We shipped to CBR a few years ago, a couple of weeks out, and they nearly lost it--it took some tracking and insisting on our part to get them to find it. So, closer is better I think. We also shipped to CSR when we stayed there, and they didn't lose it, but I believe they charged a handling fee (because they are a "convention hotel", they were charging for package handling). BUt I am absolutely planning on doing it again this time. ThinkGeek (love their stuff but duty and shipping are killer), and maybe some LL Bean to reduce the duty...