Many, many years ago my wife and I went to Ireland, Scotland and England on our honeymoon. We specifically used money we had received as gifts to purchase some special items on the trip because way back then the exchange rate was soooo good.

We bought Waterford crystal in Ireland which was shipped to us. The store labeled it as a 'gift' and we paid no duty.
We bought china in England which was shipped to us. The store declared full value and we paid the duty.
We bought many yards of different tartan material in Scotland which was shipped to us. The store declared the value at about $25.00 so it was exempt from duty.

Three different countries, three different approaches. Odd though that it was only the English which were the sticklers.