America trip

[twiggs66]

My 14yr old son is going to play football in Boston America with school. We are advised to buy gift's for the american family he is to stay with. the gifts aim to be representative of English tradition i.e something not readily available over there. We live in Cheshire (it would be easy if from London) I'm looking for sensible idea's.

[shanx]

i think cheshire is known for its cheese, what about cheese or maybe you have something historical,focus on the area you come from not just the uk,everyone has shops that sell things that promote your area,it wont cost a lot just be proud of where you live, buy something with cheshire on it i am sure that the hosts will love it.

[twiggs66]

I thought of chese, but dairy products not allowed on planes, I did wonder about English tea though.

[shanx]

well i would go for something local,it will give the family an idea what part of england you son comes from, they can get a map out and say , cheshire is in this part of england,england is not all about london,just buy something small with you towns name on it ,i am sure the american family will love it,hope your son enjoys his trip,and dont worry

[taperface]

A proper british football?

[Clanad]

Beckham hasn't really caught on here, what with all the injuries and overhyped expectations.... and a proper football would be a mystery! You can never go wrong with stuff to eat. The English crumpets (Wolferman�s) and the wonderful English marmalade (Coopers Fine Cut Orange is my favorite, but Tiptree Crystal would work equally as well ) would warm the heart of any Bostonian... (Don't be surprised if my fellow Americans thinks the crumpets are English Muffins... those are thought to be very British, but we know they were invented here and exported to England about 1990 or so. The crumpets are nice and rough and hold the light butter and marmalade very well though...

[pastafreak]

I agree with clanad. I live in the west country and when I went back to NY a few weeks ago to visit my brother and his family I took a load of mostly foodie gifts: Yorkshire tea,Marmite,Duchy marmalade, some locally produced chutneys, Devon fudge......and some Plymouth seagull poo!!! Lol...also a souvenir tea towel and some pamphlets on local lore...they loved it all!

[mibn2cweus]

Better bring some 'Mars' bars . . . they're hard to come by in the states in recent years.

[Romeo]

A cheshire cat, of course!! (An ornamental or toy one, I mean, not a real one). Preferably one with a big grin.

[chazza]

What about a nice hardback picture book of the area that you live in? We have had a couple of students stay with us and they have brought us books like this which we found very interesting

They also brought some local music from the area which hadn't made it big here yet (ie one girl brought a Beth Orton CD) for the child of the family

[jno]

previous attempts to take English tea to Boston have ended in disaster

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Tea_Party

[buck long]

When i mowsy back stateside to visit the folks brother Dick likes me to take a gallon of scrumpy back for him. says it calms the beast if you know what i mean. oh and black puddin seems to bring fond memories to the girls i leave behind

[spudqueen]

I think a book is a good idea (as mentioned by chazza, or a tea towel or something from the area you live (check out your nearest tourist information office - they usually have things like this for sale). Do you know the number in the family your son is going to stay with? And the ages of the children? You could alway buy something like English lavender soap for Mum (sorry - Mom!), a tin of sweets (Uncle Joes Mint Balls?) for Dad and sweets for the kids that they don't get in the States - like maltesters, parma violets, haribo (these are what my friends kids request when I visit them in Kentucky!).

[theonlyone]

I would send some really nice loose tea (and instructions on how to make real english tea !) a jar of marmalade ,cadburys chocolate , and a printed tea towel of where you live , maybe some postcards of local views.

[saxy_jag]

You can certainly take teabags in, because I did a couple of years ago. Americans don't tend to have teapots, so if your son could possibly manage one of those without it breaking, that would be good. Also, if he can't, then teabags are easier to use in mugs.

My family crave Flake bars - apparently you can't get them over there for love or money.

Of course, if it's a football-orientated (I'm assuming you mean what 'they' call 'soccer'), then what about some goodies from your favourite club's fan shop? I bought my nephew a replica Leicester City shirt and he loved it.

[Elizabeth ll]

my son lives in Boston, be careful about bringing food stuff to the U.S. They will confiscate it . We can,t even bring sandwiches to go visit him. I,m told that since 911 they have really cracked down on that. Bostonians love anything historical, it is a very historical place.

[fletcher.5]

How about a case of tea (tax free) to be more authentic Indian tea