Anyone have any ideals on some nice gifts items from USA that I could bring for an Indian friend and his family that I will be visiting in November? moderate priced...

The best gifts would be ones that would be specific to them - for example, I have a friend in Mumbai who is an artist. I would bring him oil paints because I know that he likes to buy these when he comes to the US. *If* they drink, alcohol is appreciated, but many Indian families do not drink. You may wish to get some clues as to their likes and hobbies, etc.

Thanks ! I was trying to think of some items that are not easy to find in India that are from US. My friend does like Scotch so I will definitely bring some of that but I need to find out more about the family members I have not met yet.

We always bring vitamins, chocolates, and perfume for our friends/familiy overseas.

I don't know where you are based in the USA, but great gifts for female friends and hosts overseas are silk scarves printed with souvenir maps of New York or Washington DC. Wearable and nice quality too. Plus very light and easy to carry in your luggage. You can buy them online at www.mapscarves.com
worth a look!?!

small crystal items, table linen (dinnermats or even coasters), toiletries (box of pretty soap maybe), choclates (but they may melt), fancy candles - basically anything decorative. There are lot of things people ask me to bring when I go but those are specific to people and if you don't know the people you are visiting it's good to stick to something everyone can appreciate
I don't think scarves is a good idea as Indian women don't generally wear them.
Remember you are legally allowed to carry only 2 bottles of alcohol into India.