I would say anything food or sports related or BTilke's idea.

BTilke ~ I always hope you get my name in the Fodorite Christmas pull!

leahinsc,

You may want to take a look at the Woodbury Pewter Store in Connecticut. All these items are hand-crafted and of the highest quality, but still very affordable.

Pewter travels well, and there are so many different items to choose from. Shipping is a flat $4.95 no matter how many pieces to anywhere in the U.S.

I'm not sure if Italians can buy pewter of this quality and style, and it is uniquely American. I purchased a small garlic bulb that opens up, and has a small spoon also.

On the web site, there is a link to a New York Times article about this Connecticut company:

http://www.theconnecticutstore.com/wp1.htm

I think something local from your area would be best, and a piece of locally made pottery would be perfect. Every piece of pottery I've ever been given is prescious to me.

In the 50 dollar range, you could find something very nice.

I often give and receive books from my friends in other countries. We also like to exchange good cakes and candies.

How about a community/church cookbook from your hometwon? They give some info about the area as well as some really great recipes - often handed down through the generations.

The nice thing about food items is that they are versatile and arranged in an attractive package. Plus, if there are a few different types then at least a few things are bound to please.
If you get something like maple syrup, salsa etc -tuck a few recipes in the package. It's always good to know how to use things.

I have brought things like local honey, jams and nuts and had them well-recieved, as well as a calendar with attractive pictures of the area I live.

I have had success shopping at the museum stores in New York for unique, high quality American items to bring as gifts to Italy. North Carolina has some very nice museums selling marvelous handmade crafts for the home. You can probably find something very useful and lovely.

I live in the suburbs of Sacramento California, home of Blue Diamond Almonds. I am taking a nice gift box of different flavored almonds to friends in Germany this October. They are tasty and a locally grown and packaged treat. I wanted to ship direct but unfortunately they don't do that so I will carry in my luggage. Just an another idea, sorry it's not a NC commodity! Barb

I think I've got it - thanks for all of your ideas. Immaculate Baking Company makes awesome cookies and is just down the road in Hendersonville so I will bring at least one pack of their cookies, some scuppernong jelly from the farmer's market and some sort of sports paraphenalia - I'll leave that to my husband.