Canadians bearing gifts to UK relatives
 

Hi all,
I feel a bit silly posting this question but hope there will be some folks that might have some suggestions based on experience. We are staying with relatives in London for four nights. We are thrilled to be staying with them and would like to take something appropriate to show our appreciation. Other than the usual "Canadian" things like maple syrup or ice wine, wondering if anyone living there has any ideas about what would be suitable for a couple in their mid 50's - no kids and very well off. Is there anything particularly Canadian that comes to mind - no, Mounties or moose don't count ;). Thanks so much for any thoughts!

A British friend of mine spent some time in the US/Canada and he just loved Reeces peanutbutter cups. He says you can't get them in the UK, so I'll be taking some of those on my upcoming trip. It's not a fancy gift, but if they like candy, that's something they might enjoy. Or take another candy that's unique to your area.

Another thought would be a pictoral calendar of your part of Canada.

Our German and Italian friends love anything to do with the American "wild west," Indian crafts, etc. Perhaps something from the Canada of the late 1800s or Canadian Indian crafts?

Some people DO actually like maple syrup (though why, I've never understood). If these relatives are among them, then obviously bring your finest.

There's virtually no Canadian wine on sale here, and bringing in a couple of bottles of something nice will go down well, unless they're teetotal (sadly, we levy fiercesome duties on wine after the first 2 litres if you're arriving from outside the EU).

But there's often a very good reason products popular in one country are available only with difficulty somewhere else: tastes vary. Personally, I'd gag at Reeses: indeed most Britons find anything from Hershey fairly unpalatable, since our chocolate tastes are based on Cadbury childoods. And the odd poster on this board who knows a Briton who likes, say, Kraft marshmallows is describing an unusual taste - which is why Kraft abandoned the attempt to sell them here decades ago.

Would you really be grateful for yet another calendar, or another coffee table book of a country you've probably visited anyway?

Forget you're Canadian. What would you get as a housegift for someone in your own province you're staying with? Something you'd imagine, based on your knowledge of them, they'd appreciate. Not something typical of your hometown.

Canada's not some obscure, exotic place your relatives are unlikely to visit. They can buy all the ethnic tat they like. Why treat your relatives any different from how you'd treat your friends?

Go to a gift shop and see what kind of souvenirs the tourists buy.

Sorry my mind wouldn't go beyond the maple syrup candy.

What is ethnic tat?

How about some products from Roots Shops? For example, a Roots sweatshirt & matching pants, a leather Roots bag, etc. Or, if they have grandkids, a Roots item for them.

How about some native american or Eskimo carvings, sculpture or jewelry? I've seen some very nice stone carvings in Montreal.

Maple syrup and a serving pitcher created by a local artisan or ice wine and decanter (if you decant-pardon my ignorance) or decorative stopper. Best of luck.

My friends in Northern Ireland love Canadian Cheddar - the sharper the better.

Hi ...

How about looking at what is on at one of the Londonb theatres & booking for all of you to go there .... you'd all have a night to remember ??

Mark

Reeces Peanut Butter cups are widely available here in the UK. As mentioned earlier, I also don't think they'll be appreciated. We have a totally different taste as regards chocolate. I almost vomited the first time (and last) I tasted a Hershey's bar.

Wild rice

"Canadian" cheddar is much better in UK.

Don't takes any Roots clothing to people with an Australian background they will fall off their chair laughing

LOL Wombat I heard the australians had fun at the last summer Olympics!

Here is an opinion from another Canadian. I think that a bottle of good ice wine is a reasonable idea provided that your hosts drink wine. People in their mid-fifties rarely need more "stuff" around the house. Ice wine is something special that your hosts have likely rarely or never had. It has the added virtue of being reasonably compact to carry. Do some research ahead of time and find out what is good. Don't count on the duty free shop at your departure airport without doing some phoning ahead that they have something suitable.

If the wrong definition of a panda is eats, soot and leaves you can imagine what the wrong definition of a wombat is!

oops should be eats, shoots and leaves!

Charley 1965, I will take your word on the Reeces, but I was only repeating what I was told. My British friend agrees with you about Hershey's. Personally I have met very few chocolates I don't like. :-)

Oh my goodness, now that I have recovered from your comments, some of which are quite hilarious, I will take into consideration your thoughts. Flanneruk, you are probably right about not dwelling on the "Canadian" theme but I am shocked and surprised that you don't think Canada is obscure and exotic. You have burst my bubble. I thought that's what everyone thought about us! Anyway, thank you ALL for taking the time to throw out some ideas - will let you know what we decide on and how well it is received. Appreciate your thoughtful replies - even the Reeses. By the way, speaking of 'taste', what is up with Marmite - (now I'm in trouble). Actually ice wine and maple syrup is sounding better already. Cheers!

Last Nov. our friends in Vienna liked the small Inukshuk we bought at our departure airport, and we have also taken Pacific smoked salmon in pouches - no refrigeration needed.
Sara