Shipping a gift to the US

Hi all,

I want to ship a small gift to my sister as it is her birthday.  The gift values no more than £20, but not sure what to say on the shipping item under "items". Can I just say gift?  The actual contents are (no joke) special tea, and porcelain mug.  Do I have to pay duty on any of this in to the US? I really hope not. I have however wrapped the mug nice in bubble wrap in a perfect way to maximise space and really don't want some pesky immigration dude unwrapping it and messing with it because I just KNOW they aren't going to handle it carefully.    I know the UK is very fussy about shipping in from the US but I have yet to ship anything back to the US.

What's the best way to ship?  I'd be inclined to skip insurance as it is not of much financial value but it is a gift.  How should it be declared?  I'd like to ship it with the least amount of "hassle".  All info is appreciated!  
thanks
Tulip

I'm not completely sure on it, but I don't think you can just write "gift" because I think they like to know what it actually is.  If you write gift it might have some effect on whether or not it gets taxed or import duty or something (I think there might be a higher limit for gifts).  I doubt it makes any difference with just £20 though.  I have sent quite a few things to the US (up to $120 worth) and never had a problem with anyone having to pay to receive them, UNLIKE when I receive stuff from the US.  So, I would just write "Tea & mug (gift)" on the custom form and hope your sister doesn't look at the customs form before she opens it!