Sending a gift to Australia, buying from the UK

[GruffaloStick]

I want to send a small gift to a friend who lives in Australia. Normally I buy from the UK and post over to her but I wondered if I can buy from an Australian website/store (Amazon Aus for e.g) buying from the UK. I know she sends gifts to family in the UK using Argos, Debenhams etc.
Is there a charge for buying with a British bank account?
I've googled but can't seem to find an answer or word it correctly so hoped a mnetter would understand this garbled post

parcels.
for letters/cards it might still be ok.

i have been reading how easy it is to send a gift to OZ with Aussie company. I have found it impossible!!! Westfield Doncaster refused card saying it has expired - it has 4 years. Then found hamper delivery but apparently they only deliver around Australia???? This is all balmy. Surely it must illegal to refuse card saying it has expired when it hasnt?

I give up!!