agreed policies, the contract is terminated and the supplier is blocked from further business with UNICEF.

Where are the items produced?
UNICEF buys products from a wide range of countries, with nearly half procured from developing countries.

How long does it take for an Inspired Gift to reach a child?
Inspired Gifts are sent to the field in a coordinated way depending on the needs identified by our local teams in the field. UNICEF has established long-term contracts with our suppliers so they too are ready to deliver when items are needed, which is particularly important in an emergency situation where timely delivery can make a vital difference.

Using the Online Shop

Why do you need so many addresses?    
The shipping address is the address which we will courier your parcel to, while the billing address is the address which we will send bills (if applicable) to. When ordering Inspired Gifts, you can either send an e-mail or a printed card to your recipient. The printed card can be sent to any New Zealand address. If you would like it to go to you so you can write a message on it, tick the ‘use your delivery address’ box.

How do I delete items from my shopping cart?  
To delete an item from you shopping cart, put ‘0’ in the quantity box on the check out page ( 'Verify your order' page), and then push the ‘Update’ button.

How do I purchase more than one of the same item?
Highlight the number in the white box under ‘Quantity’ and type the number of items you would like to purchase. Be sure to click ‘Update’ after this.

How do I return to the catalogue after adding an item to my cart?
You can either click the grey ‘Continue Shopping’ button at the bottom of your order, or click ‘Shop’ on the blue menu bar at the top of the page.

How do I get back to my shopping cart from the catalogue pages?
Once you have added an item to your shopping cart, a yellow box will appear at the top of the blue menu bar in the top right-hand corner of the page. Click this to review the contents of your shopping cart.

Will I get a GST receipt posted with my purchase?
Yes, a receipt is generated and sent for all purchases of cards and gifts.

Can I order offline?
Yes, give us a call on 0800 537 739 or mail in your cheque and order form to PO Box 10459, The Terrace, Wellington 6143.

Online shopping security

Is shopping on your website secure?
UNICEF Shop uses DPS payment security systems to ensure that your credit card details are kept safe. We are also able to take orders via phone or fax if you prefer, so please feel free to call us on 0800 537 739 or fax us on 04 815 9389.