How would you like the chance to send a parcel with DHL Service Point for FREE? Well, here it is!

We’re giving you the opportunity to win one FREE parcel shipment from the UK to any part of the world*, which you can send from any one of our many DHL Service Points available nationwide at select Ryman, Staples, WHSmith, Safestore and Homebase stores.

Fill in your details here to enter. It’s that simple.

Hurry, the competition ends on 31^st August 2013.

*Subject to Terms and Conditions upon entry. The shipment must be pre-arranged with DHL prior to sending

Here’s congratulating the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their beautiful baby boy.

The whole of the UK is elated to finally see the royal baby arrive. But that’s not the only baby that’s just made or about to make a grand entry into the world!

With over 370,000 babies born every day across the globe*, you’re bound to know a couple with a baby on the way! Congratulate the happy couple with a surprise DHL delivery! We’ll deliver your baby gift anywhere in the world and with over 1,300 DHL Service Points nationwide, including at selected Ryman, Staples, WHSmith, Safestore and Homebase stores, you’re sure to find us on a high-street near you.

So, go and buy that perfect baby gift, drop in to one of our locations, pick up a free envelope or box, pay at the till and we’ll send it on its way. You can also keep an eye on your gift’s progress and be rest assured about its safe arrival at the drop-off destination with our free tracking system.

So get your DHL parcel delivered ahead of the baby being delivered!

Now for the icing on the cake – our latest competition!

Here’s an opportunity for you to win a special baby gift hamper for a friend who’s also a mummy-to-be. We’ll deliver it right to her doorstep, anywhere in the world! All you have to do is head to this page, fill in your details and tell us one of your naughtiest baby stories for a chance to win. Make sure it’s your baby story and remember, the funnier the better.

Good luck!

*Source: http://www.one.org/us/shareworthy/infographic-why-3000000-mothers-lives-are-at-risk/

Here’s announcing the lucky winner of the Independence Day competition… drum roll please… Deana Dmonte! Congratulations. The hamper full of scrumptious American goodies is all yours!

Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful entries. We received a variety of great responses – quirky, hilarious, creative, insightful, heartfelt… you name it, we read it!

While we can’t award every entry with a hamper, we certainly can feature some of the amazing answers to the question ‘what do you love about America?’ right here!

We had a jolly good time reading them… here’s your turn:

Winning entry: The size and scale of everything, the pioneering spirit of the people and Baby Ruth bars!

• Its sheer size, from east to west and north. A bewildering mix of cultures, dialects, food and land

• America is a beautiful big country with amazing scenery – you can visit mountains, canyons, beaches, deserts, forests, cities – as a holiday destination, it always delivers

• Picnics, parties, 4th of July celebrations; the way they turn any event into a social occasion

• The fact that there is a sense of encouragement that anyone can achieve anything, and the food!

• The variety of everything, people, sweets, pies, the changing terrain from coast to coast, the random sights – ‘world’s largest hairball, Garden City, Kansas’ to the breath taking ‘Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, California’. I love it and would love to explore all of it!

• Pizza at 4a.m. in NYC

• I love its diversity – there are so many different sides to America – it’s amazing!

• Big steaks

• I love how different each of the states are from each other and how diverse the landscape is

• Their love of all things internal combustion, from the rumble of a Harley Davidson to the roar of a huuuge engined custom made car. I also love their ‘generous’ portion sizes – which are enormous!

• The misunderstandings, which result from both Americans and Brits being native English speakers.

• Wide open spaces, as well as bustling cities, the colour of the trees in Michigan in the fall and having two beautiful American grandchildren.

• Big cars and wide open roads with cheap gas

• The amazing sights – the wonderful Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon

DHL Service Point makes it easy to send gifts, parcels and more. With over 1,300 Service Points nationwide, we’re sure to be on a high street near you. So just take your parcel to your local Service Point and we’ll send it on its way!

On 4^th July 1776, the United States declared its independence from Great Britain and the date has remained as a big day of celebration for Americans…

If you have family or friends in the States, more than likely they’ll be celebrating 4th July with backyard BBQs and explosive fireworks. DHL helps families and friends celebrate special events, like Independence Day, regardless of the distance between them.

We make it easy to send gifts to your friends this Independence Day. With over 1,300 Service Points nationwide, we’re sure to be on a high street near you. So, once you’ve found the perfect present, just take it to your local Service Point and we’ll send it on its way!

Why not impress them with some of our favourite 4^th July facts?

• On 4^th July 1776, America declared its independence from Britain. It was the separation of 13 colonies from Great Britain.
• Each year on 4^th July, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics and family gatherings.
• The estimated population on 4^th July 2013 is 316.2 million
• Three of America’s first five presidents died on 4^th July.
• 150 million hotdogs are consumed on 4^th July every year
• 700 million lbs of chicken is purchased in the week leading up to 4^th July
• 190 million lbs of red meat/pork is purchased in the week leading up to 4^th July
• 25 million lbs of fireworks is sold to cities for public celebrations
• 11: number of places in the US with “Independence” in their name

Sources: (CNN, The Herald Tribune, US Census Bureau as of 7.3.2012)

Whilst we can’t deliver sizzling BBQs or explosive fireworks, we can help you join your American buddies in spirit by celebrating Independence Day with a hamper full of American goodies. Click here to find out more about our new competition. But hurry, it closes tomorrow!

Father’s Day is widely celebrated on the third Sunday of June every year by many different countries. Check out our top 5 alternative Father’s Day gifts to show your dad how special he truly is…

Choosing the perfect gift for Father’s Day can leave even the most skilled shopper in a trickier than anticipated situation. It can be a dreary thought when those ‘days-of-the-week socks’ or ‘novelty ties’ seem like a good idea. The question is what do you buy the dad who really does have everything?

Gift shopping is not an easy task but these top 5 alternative Father’s Day gift ideas may spark your imagination.

The Chef Dad – The Obsessive Chef is the perfect gift for those dads who like everything to be ‘just so’. This 9 x 12 inch cutting board made from super-durable, sustainable Bamboo is the perfect gift to aid your dad with the skill of precision vegetable chopping.

http://www.fredandfriends.com/products/view/obsessive-chef-cutting-board

The DIY Dad - This classy tool set is the impeccable design of Jonas Damon. The sleek Beechwood tool set includes: flashlight, screwdriver, spirit level and collapsible yardstick. Let your dad work away in vintage style this summer.

http://www.jonasdamon.blogspot.co.uk

The Traveller Dad - This unusual map is the perfect way for your dad to show off where in the world he has travelled. The Scratch Map features a gold foil top layer that can be scratched off to reveal a colourful, unique record of travel and is ideal for the dad who likes to remember all of his great adventures.

http://www.theletteroom.com/the-little-boys-room/large-scratch-map

The Gardener Dad - This indoor windowsill allotment should really hit the spot with any budding gardener. Perfect for the dad who hasn’t enough time to be outdoors, or even for the dad who just can’t get enough of gardening. Add a new dimension to your dad’s kitchen and help him get his herbs growing!

http://www.prezzybox.com/indoor-allotment.aspx

The Wildlife Dad - This innovative window bird feeder is perfect for the dad who loves watching wildlife. Made from recyclable and highly durable plastic, the feeder is environmentally friendly and is an idyllic environment for small birds. Let your dad admire all things wildlife from the comfort of his own home.

http://www.presentsformen.co.uk/window-bird-feeder-prod8526/

DHL Service Point makes it easy to send gifts to your dad this Father’s Day. With over 1,300 Service Points nationwide, we’re sure to be on a high street near you. So, once you’ve found the perfect present, just take it to your local Service Point and we’ll send it on its way!

What are your plans for this summer? David from Foreign Students takes us through his top tips for international students’ summer holiday options…

If you’re an international student in the UK right now, chances are you’re in the middle of exams and feeling pretty stressed. However, before you know it, exams will be over and you’ll be faced with a three month summer holiday.

If you haven’t already made plans for the summer, then you have a few different options. Here we go through what choices you have and give you some top tips on how to make the most of your summer.

Go Home

The most obvious choice is to go home for the summer. You’ve probably missed your family and friends during your stay in the UK, and they’ll certainly have missed you. You can spend the summer reacquainting yourself with freshly cooked dinners, free laundry and no rent.

At home you can either get a summer job and save up some extra spending money for when you return to study, or else simply relax, recharge and get a head start on next year’s work.

Positives: See the people and things you have missed, save money

Negatives: May get bored a week after getting there

Stay in the UK

Even though you won’t have any lectures to attend, you may still want to stay in the UK over the summer. If you are settled and you are paying for your accommodation over the summer anyway, then it may be the best option.

The summer is a great chance to get some work experience that can improve your CV. Working full time or part time can help you save up that extra bit of cash to help you out during term time, and doing it in a job relevant to your degree can be really useful (you can search & apply for jobs here).

However, the best way to give your career prospects a boost is by trying to get an internship. Doing a one-three month internship in an industry you’re interested in will help you make contacts and will look brilliant on your CV. The only downside is that many internships are unpaid, so you will need to have some savings to help you through.

Alternatively, just relax and enjoy exploring parts Britain you haven’t had a chance to yet. You can travel around the UK really cheaply if you’ve got the time to take a bus. Plus, who knows, you may even get to see the mythical English sun!

Positives: Could get good work experience

Negatives: Accommodation expensive, may miss your family (?!)

Go Travelling

University summers are pretty much the one chance in your life that you have long periods of time with zero responsibilities. Therefore, it is the perfect time to travel the world.

If you are from outside of Europe, using the UK as a base and exploring the many wonderful cities of the continent would certainly be memorable. Travelling by train can be great value and very sociable, whilst staying in hostels means you can do it all on a budget (read this guide for top tips).

Another alternative is to volunteer. There are loads of programmes open to volunteers who want to travel and live in an unusual part of the world, whilst also helping others.

Positives: Unique experience

Negatives: Expensive

Now that you’ve seen some of your options, maybe you’ll think twice about simply going home and sitting in front of the TV for the whole summer. For three months you have total control over your time – make the most of it!

Will you be apart from your mum this Mother’s Day? Whether she’s in London or Lagos, Kent or Kano, DHL Service Point will help you make her day.

Forget the flowers and chocolates, she deserves something special! For your chance to win a Pamper Hamper packed full of indulgent goodies for your mum to relax with, just follow us on Twitter @dhlservicepoint, find our special Mother’s Day message and retweet it – it’s that simple!

Good luck!

Terms & conditions

1. The draw is open to all @dhlservicepoint Twitter followers that retweet our Mother’s Day message.
2. The prize is a pamper hamper. This is non transferrable and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other prize of equivalent value.
3. The closing date for all entries is 23.59 on Sunday 10th March 2013
4. The winner will be drawn at random from all eligible entries received.
5. The winner will be notified by 12th March 2013 by Twitter. Failure to respond within seven days of notification will result in the prize being withdrawn and a replacement winner drawn.
6. The Draw is open to UK residents aged 18 and over only. Entry is free and no purchase is necessary.
7. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
8. DHL employees and agencies working on behalf of DHL and their immediate families are not eligible to enter the Draw.
9. The winner agrees that DHL International (UK) Ltd their subsidiaries, affiliates, related companies and employees, and any other sponsors and Prize providers shall have no liability in connection with acceptance or use of any of the Prizes awarded in the Draw. We reserve the right to disqualify any entrant and/or winner at our absolute discretion.
10. Winners may be required to participate in publicity.
11. The details of the winner can be requested by writing enclosing a stamped addressed envelope to the promoter at: Marketing Department, DHL International (UK) Limited, 178-188 Great South West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6JS.
12. English law applies and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts shall prevail.

The Promoter:

DHL International (UK) Ltd, 178-188 Great South West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex TW4 6JS.

Following the success of the Harlequins’ Heineken Cup campaign, we’re offering you the chance for victory too!

Last week, DHL delivered over a tonne of equipment to Southern France ahead of Harlequins’ game against Biarritz. The team secured a place in the Heineken Cup quarter-final and we need your help in supporting them to victory.

There is a DHL van (as pictured above) with images of three top Harlequins players – Danny Care, Chris Robshaw and Jordan Turner-Hall – driving around the vicinity of the Harlequins’ training ground in Guildford. For your chance to win one of five signed Harlequins shirts, we just want you to snap a photograph of the van and tweet us at @dhlservicepoint using the hashtag #snapthevan.

The competition ends on Thursday 28^th February and we will announce the winners on Twitter on Friday 1^st March.

Good luck!

Keep up to date with the latest Harlequins news by following the team on Twitter at @QuinsRugbyUnion.

Please note: we encourage all participants to act safely and take reasonable precautions to ensure their safety whilst taking photographs of the van.

Terms and conditions

1. The draw is open to all @dhlservicepoint Twitter followers and DHL Service Point blog users who correctly tweet a photograph of the Harlequins branded van using the hashtag #snapthevan.

2. The Prize is one signed Harlequins Rugby shirt. This is non transferrable and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other prize of equivalent value.

3. The closing date for all entries is 23.59 GMT on Thursday 28^th February.

4. Only one entry per person is allowed.

5. The winners will be drawn at random from all eligible entries received.  The winners will be notified on Friday 1^st March by Twitter. Failure to respond within seven days of notification will result in the prize being withdrawn and a replacement winner drawn.

6. The draw is open to UK residents aged 18 and over only. Entry is free and no purchase is necessary.

7. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

8. DHL employees and agencies working on behalf of DHL and their immediate families are not eligible to enter the Draw. The winner(s) agree that DHL International (UK) Ltd their subsidiaries, affiliates, related companies and employees, and any other sponsors and Prize providers shall have no liability in connection with acceptance or use of any of the Prizes awarded in the Draw. We reserve the right to disqualify any entrant and/or winner at our absolute discretion.

9. Winners may be required to participate in publicity.

10. The details of winners can be requested by writing enclosing a stamped addressed envelope to the promoter at: Marketing Department, DHL International (UK) Limited, 178-188 Great South West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6JS.

11. English law applies and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts shall prevail.

12. All activities are undertaken at the participant’s risk and neither DHL nor Harlequins Rugby Club will be held responsible for any damage (accidental or otherwise), personal injury or loss suffered by any participants or have any other liability at all to any party as a result of this competition.

Data Protection:

Your personal details are important to us and will be used fairly, in confidence and kept secure for no longer than necessary for the herein purpose in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998. The Act gives you the right to access information held about you. Your right of access can be exercised in accordance with the Act. Any access request may be subject to a fee of £10 to meet our costs in providing you with details of the information we hold about you.

If at any time you wish to update or correct any personal information DHL holds about you or you no longer wish us to use the information, please write to: DHL Express Contact Centre – Customer Services Millenium House, East Midlands, Unit 5 Argosy Road, Castle Donington, Derbyshire DE74 2SA.  Tel: 08701 100 300 Email: [email protected]

Is the cost of your Christmas stacking up? Enter our competition for your chance to win Love2shop vouchers and splash out this Christmas…

We understand that Christmas is a busy and expensive time of the year. That’s why we’re giving two lucky @dhlservicepoint followers the chance to win £50 Love2shop vouchers – ideal for spending on that perfect present.

Keep an eye on our website over the next two weeks. We’ll be hiding two red and yellow presents (just like the one above) somewhere on the site.

The rules

• One present will be hidden at 10am on Wednesday 5^th December and one at 10am on Wednesday 12^th December.
• Once you find the present, just click on it and tweet the message generated.
• Your tweet will be your entry into the competition.

We will announce the winners on Twitter after each present has been on the website for a full week. Just remember to follow us on @dhlservicepoint to see if you’re a winner.

Good luck and get hunting!

Terms and conditions

1. The Prize: £50 in Love2shop vouchers for each of the two winners
2. The draw is open to all @dhlservicepoint Twitter followers and DHL Service Point blog users
3. One present will be hidden on Wednesday 5^th December and one on Wednesday 12^th December
4. To enter you must tweet the message generated when you find the hidden present
5. All entrants must be over 16 years of age
6. Only one entry per person is allowed
7. The competition is open to UK residents only
8. No purchase necessary
9. The competition will close at 23.59 GMT on Wednesday 12^th December and 23.59 GMT Wednesday 19^th December
10. Only one winner will be picked each week the competition runs
11. The two winners will be drawn at random from all eligible entries received
12. Prizes are non-transferable and no cash alternative will be given
13. Rude or offensive entries will not be accepted
14. The judges’ decision is final
15. DHL employees are not eligible to enter the competition
16. Prizes will be dispatched by the 10^th working day of the date of the draw. Details of the winner can be requested by writing to the promoter at: Marketing Department, DHL International (UK) Limited, 178-188 Great South-West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW4 6JS

Are you ready to deck the halls and hang the baubles? As the annual festivities edge ever closer, it’s time to get prepared for Christmas…

The evenings are drawing in, the shops are staying open later and that advert has hit our television screens. It can only be time for one thing: Christmas!

Yes, it’s November. But with less than 27 shopping days until the big day, it is time to get ready.

Not convinced? We’ve outlined five reasons why you should prepare early:

1. Budget

As un-festive as it sounds, budgeting is the key to a happy Christmas – there’s nothing worse than stressing about the cost of the celebrations, so spread the cost and start shopping now!

2. Offers

Take advantage of the discounts. Many retailers have pre-Christmas sales so get in there early and bag a bargain!

3. Beat the crowds

No one wants to get involved in a scramble for the last game of Scrabble on the shelf.

4. Find the perfect gift

By starting early, you’ll get people presents that they actually want.

5. Relax!

As it gets colder, darker and wetter, the last thing you want to do is rush around the high street in mid December. Stay inside, light a fire and put your feet up in front of the box. It’s a pretty good feeling when, in December, all you have to worry about is who ate the last mince pie!

Plus, with many families spread across all four corners of the globe, the earlier you start your Christmas shopping, the more likely your presents will be delivered on time.

The good news is, we’re making it even easier to send your gifts this Christmas. With over 1,300 Service Points nationwide, we’re sure to be on a high street near you. So, once you’ve found the perfect present, just take it to your local Service Point and we’ll send it on its way!

Being prepared not your strong point? No problem! Our later posting dates guarantee your gifts will be there in time to be placed under the Christmas tree.