Cheaper to ship or check extra baggage
 

We are flying with Altalia and will have some extra baggage. In addition to our 1 carry-on, and 1 checked-in luggage (per person), we are looking to check-in one, possibly two smaller suitcases. We have been here 3 months so have purchased gifts and other items given to us from family members. We are flying from Rome to Toronto and trying to decide whether it's worth shipping a parcel to Canada or pay for extra baggage. From what I understand, with Alitalia, you pay 75 euros for extra baggage but when you check-in online, you can purchase extra baggage at 20% less.
I would like to know if anyone has had experienced with shipping parcels home to Canada and which postal service did you use. Was it cheaper or would you recommend paying the extra baggage fee.
Thanks.

Can't you just pack the box/bag and weigh it, then price the two methods?

I normally just pay the extra to check an extra bag.
I did send a parcel from Venice a couple of years ago, I used the post office behind St.Mark's and it arrived safe and sound in under a week. (to Vancouver Island) It was a new handbag my SIL had left behind, a fairly large one and I believe it cost around 20 euro to send it regular post.

I'd rather pay the airline extortion fees and put the extra luggage on the same plane I'm on than figure out how to find a lost package or whom to go after if it's damaged.

Thanks. We decided to pack another piece of luggage.