hey all, <BR> <BR>looking for some nice ideas here: <BR> <BR>a coworker/friend/kinda my (secret) crush right now is doing me a major favor, related to my upcoming trip to London. His Dad (whom I have never met) is lending me something important for the trip, at my friend's behest. <BR> <BR>I would like to get him something nice in London to thank him. (I have already thought of something thoughtful for the friend). <BR> <BR>any ideas? I really don't know him, and would like this to be a surprise so I am still wavering on whether I should ask my friend what he likes. <BR> <BR>What is a good, typical, thoughtful but safe gift for a gentleman who is maybe about 60 or so? Doesn't have to be specifically British although that would be nice - just that it is from there is great. I was thinking maybe golf stuff (everyone golfs!) but don't even know what sort of paraphernalia to get. If this were his MOM it would be so much easier. I can't very well buy him a tea set... <BR> <BR>I thought 'cuban cigars' but mmmm.. could lose my license over that!! HAHA <BR> <BR>if you can think of anything quintessentially British, feel free to pass it on... <BR> <BR>thanks! <BR> <BR>

Books make nice gifts and can be packed easily. You might get him a bio on Winston Churchill or an early book on golf courses or British sports in general from a store on Charing Cross Road. or, pick up some coffee, hot mustard, jams & biscquits or something like that from Fortnum & Masons, Harrods Food Halls or Harvey Nichols.

Beth: I second Mel's ideas to get something at Harrod's or F&M's. If you bring tea, jam or biscuits (English short bread), you will certainly not lose your license.

Does this man actually golf? Not all of us do, you know. <BR> <BR>Does he drink? I always find an good bottle of whisky or whiskey is usually very welcome. Try Bushmills 16-year or Oban. I'm sure others have suggestions.

Years ago,I was in similar situation,I bought a beautiful leather bonded notebook with nice pen inside,in Dunhill store,London. It costed quite a bit,but useful and not too personal.Up to now,I still see the gentalman use it in meetings.

Isn't London supposed to have great Gin? Personally, I would go with a bottle of alcohol...always appreciated and if he doesn't drink himself he can serve it to guests - not everyone golfs and reading is tricky too...I love history books but Winston Churchill isn't everyone's cup of tea, so to speak.

<BR>hiya beth, <BR>i like the idea of a gift basket full of goodies from F&M..everybody eats!!..so you cant go wrong with that. <BR> <BR>a little FYI for you... i bring back cuban cigars all the time!!! just take the bands off them (you can replace them later) and pack them carefully in your suitecase. there is a nice smoke shop in covent garden...they have a nice selection of cuban cigars. <BR> <BR>enjoy your trip! <BR>lisa

If he's a coffee drinker: Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee and pink sugar from Harrod's, two souvenir and/or English bone china coffee cups or mugs, and a French press. If he's a tea drinker, substitute looseleaf tea and a teapot, and add a tea infuser. For authentic, go to the Bramah Coffee and Tea Museum shop. <BR> <BR>If he likes to cook: Gary Rhodes cookbook, funky kitchen utensils like a salt grinder (good shop in Covent Garden), a couple of souvenir tea towels and/or apron. <BR> <BR>For his desk: fine writing paper or leather-bound journal, good fountain pen and ink, souvenir letter opener and paperweight. <BR> <BR>If he's a gardener: seed packets (flowers and veggies), gardening set (rake, trowel, pruning shears, apron), gardening magazine. Maybe from Kew Gardens? <BR> <BR>If he's a cigar smoker: from a smoke shop (Harrod's has one, so does Selfridge's, there are a couple of famous cigar shops near St James Square), a few good cigars (Cubans are the best, but Dominicans are also good - and legal. Ask the salesman for recos), a cutter, a cigar lighter, leather carrying case; or humidor &lt;- can be veeerry expensive. <BR> <BR>If he's music lover: recordings of concerts held in London churches. <BR> <BR>General stuff: calendars, books and bookmarks (there's a parliament book shop across from Big Ben), key chains (not the cheesy ones, a good one from a jeweler or men's store), fine linen handkerchiefs (don't laugh, these cost a small fortune), a Burberry umbrella. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Lots of great ideas above. I especially like the Burberry umbrella. If he lives in colder climates, a Burberry cashmere scarf would be great, and very British. <BR>Regarding the F & M goodies, they sell a "Gentleman's Relish" that is very popular. <BR>What's the budget? <BR>j.

Hi all - THANKS. great tips & ideas. <BR> <BR>I would probably spend in the neighborhood of 100 bucks max. <BR> <BR>thanks again everyone! <BR> <BR>Beth

It's not hard to bring home Cuban cigars. <BR>This sounds funny, but I put them in an empty tampon box and they fit fine. (No Monica jokes here!)

I would not get the man alcohol or smokes unless you absolutely knew that he imbibed. <BR> <BR>Try going to Covent Garden and looking in their outdoor market. There are several nice things that you could buy there. <BR> <BR>How about creating a small scrapbook for him of London postcards or even your own photographs of places you went. <BR> <BR>Perhaps a small basket of little items. Pre-packaged food things from Fortunum & Mason (as customs will allow, no fruit, no meat, etc), shaving cream, soap, London key chain, golf tees, etc. <BR> <BR>There are also several British stores (i.e. Burberry) where you could buy him a nice scarf or rainwear. <BR> <BR>But don't sweat it. The best gifts I've bought were ones where I just happened to be window shopping and saw just the perfect item. I'm sure the man will appreciate whatever you bring him, just because you were thinking of him. <BR>