I'm going to Ireland from the US for my first visit to distant relatives. Please provise suggestions re: gifts (easy to pack, inexpensive)to take. What about items that are US-related or misc commemorating the Sept 11 Attack? These are very popular here but may seem corny elsewhere. All thoughts will be most appreciated.

Some of the best gifts from the us to bring is Food items Peanut Butter, Real Maple syryp,Wine, americam spirits burbon , alot you can get at the duty free shop in the airport or buy on the plane , for children anything that is wwf wrestling related . also ny fire department hats and shirts and nypd stuff. american stuff like popcorn ! FLUFF,

What would you take to relatives in the States? - or what woould you like to receive if it was the other way round and they were coming from Ireland?

Forget the 9/11 commemoratives unless you're sure they'd be appreciated. Many non-americans see those things as patriotic USA items (not what you'd give a foreigner) or even commercialization of a tragedy.<BR> <BR>

Just recently there was a good thread about gifts from US to Europe. Perhaps you´ll find it if you just type "gifts" to the search. There were some very good suggestions, maple syrup being one of those.

Just thought of a great one (well, you can't please everybody, but it's one of the best gifts I ever got from the States): the cookbook "Mrs. Fields' 100 Best Cookie Recipes". So far, every single recipe works. It's American, useful, delicious, fun. Bring a bag of chocolate chips, too, in case they can't get them in Ireland.<BR>(In other countries, baking soda may be hard to get. In the Netherlands it's called 'maagzout' and sold at pharmacies.)

I think anything that shows your Irish relatives what your home land looks like would be nice. So I'd suggest a calendar with photos of your state. if they might be curious, and if your town has such a thing. a book about the history of your town would be interesting. a more expensive alternative might be a beautiful "coffee-table" type book of the USA. I also like to give people good quality hand-crafted items made near me, so if you have fine artisans near you and you think your relatives might appreciate their work, that's also a possibility, though, depending on the item, may be difficult to pack.

I wouldn't take peanut butter - it's available in every supermarket in Ireland. Could look a bit like a food parcel. But luxury food items (maple syrup included) sound good.

Sue, how about candy? I've been to the U.K. several times, and I don't think they have Tootsie rolls or salt water taffy there. It would be fun for any children you'll be seeing.

For my Danish relatives (with several children) I brought maple sugar candies...they liked the Indian Head and maple leaves. They really liked the old family pictures and letters to the immigrant.

american cigarettes if they smoke??<BR>or how about am stamps?<BR>

I agree with Carol. That is, if your Irish relatives have never been here, a map of the USA, *your* state, your city, some local postcards, personal pictures of your home, family, pets, can bridge that gap in a flash. We're all very interested in each other, aren't we?<BR>I also like the idea of the cookbook and real maple syrup. Mrs. Field's cookies sounds good but so does some locally produced cookbooks such as churches and schools publish as fundraisers.<BR>I particularly suggest maps because we have found that our visitors from across the pond and from Europe are simply fascinated by the sheer size and variety of landscape of our country.<BR>I also would suggest you might bring a local newspaper. Maybe it's just me, but I have to buy the local paper every place I visit. I find them fascinating.

Cigarettes jj???? The relatives are in Ireland, not jail!

Hi, Irish person here! Forget the peanut butter - food is iffy really - you'll make them feel like the poor relations! Magazines and papers are a good idea - for example are they farmers? You could bring a farming magazine - likewize for crafts and hobbies - it can be difficult and/or expensive to get American magazines here - specialist ones of course. Your local paper is also a good idea and also cheap candy for kids - I'd never heard of the ones mentioned - but again don't overdo it - there's a huge variety available here too - actually don't forget to try the milk chocolate when you're here - its supposed to taste much better! Small stuff like pens or t-shirts are also OK. The calendar is also a good idea. And don't forget to bring lots of photos with you - it's a great ice breaker. Hope you enjoy your trip to Ireland. Cead mile failte.

I've really enjoyed receiving everyone's input and appreciate the advice. You've given me a lot of interesting ideas for gifts. While I'm out collecting some of them - please keep the suggestions coming! Thanx!