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!

Did you know that Mother’s Day is celebrated in May in many places around the world? If your mum lives abroad, let her know you’re thinking of her…

Mother’s Day is celebrated on different days all around the world, with the majority of international celebrations taking place in May, many on the second Sunday of the month, May 12^th. And as an international delivery company, we want to help take care of mums, wherever they are in the world.

So, if your mum lives overseas, let us help you make her Mother’s Day by arranging for her special present to be delivered safely with DHL Service Point. With over 1,300 DHL Service Points nationwide, including at selected Ryman, Staples, WHSmith, Safestore and Homebase stores, you’re bound to find us near you. Once you’ve found that perfect gift for mum, drop in to one of our locations, pick up a free envelope or box, pay at the till and we’ll make sure it gets on its way. And with free tracking, you can keep an eye on your gift’s progress and be safe in the knowledge that it arrived safely.

So, whether she’s in Canada or Croatia, Switzerland or Singapore, DHL Service Point will help you make her Mother’s Day, wherever she is in the world.

Don’t miss our new competition!

We’re giving one lucky person the chance to show your mum how much she means to you by winning her a Pamper Hamper; imagine her smiling face when a DHL box full of indulgent goodies lands on her doorstep!

Just enter your details on this page and tell us why she deserves to win. Good luck!

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.

Get a massive 10% off your first shipment when you send with DHL Service Point from any Staples store in the UK. Perfect for sending that dirty washing home!

Times are tough for uni students. Fees are on the rise. Rents are on the up. And the price of a pint of beer is through the roof.

But that doesn’t mean it’s time to scrimp, save and live the life of a Dickensian miser. It’s just about being smart with your student loan come September/October time. The good news is there are loads of offers out there to help you get through the next year without resorting to begging or bank robbery.

We’ve got a great one for you right now: a massive 10% off your first shipment when you ship with DHL Service Point from any Staples store in the UK.

It’s a perfect opportunity to have a clear-out, send your washing home, or sell stuff on eBay. But best of all, it’s a good excuse to pop into your local Staples and stock up on supplies for the new uni year.

The world’s largest office products supplier, Staples is your one-stop-shop for all things stationery – as well as offering free parking, late opening hours and a DHL Service Point in every store! Plus, a host of hot deals to help your student loan go that little bit further.

Click here to find your nearest Staples store

As swarms of undergrads disappear home to enjoy the summer break, you’re stuck on campus writing your thesis. But you can still enjoy your summer too! Find out how to keep on top of your work with Service Point…

1. Planning is key

If you haven’t already picked a topic and put together a detailed plan, get started now. Reading is key to developing a good plan, but this will take time so it is important to start your research early.

Think about the structure your thesis will take and plan your chapters. The more you plan, the better disciplined you’ll be, and the more likely it is you’ll get a good result.

Create a timetable to make sure you stay on track. Give yourself regular breaks, get plenty of sleep and eat well – these will help to keep your brain active.

It is also important to talk to your supervisor from an early stage, as well as other students, discussing ideas and methods for writing your thesis.

2. Write as you go

It can be tempting to leave writing your thesis until after your research, but it’s a good idea to take notes as you go. To make life easier, consider using a software tool like Reference Manager to keep track of your references, or you may never be able to find them again!

It’s important to review and proofread your work once it’s complete. Mistakes, including typos, undermine the professional quality of your work, and will impact on your overall result.

Finally, make sure you have a complete references section or bibliography highlighting your sources.

3. Use your supervisor

After all, that’s what they’re there for. Your dedicated supervisor will support you throughout your thesis by reading drafts and offering feedback, helping you to get the best result possible.

4. Get your work organised and looking great!

You’ll have accumulated lots of notes and it’s a good idea to keep them in folders, making them easy to find. You’ll find all your stationery needs at Staples.

After spending such a long time creating your work, it’s only fair to get it looking great! Again, Staples is the place to go to get your thesis printed and bound. Click here to see if these services are on offer with Staples this week.

5. Sell the books you no longer need

Unless you’re planning on a career in academia, chances are you’re not going to need the books you used to do your research again.

So sell them on and pack a profit! With Service Point, you don’t get charged by the weight of your package – perfect for a box full of heavy books!

Find out more about Service Point here.

The winner of our latest competition is announced…

It’s been another busy week on the @dhlservicepoint Twitter stream and you’ve certainly kept us on our toes with your brilliant entries.

This week we asked you what the weirdest package you’ve ever sent or received is, and with 113 entries you didn’t disappoint!

All week you’ve been tweeting us with your mad entries that have made us laugh, cringe, gasp – or all three! And we were particularly surprised to see a high number of entries about guinea pigs, teeth and various food types, including chocolate-covered ants!

Due to the high number of great entries, we decided to share our favourite top 10:

@finleypoppet: Emailed hotel to say we’d left son’s glasses. No problem we have them. Got a hearing aid instead. Must have got lost in translation! – How ironic!

@bev_metallica: A small box of guinea pig poo! No, really! (Sent to a pig on antibiotics who needed the healthy bacteria from it!) – Well you learn something new every day!

@WISHGIRL123: I’ve sent fertile chicken eggs and had live maggots sent to me for my chickens – What did the postie think of that?

@Saspidistra: This life-size cardboard dalek arrived in the post recently! – Thanks for the great photo.

@_sal1978_: I once had to send our garden scarecrow by courier to my sister when she was at uni to decorate a room for a party – What was the theme to that party?

@thunderbirdsGO: I received a Nappy Cake congratulating me on my 1^st child. I was 13, NOT pregnant & my parents totally freaked out! – We’re not surprised they did!

@trainsniffer: When my puppy lost her baby teeth my mother insisted I post them to her so she could put them in a scrap book – What else went in there?

@mumsiekelzof4: Some edible lollies with dead bugs inside from my sister in law. There was an ant, scorpion and maggot – What did they taste like?

@_Rachel_S: My Nan sent me a book on caring for tropical fish. I don’t own any tropical fish – Your Nan sounds great!

@Sarah_Ly1: I had my old teeth mould sent through to me recently, which I took when I had my brace when I was 13. Ewww – Gross!

And the winner is…

Although there were many fantastic entries, there was one clear winner that shocked us, scared us and made us laugh:

@For_Kate: Last year I received a packet of dried shrimp & a spanner with a note saying: “Thank you sweetheart” * scared face *

Congratulations Katie, you’ve bagged yourself £100 in High Street vouchers.

Thank you to everyone who entered. Keep an eye out for more great competitions coming your way soon.

Follow us on Twitter @dhlservicepoint

So the weather is slowly (ok, maybe that should be ‘very slowly’) starting to warm up, and it’ll soon be time to change out of the baggy jumpers into something a bit more summery.

The shops are ready, stocking up on their spring/summer collections. The question is: are you?

We know that shopping can be an expensive habit but we’d like to give you the chance to get your hands on £100 in High Street vouchers to make it a little bit more manageable – just ‘cos we’re nice like that!

Here at DHL Servicepoint we deliver all sorts of items to people all over the world – from phones to passports, from cameras to clothes.

But what we really want to know is: what’s the weirdest package you’ve ever sent or received?

Wondering how to enter?

We’re a technical bunch so we want to see your entries via Twitter.

Firstly you must be following us on Twitter, at @dhlservicepoint and then tweet us with your wackiest answers! But remember: rude or offensive entries won’t be accepted.

Make sure you use the hashtag #dhlcomp so we definitely see your entry and you’re in with a chance of winning the fab prize.

Terms and conditions:

1. The Prize: £100 in High Street vouchers.
2. The draw is open to all @dhlservicepoint Twitter followers and DHL Servicepoint blog users.
3. All entrants must be over 16 years of age.
4. Only one entry per person is allowed.
5. Only one winner will be picked.
6. The competition is open to UK residents only.
7. No cash or other alternative is available.
8. No purchase necessary.
9. The competition will be closed at noon on Tuesday 13^th March. The winner will be notified by email or by Twitter by Wednesday 14^th March.
10. Prizes are non-transferable and no cash alternative will be given.
11. Rude or offensive entries will not be accepted.
12. The judges’ decision is final.
13. DHL employees are not eligible to enter the competition.
14. Prizes will be dispatched by the 10^th working day of the date of the draw.
15. 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

It’s always worth checking that the item you’re sending can be accepted for delivery. The list of items prohibited for shipment within the UK might surprise you…

Sending a present to someone special? Birthday, wedding or Christmas – whatever the occasion, DHL Servicepoint offers convenient and cost-effective delivery options to locations across the world. Perfect for making sure your presents are delivered quickly, with the care and attention you’d expect from the world’s leading logistics company.

But it’s worth remembering there are some things even we can’t deliver. This includes all those things that are prohibited for carriage by national or local laws and regulations. And the list includes a few potential gift items that might surprise you.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the things we unfortunately can’t accept for shipment within the UK:

• Jewellery (or anything made from precious metals and stones) worth more than £1000 (per waybill)
• Watches with a value in excess of £1000 (per waybill)
• More than one electronics item (e.g. X-Box, MP3 Player, iPad) in a single package
• Designer clothing worth more than £1000 (per waybill)
• Costume jewellery worth more than £250 per item
• Antiques or works of art worth more than €50,000

For our full list of prohibited items, click here

If you have any queries about your shipment, drop our customer services team a line on: 0844 248 0844.

For more information on DHL Servicepoint visit: https://dhlservicepoint.co.uk/