vawegs

Hello,

I will be visiting relatives in a small town in the Abruzzo region in a few weeks. The family has three grandaughters that live with them, ages 6, 5 and 1. I would like to bring a gift or two for each girl, but am having trouble deciding what. Since I have no children, and have no idea what Italian children know or like, I am looking for ideas. I do know they are aware of Disney, so Disney clothing seems okay. Any other ideas? I would appreciate any input. PS - I can't ask the grandparents as they will insist that we not bring them anything.

ileen

I love to take lots of small items and find it fun to give them maybe one item a day or every few days as a tiny surprise. Kids love getting a new little thing.
In the past I have taken
small slinky, yo-yos,crayons, variety of marker pens-there is a lovely selection available, not found in Europe, for girls some tiny jewelry. Also some small games or maybe some books. If you know their names, you can also find gift items such as pencils, notepads, mugs etc. with their name.
In addition I also take variety of granola bars, cookies, candies etc. to enjoy when we all go on some day trip or other outings. Just little treats. The older kid may also like to get some new looking US coins.
A relative recently mentioned she took a couple of cute kids umbrellas with really nice colorful designs for nieces and on a rainy day, it was a special treat to use them while walking around.
Have a fun trip.

justretired

We often include traditional things from New England that are not too heavy or large, such as maple sugar candy, salt water taffee, Boston baked bean candy, etc. Sometimes, we have brought seeds from the garden center ( children like growing things), but I don't know the latest rules on them. We also bring along some sport stuff like a Red Sox or Celtics hat or Tshirt, Boston or cambridge stickers, etc. We have found that people love the regional flair. Young children love puzzles and stuffed animals. Just make sure the toys aren't made in China! Bubbles and balloons are also popular.

Good luck,

Margret

vawegs

Thanks for the ideas. I was also wondering about backpacks, but wasn't sure if they are used by children in Italy.

Sassafrass

For the six year old, how about paper dolls, perhaps some of American presidents' wives in beautiful gowns, or a popular character from a book or movie? The American Girl Dolls are great too. They have beautiful ones out now. Check at Barnes & Nobles.

Pictue books where there are only pictures and the child makes up the story - no language problem.

For both 5 & 6 year olds, little aprons.

For baby, a touch and feel book that has pictures of animals made of different kinds of fur, shoe with laces, snaps, etc.

Jean

One of my favorite memories is sitting at an outdoor table at a restaurant in Bevagna watching the town's children leave school for lunch at home. I would say almost all of the children wore backpacks, and the younger ones seemed to like them to be decorated with superheroes (boys) and Cinderella/princess/Barbie (girls).

For 6- and 5-year olds, I'd suggest hair accessories, like decorated barrettes and head bands, or fun shoe laces. I've also seen cute zipper pulls you can attach to jacket zippers.

I think the baby is easy. Whatever you would give a baby here.

kelliebellie

Easy - jellybelly's.

The ones that taste like toast or marshmellows, etc. They are easy to pack and will be adored.

bozama

Candy is not always appriciated as a gift for children, by the parents I mean!! Plus one year old won't get any.
Also, make sure any toy or gift for one year old is not a choking hazard( avoid cheap toys from dollar stores) . I do think a nice picture book for baby is a great idea, and for older girls the paper dolls isn't a bad idea at all, easy to pack too. I vould avoid one with Presidents wives, that means nothing to an Italian kid, and frankly I think its a bit weird. I like the idea of the American Girl paper dolls though, I would look for that one.

kleeblatt

T-shirts from your country; items like pencils, key chains, etc. (with their names on them); back packs; hair things; paper dolls; books; jewelry.

Great ideas from above posters.

I, too, would avoid sweets.