I'm making my 5th trip to England in March and I need the help of someone out there who isn't brain dead from Christmas shopping (I am) for simple, transportable gifts. <BR><BR>I'm from Kanzas and in the past have taken packets of sunflower seeds which were a BIG hit as most of these folks are gardeners and those who aren't still seem to like the idea of sunflowers from the Sunflower State. It seemed a near perfect gift in that they were inexpensive, light to travel, customs didn't seem to mind, plus (or at least I was told) all grew and bloomed.<BR><BR>I'm visiting the same families again and don't want to do a repeat performance with seeds (besides, there ARE certain varieties that Customs does indeed frown upon...)<BR><BR>I travel very light, when possible, and some of these folks I won't see until three weeks or more into the journey. Books seemed good at first but that might get a bit cumbersom.<BR><BR>I know it's a tall order, but I'm counting on one lightening bolt of genius from the Fodor crowd as to another ideal giftie...

I've brought Whoosh frisbees - they are the soft ones, completely flat with a hole in the middle. They are easier to catch than regular frisbees, and so very good for families.

Nice tea towels with Kansas themes.

Hi Buzz, You might consider sending something ahead of time. I sent toffee from Enstroms in Colorado (they have a web page) to Italy and it arrived very quickly. Peoplegottaeat.com has Killer Pecans you could send ahead. I have also taken decorative Lady Primrose soaps as gifts. I am taking several children gifts this trip and am thinking of CD's maybe. I will be interested to see other ideas in answer to your post. The seeds were a great idea. Perhaps there is something from Kansas you could send a week or two before you leave so you don't have to carry it around on your trip. Kay

Would someone who comes from KANSAS,not know how to spell KANSAS?

And you've never made a typo before? <BR><BR>Be nice.

I didn't think it was a typo.<BR>I am nice.<BR>

Took it (Kanzas) only as the jovial tongue-in-cheek in which it was intended. Don't read too much into everything.<BR><BR>My suggestion, a coin set from the<BR>US Mint.

how about Native American themed gifts? You cna always find something small and portable like jewelry, slippers, dolls... Just an idea.

Maybe a calendar? This time of year you can find them for half price and they are very flat for traveling. I'd suggest one from your area or maybe one of our National Parks.

how about small syrup or jams? they come in trial sizes and if there are some that are specific to kansas that might be nice. a fun, kitschy kind of gift might be gardening gloves from martha stewart (available rather cheaply from kmart), kansas refrigerator magnets, a friend from kansas bought me a tornado post card (which i liked-but then again...) <BR><BR>: )<BR><BR>just some thougths

Buzz, how about small calendars, especialy those with pictures of Kansas on them? Or light-weight "touristy" books if you can find them. We found that our relatives in Austria (those over 30) liked things from America that were obviously American; the kids liked Hard Rock Cafe t-shirts! I'm equally at a loss as to what to take this year to Austria. The first time I went I took Lenox figurines, since New Jersey is the home of Lenox china, but since 1998 I've met about 3 dozen relatives and I can't afford Lenox for all of them!<BR>

How about a state road map? We're all very curious about one another, aren't we? Even those you get free from AA are interesting to people across the pond. That way, you can show them exactly the city where you live in relation to the rest of the state. Cost is certainly negligible; folds flat and weighs very little.<BR>Kansas is from a Sioux Indian word..perhaps that makes you think of something as well.<BR>I also like the idea of a wall calendar with different pictures of Kansas each month.<BR>Love the seed idea; I've used it often. The English love their gardens; and they love their tomatoes for breakfast; how about seed packets for some of the special ones we have here...those extremely large beefsteak, or the tiny one no larger than grapes that are so sweet.

Wonderful suggestions! I knew I could count on you! There were several that'd I never have thought of and all have merit. Thank you!<BR><BR>As for here@fodor, well, there's a Grinch in every crowd, eh? We even have a few here in Kanzas.<BR><BR>For the edification of the grouch (and anyone interested in having some background knowledge concerning topics of which they speak), "Kanzas" is indeed a Native American Term, named after the Kaw (or "Kanza") tribe. The name means, "People of the South Wind."<BR><BR>So far I've found over 20 "correct" ways to spell the state's name, though granted most are archaic.<BR><BR>Most maps before the 1930's list us as "Kanzas" and the first newspaper in my town, published in the 1850's, was the Kanzas Journal.<BR><BR>The largest remaining tract of native, "tallgrass" prairie in North America is located in the Flint Hills of Kanzas. A specific research area, managed in part by Kansas State University, is known as the Konza Tallgrass Prairie Research Area.<BR><BR>Konza, Konzas, Kanza, Kanzaz, Kanzas, Kawnsa, and, yes, "Kansas", are all just names used to describe one of the nation's best kept secrets. It is a place of clean air and water, vast expanses of hills, valleys, streams, lakes, and wildflowers. Some parts are "flat" but the eastern third of the state is not. <BR><BR>During America's Civil War there were more volenteers from Kanzas than from anywhere else. The people work hard and live very well with one of the nation's highest population of well-educated people.<BR><BR>A poet once wrote, "Kanzas doesn't shout. She sings. But softly; and to herself..."<BR><BR>Have a really great 2002, keep traveling, and thanks for the exemplary gift suggestions.

What about a pair of ruby slippers, a broomstick, and some brains, courage, and heart?!