jill

I travel to California next week on vacation. I'll be meeting a lady who is a granddaughter of a friend of my family. (She is a 50yr old). We have never met before, but I would like to bring a gift from Ireland. Can I have the opinion of someone from the U.S. on what I could bring from Ireland that would be appreciated by someone living out there?

Hillary

A Waterford crystal punch bowl would go over big.

So would a tin of biscuits, a bottle of irish creme, a piece of lace or some lotto tix.

Judy

Hi Jill, when I was in Ireland last August, I picked up some lovely Celtic coin jewelry for gifts, a great bracelet and earrings. Also, I bought some limestone carvings from Connemara... differant and lovely. Judy

janis

A small piece of Celtic jewelry - a brooch would be best since you probably don't know her pierced/non-pierced ears status - or a nice woven or knit scarf would be good. Neither would take up much room in your luggage nor cost a fortune.

Glenda

I can't remember the last time I saw a woman in California wearing a brooch.

Bring over a box of your fabulous Irish chocolates.

sightseer

A piece of Irish linen would be a nice gift. I brought back a few pieces as gifts last year and they were big hits. Lightweight, non-breakable and easy to pack.

Nikki

Hi Jill
a piece of Irish linen would be lovely. You might also consider a cd for the lady of your great celtic music or an unusual celtic pendant she could wear on a chain. Another thought could be some nice notecards of scenes from Ireland. If she doesn't care for them - you can bring them back to me - I'm in her age group and would absolutely love them!!

xyz

Glenda: maybe not a "brooch", but pins are worn EVERYWHERE. I took Janice to mean a pin would be better than a ring or earings. just about anyone here in SF would love a pretty silver Celtic pin.

travellyn

Lace, tea towels, Irish music on CD.

Jill

Thanks to everybody for your suggestions. I've decided to go for a piece of lace and Bailey's Irish Cream!

pam

I would skip the Baileys. You can get that everywhere! The lace should be a hit, however. In addition, not sure of the town where the relative lives in Ireland, but a few postcards with scenes of the town would probably be appreciated. Especially if they had a short note from your friend.

xxxx

A word on "the broach", I gave one to my Irish mother recently from Tiffany's. I was told that broaches are bad luck.

I love Irish meats (sausages and bacon) but you need to know something of your friend's taste.