meauxna

That's a good idea.. DH brought my folks fancy chocolates the first time he came over (can't go wrong with chocolate, can you?). Fancy shortbread would be nice.. something the hostess could serve/use during the upcoming holiday season as well as enjoy herself?

Lt Raymond Lee

Looking in my little book of "things in the UK that are typically British in 2009"

ASBOS
Polish Food Shops (I saw another new one today, used to be fish and chip shop)
Road Signs in Polish (that says drive on the left, as your driving on the left)
Saw in the paper today that a council somewhere gives asylum seeking youths £25 PER WEEK 'pocket money' to help them learn to use english currency!
Royal Mail going on strike next week, dont order anything from the Internet you wont get it on time.
A duck house paid with public money (but not break any rules)
£1200 to spend on cleaning carpets if your an MP (by your brothers cleaning company) (but not break any rules)

Oh such choices........

meauxna

Nah, that all sounds American, we have the same problems here.

Rete

Thanksgiving isn't until November so you won't be needing a present anytime soon.

If you aren't the flower bearing type, then I would suggest bringing something sweet such as a lovely box of chocolates. If you can bring them over from the UK so much the better. A little taste of your home for their home.

Or believe it or not, a tote bag from Harrod's bearing their logo. Fill it with a few things such as British shortbread, crumpets, scones, choccies, etc.

Lt Raymond Lee

All sounds good, will I get crumpets etc past US customs? and lets not forget, my baggage allowance, its only 23kg. I was thinking some shortbread though, in a nice tin, saw some yesterday in Debenhams (and tescos)

Englishtart

Shortbread in a nice fancy tin would be perfect

Rete

Perfect. Doesn't necessarily have to be a tin but a sealed box would be good as well. Customs will not be an issue unless it is raw foods, meats, etc. that you are bringing in. Choccie and shortbread, etc. are good.

Kaffy Mintcake

When I brought goodies from Thorntons home from the UK they went over very well. I like everyone's idea of bringing something British - they'll really enjoy that!

Sally Redux

Wonder which paper it was

Lt Raymond Lee

Here is what council it was:

TEENAGE asylum seekers are being given £25 a week "pocket money" - to help them learn to use British currency.
The handouts - paid for by taxpayers - are doled out to youngsters every Friday night.

Council bosses say the cash helps teach teenagers to shop for food and live on a budget.

But they are ALREADY fed and housed free at an "induction centre" run by Kent County Council.

A council insider said: "They get £25 handed to them in a brown envelope while everyone else is fighting to stay afloat. It's a disgrace."

The asylum seekers are aged 16 to 18 and many of them come from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The council decided in July to increase their payments from £10 to £25, even though it is struggling to reclaim £50million in investments in failed Icelandic banks. A centre source said: "The asylum seekers can't wait to get their cash and go out and spend it on things like cigarettes.

"If that's learning to use our currency they're getting very good at it."

The council said the money was claimed back from the Home Office, adding: "We are a gateway authority to Europe.

"Young people depend on us for support and they need to be taught to lead independent lives."

Lt Raymond Lee

Having done some research and on recommendation, therre is lots of suitable shortbread items around direct from Walkers etc.

Something like this might be suitable or, a combination pack with some nice tea, any views?



or keeping in with my scottish upbringing, something like this:
or something for Christmas

Rete

I'd go with the first. Walker's shortbread is easily available here in the US and in those very same containers. Having said that, I've not seen the first container here so that is why I choose that one. Include the tea with it and you will be a most welcomed guest.

Ray

My wife was recenly given a tin of shortbread from M&S ..

I ate the biscuits far too good for a septic ...buy she loved the tin
it was in the shape of a M&S delivery van

paulinespens

How about a christmas pudding? I live in Kentucky and I am like 20 minutes from Frankfort. If you need any hints or tips send me a pm.

dbj1000

Bloody immigrants! If there's one thing I hate it's bloody immigrants.