Gift for Italian Relative

How wonderful. When I went back there was no family left, all died out. Good for you!

I have given See's ( or similar) chocolates.
They don't seem to have the nuts, chews, cream filled chocolates in Italy that we have. My friends loved them.

Since it looks like you are coming from Atlanta, perhaps a nice coffee table book with photos from the Atlanta area or the South in general. If you could find one about the South in Italian, all the better, but it might be impossible.

Chocolates are always a great gift - but gets a little scary in warm parts of Italy. (Will they make it?) Is there a local wine or something you can bring? I've found those are always favorites. That idea about the picture book above is great too! :0

Thanks for all your suggestions. They are all great. Just one question what is smth?

Georgia peach jelly/jam? A Braves t-shirt? I would bring something that is made locally or at least represents where you're from.

I would never bring American wine to Europe. Just sayin'.

What about a bottle of something like "Southern Comfort", do they do deluxe versions? Foreign upmarket spirit drinks are popular in Italy. For example, we would take a good scotch whisky as a present.

Georgia stuff sounds great. What do you think about Obama stuff. Do you think most Europeans like Obama?

Hi Linda.I would think for smth. more original,something that they can not find over there.I live in Florida and we have tons of beach souvenirs and that kind of stuff.I am sure you can find smth.in Atlanta too.Forget the sweets and chocolates.In Italy they are way better than here.One sugestion.I have a brother who lives in Italy.Last time i went to see him took with me a couple of those stickers you put on the back of the car and look like somebody broke your glass with a baseball or tennis ball.Pick a soccer ball.I even got him some magnet bullet holes.Oh my god.Big hit over there.Peoples taking pictures of the car,honking at him on the road.One co-worker even told him:i didn't know you are in the mafia,because the bullet holes in his car.True story.

So you are saying it's a good idea for an Italian to drive a car that would make him look like a mafia member? Hmmm. Something wrong with my sense of humour, I guess, but I don't think that at all funny.

Norma,don't you think that's for an italian to decide.I don't know Quebeck,but here in the States that stuff is considered funny,legal and you can buy them at any K-MART.And yes i do think your sense of humor needs a little polishing.It was only one sugestion and addressed to Linda's posting,so she can decide for herself.

How about a framed copy of the ship manifest for a common ancestor who came to America?

http://www.ellisisland.org/

smth=something

A small photo album of the American relatives and Italian-American relatives you have in common captioned with names and relationships I think would be extremely special and meaningful --something to cherish forever.
Also, peaches and peanut related items and Atlanta related sports paraphernalia,ie hats, t shirts etc...
Whatever you decide, let us know how your trip went and gifts were recieved.
Buon viaggio!

Hi Linda,

1. I always suggest quality/consumable gifts instead of junk/clutter. But, the reason I write is don't forget that even jam (as suggested earlier)falls into the liquid/gel category and must go in your 3-1-1 bag. I always presume that RS board groupies are one-bag/carry-on travelers and people forget about jams and oil-packed foods.

2. My cursory knowledge leads me to believe that Italians have smaller homes than we're accustomed to so I don't know if I'd buy something that clutters up their home unless I thought they could really use it.

3. BBQ sauce is distinctly American gift. (darn! that 3-1-1 thingy again!) Is it so American they wouldn't know what to do with it?

I stand by my former comment. The Italians don't have the kind of chocolate we have in the States, the nuts, chews, creams, etc.

My friends really loved them and I understand from others that American chocolates are favored by the Italians.

I will be able to present them within a couple of cool days after we land, so we won't be carrying them about for too long.

Have as great trip!

I ditto what someone said about a book with pictures of southern life. I know you can find some nice ones in bookstores. It will give them a "little taste" of your life here.

I recently, within the last week, read an article (darn if I can remember who published it)reporting that Sees candy is very popular with Europeans. I am a big fan of Sees candy but I was still surprised to read this, considering all the superior chocolate choices they have.

So I think NanC is onto something about chocolate treats from the U.S. It's sort of like the Pringles thing...who would think that with all the wonderful food Italy is famous for that Pringles would be so popular with them.

Don't bring chocolate. First of all, it melts, and secondly it's a bit like coals to Newcastle. Yes, we do have chocolate with nuts, cream filling, peanut butter, everything, really we do.
I second the suggestions of things from your town, or very specific to the US. My neighbors asked for local sport team t-shirts or baseball hats, another person wanted a baseball, and now they want Obama t-shirts. Yes, Obama is very popular here.
Lately I've found that the staples that I have asked people to bring me including maple syrup, oreo cookies, chips-a-hoy, and peanut butter can be found in Italian supermarkets. Jack Daniels is sold here too, so you could gift it, but just pick it up at the airport when you arrive rather than lugging it in your suitcase.