I'mm making a journey to Scandinavia this spring and like to bring back special gifts and items for my home. What types of special items should I be looking for in this region? Other than tulips and clogs, I don't know what is best to buy there.

If you are driving go to the glass factories at Kosta, Boda, Orrefors, and other small villages west of Kalmar, Sweden. You can watch the glassblowers at work and buy "seconds" at a fraction of the US retail cost.<BR>The web site www.kostaboda.se includes a map and other visitor information. <BR> "In the heart of Sm&aring;land's Kingdom of Crystal you'll find the Kosta<BR> Boda glassworks of Kosta, Boda and &Aring;fors. Take a tour of the<BR> blowing room and experience the searing heat of the furnaces.<BR> Here, skilled craftsmen practise the age-old art of glassblowing, a<BR> craft whose traditions at Kosta stretch back hundreds of years.<BR> After the tour, hunt for bargains in the glassworks shops or enjoy<BR> the magnificent art glass on show in the exhibition halls," to quote their site. <BR>I was there years ago and can heartily recommend a visit. The selection in the factory shops is outstanding, and you'll have a hard time finding any difference between their rejects and their showcase items.<BR>John Bermont<BR>www.enjoy-europe.com/cds/sweden.htm

Glass is an excellent choice, so is a coat. They make a wonderful chocolate there that tastes different than any where else. Marilyn

Go to Bergen in Norway and buy the troll dolls.<BR><BR>Sweaters are great there too.

amber

topping for Liz

I love to wear clogs - so comfortable! Any suggestions on the good places to look for this type of footwear?

Tim if you're single, bring back one of the attractive natives; you're guaranteed to have bad cases of whiplash over there.<BR>On a more serious note, look for 'Dale (pronounced Dah-lay) of Norway' sweaters but be prepared to fork out quite a bit of cash for them.<BR>Scandinavia is expensive you must expect to pay twice to three times (4 if you're Canadian) what you'd pay in your country.