What are some ideas of what I can take as little gifts to my friend and her family in Italy? She does not get to the states, and I remember her once mentioning peanut butter and english novels years ago when I tried to visit. Any ideas? She is married to an Italian chef with a teenage daughter. I will also ask her, but would like to surprise her with a few little things. She lives in Abruzzo region in very small town. Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
This may sound weird, but there's another posting on this site that talks about how the Italians don't yet have those zip lock bags with the little slider. Your mention of the chef brought it to mind.
Posted by
Kentwood, Michigan, USA
166 posts
Hi Lisa,
The peanut butter is a good idea. I have family in the Abruzzo region as well and they liked the peanut butter I brought to them very much. I did notice a couple of weeks ago when I was visiting L'Aquila they did sell peanut butter in the larger supermarket, but I think it was more of a specialty section. Where in Abruzzo are you going, the name of the town. Have fun.
Greg
Posted by
OP
Seneca
60 posts
Michael, that is so funny you mentioned those ziplock bags, when I too saw that post it reminded me I needed to gathter some goodies like that for these folks! That prompted this question. There may be other things like that people on this post know about that I would just never guess as needed or wanted.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
14 posts
i read somewhere that Europeans, and or Italians, love "Double Bubble" bubble gum. I am looking for some to take. Simple pleasures, I guess, like blowing bubbles???
Posted by
Seattle, WA
7 posts
Does she like Mexican food? I remember when I studied in Rome years ago we spend $10 on some taco shells at a specialty store (and the dollar was strong then too). My friend we're visiting in Rome requested taco seasoning, so I gather it's still hard to find that stuff. Just an idea... and spices/seasonings are relatively light...
Posted by
Meridian MS
248 posts
I would think something from your "neck of the woods" would also be appreciated. The teenager would have to be thrilled with an "I love NY" tshirt or similiar item. (If I'm remembering correctly that Seneca is in NY)
Posted by
bergamo
401 posts
The teenager would like anything brand name, Nike, adidas, North Face, Timberland, or a university. A t-shirt or sweatshirt would be good, but nothing too big as girls wear their clothing tight. I doubt she would wear a baseball hat, though maybe the dad would. Backpacks like Eastpack and Jansport, which aren't "in" right now in the USA and can be found at TJMAXX for 15 dollars are really in right now in Italy, for about 60 euros a pop.
For the mom as a real gift I would get her a nice set of towels, like what you find at Bed Bath and Beyond. Soft, thick, cotton towels like that are really hard to find here without spending a fortune.
She may also like some copies of People or something mindless like that. It is always fun to keep up with pop culture in the US, I always ask my friends to bring them when they come.
I third the zip lock bag suggestion, I always welcome more of them!