tominrm

Please don't laugh. I really do not know good wine from not so good ones, and the same for cheese. But I know beer I like when I drink one. I know Belgian and Swiss chocolate are expensive (and therefore, is good), but I like Hershey equally because it is less sweet for me compare to European chocolates.

I am going to leave for Spain in three weeks, and I am wondering if I should get big boxes of Hershey almond chocolate or Kisses from Hershey, but I do not want them to throw away because it does not taste good. Do you think a box of Hershey will make a good gift to Europeans who are spoiled by Belgian or Swiss chocolates?

Does anyone have any suggestions what to give to European women about $30-50 range from America? One is in her 60s and the other whom I have not met yet, I am guessing, is in her 40s.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

janisj

Hershey is much MORE sweet IMO than good European chocolates. But in any case - please don't give them Hershey's.

Better than some gifts -- why not take them out to lunch or dinner? Or if you really want to take gifts, something specific to your home town/state????

tominrm

I am not sure what to get from Illinois.

tominrm

The only thing we have better than other state is corrupt politicians.

janisj

Something small from the gift shop at the Art Institute???

But really, Dinner or Lunch would be nice.

tominrm

janisj, thank you for your suggestion. I will visit AIC and see what I can find there.

tominrm

janisj, thank you for your suggestion. I will visit AIC and see what I can find there.

DebitNM

It would be bulky but lightweight - Garrett Popcorn ??

tom_mn

http://www.nettlakewildrice.com/home.php?cat=1

Anything about American Indians is always a hit, how about some tribally grown wild rice?

Nelson

Do you live someplace where you can get to a local farmer's market before you leave?
http://localfoods.about.com/od/findl...illinoislf.htm

You can usually find unique, local packaged food, or perhaps a nice craft item.

Too bad beer is hard to transport!

elberko

I live in PA--l wouldn't give Hersheys to ANYBODY!

janisj

elberko:

(I was going to say to not insult them w/ Hershey's but decided to be nice )

Nelson

The Hershey's vs. European chocolate bullet has been successfully dodged!

Maybe some ideas for you here:
http://www.stategiftsusa.com/made-in-illinois

nytraveler

IMHO Hershey is just terrible chocolate: waxy and just doesn't taste right - even versus decent american brands (Dove, etc) never mind the great european brands. It's the last thing I would take.

I would much rather take a photo essay book, local craft item (if unique) or similar.

cafegoddess

Hi Tominrm,

Okay, I know it is not from your home town but this is always a hit with my European and Japanese friends.

http://www.islandprincesshawaii.com/...rs-p/051-4.htm

emily71

Can you give them a a small phonebook of Chicago? My penpal in Australia sent me a small book with photos of Australia as a gift and I still cherish it. Perhaps a slim book about Chicago-a city which still fascinates many since ER was filmed there.

But while Spain is not known for their chocolate bars, I'd never give anyone Hersheys!

kja

A dream catcher?

cmstraf

Peanut butter. And I agree with the others--not Hershey for all the reason stated.

kja--what is a dream catcher? Lovely phrase...

cmstraf

And for thee $30-50 range, I'd pick something from art institute store as was suggested.

tominrm

Wow, I did not know many people do not like Hersheys. I love Kisses and almond chocolate. Actually I missed them while I was in Europe! OK, now I have heard earful about Hersheys and will never utter that name again here.

Thank you all of you for excellent suggestions. They really are good suggestions, and I will now have a problem of picking one or two out of them.

What I know for certain is what not to take.

Thank you all.