Ok, first I am not a troll. Just want to hear your opinions about this idea. I am going to France and England and of course I want to bring gift to my friends, family, etc. Do you think I would be a sneaky terrible person if I ordered several items off e-bay (ALL NEW OF COURSE) and give them out after I return? This would save me money (Perhaps?) and luggage space? Is this a bad idea?

It's a terrible, sneaky idea, but very practical. I love it!<BR><BR>However, since you have to pay shipping charges on ebay purchases anyway, perhaps you won't be saving that much. I usually purchase souvenirs and gifts that are very portable, rather than worrying or planning ahead. Prints, jewelry, anything made of fabric (from scarves to funny socks to college t-shirts) are very packable.

Sounds good to me..but then I'm an Ebay seller!

George? George Costanza? is that you, you old son of a gun??<BR><BR>&lt;wink&gt;

Message: Anon. Ha Ha - I got to give you that one; pretty funny! But seriously, I have done my homework on this one; and I really can get bigger and nicer presents off E-Bay, that have come from these countries. Ok, now let's hear some more opinions. So far I have been happy with the responses.

Ima, you sneak! Could you be more specific about the kinds of gifts that are available on E-Bay? Haven't used the site because it seems overwhelming. Where do I start?

First you have to "get established" by putting in your e-mail address, a "code name" and a password - all this is simple; just follow the directions, etc. Then under search - type anything you would like to look at - ex: Euro Disney and a bunch of items from Euro Disney pops up. Or you can type in "Eiffel Tower" etc. You can really get some good bargains on e-bay; but you do have to be careful to. You can look at the seller's history and see what people that have bought from them in the pass have to say. If a person is not being honest; they won't last long on e-bay because of the negative remarks. Try it; there are a lot of "help" answers on it. There is one item that I am watching that would save me about $100.00 if I bought it on e-bay vs. buying it in London, but I can't say what it is because I don't anyone to bid against me. I will let you know in a few days (if I get it).

<BR>I love it ~ and eBay. I just bought a Mercedes off eBay BUT not to give out as a souvenir of Germany.<BR><BR>Actually, we came back from Germany a couple of years ago and went to our local liquor store and bought several different kinds of German beer. This we gave to our son (not a minor) as his souvenir. He never asked and we never told.

Thanks Ima! I'll check out the site. Let us know about your bid.<BR><BR>Good Luck!

Another solution is to buy stuff at the last airport as you leave for home.

Message: Duck - Well, you are a sneak too! LOL. But a present is a present, right? Cagal- warning E-Bay is habit forming! But really a lot of fun - evan you don't buy a lot! Oh I hope I get that item - I WILL report one way or the other!

Message: Duck - Well, you are a sneak too! LOL. But a present is a present, right? Cagal- warning E-Bay is habit forming! But really a lot of fun - evan you don't buy a lot! Oh I hope I get that item - I WILL report one way or the other!

Why not go to the Ebay sites in France, England and Germany. Just check the ebay.com homesite and click on the country from where you wish to buy. If it is a different language, use a translator site.

The only problem with that is the s/h postage would run the gift up too much.Thanks for the input though. (why does our answers get posted twice sometimes? It happens when I do "refresh".)

I would still buy things for the people I care most about while abroad. You'll always know and may feel bad about it afterwards. I always get my parents chocolates and teas, t-shirts, things that fit easily.

I remember when my mother-in-law went to Egypt. She came home moaning about the cost of things & saying she really wanted to get some papyrus there but it was so expensive. A short time later she went to a garage sale & what did she find but some papyrus. Seems the people had gotten some on their trip & didn't want it any more. So she bought it & was happy. It didn't matter to her where it came from it reminded her of what she had seen on her trip. <BR>My favorite belief is "what the eye don't see, the mind don't know about."<BR>Do what you feel is best & get the small unique stuff over there.

Hey, Ima, I'm a Ima, too! Only, I like to leave all my clothes behind so I can bring lots of goodies back. Last March I literally brought home the clothes on my back and my travelbags filled. I don't have a lot of clothes, but, I just took clothes that needed to be discarded soon along.<BR>I buy things off Ebay all the time. I say go for it! <BR>Have a great trip!

Please help! What is a troll?

Most of the time the postage is not that much and you can consider it when you are bidding.

Vicki, just search on "what is a troll" you will get plenty of information.