Looking for some good ideas on an appropriate gift for a dear friend who is traveling from her home in London to her second home near Geneva, renting a minivan (or equivalent) to pick the five of us up at the Geneva airport, transporting us to her home and back to Geneva, and putting us up for a nice visit for two nights. She can afford to buy anything she likes, so I am trying to think of something that is consumable (so as to not add to clutter), and unique to the US/Seattle area. Way long time ago, I brought organic raspberry jam from my garden since I could carry it on and ensure it didn't break. More recently, I brought Starbucks coffee beans, but now that Sbux is pretty much ubiquitous, that doesn't feel very special. So, I am turning to you for ideas. I need to take it from here to Copenhagen and then to Geneva, so fresh-baked anything will not work. I do plan to bring chocolate chip cookies to the Danish relatives, as that is an acutely American thing and, really, who doesn't love those? Thanks for your ideas in advance :).
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
My friends moved to Orcas Island a long time ago, and whenever they travel East to visit they always bring smoked wild Pacific Northwest salmon, which we enjoy on NY bagels with cream cheese and a thin slice of red onion and fresh tomato. They get the salmon vacuum packed so it travels well. I've often been served salmon on tea sandwiches in England, but the flavor isn't the same, so the 'real' thing might appeal to your friend.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
What about something local, 'homemade' treat from a Farmer's market. Peanut Brittle, Fudge, candied fruit, spiced nuts, granola, ... you get the idea.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3050 posts
some good washington wine? or if not, does she like nuts? i'm disappointed with the ion of almonds and pistachios in europe. you can find them, but never tasty flavored kinds like i could get from natural grocers back home...
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Good pacific smoked salmon, it comes in vacuum packed.
Posted by
2535 posts
Another vote for a fillet of wild smoked salmon in a retort pouch (no refrigeration until opened). It was a much appreciated gift.