What else is Switzerland known for besides chocolate, cheese and watches?
 

I am trying to make a birthday basket for my friend who is going to switzerland for the first time. I am thinking of putting swiss cheese, swiss chocolate and a fodors book on switzerland on the basket.<BR>what else would you suggest?

a bank

Yodels. Or a Heidi movie.

Leiderhosen. <BR><BR><BR>Or is that Austria?

1)Swiss Army knives, of course. They now make a whole buch of Swiss army junk, including luggage, though I don't think the military guys actually run around with high-style rollaboards.<BR><BR>2)Rosti (potato) mix, if you live near a shop that has imported foods.<BR><BR>3)Gold bars. Suitable for any occasion.

Cow bells.<BR><BR>Ricola throat lozenges.

How about adding a map of Switzerland. I am a "map freak" and love to plot my journey thru a country on the map. You can include a color marker.

ski resorts

Mentos <BR><BR>Those freaks in those commercials look vaguely Swiss to me.

cow bells, fondue (try the chocolate fondue),knives, kookoo clocks.

How about some Kirsche? Keeps those toes warm!

If it were me, I think I'd pack it not with things that she will be able to see/buy there, but with things that might get her excited about her trip or help her plan:<BR><BR>* Guide book or two, including a specialized one she might not otherwise buy (I have a guidebook to Swiss wineries)<BR>* Map/city guide for the city/cities she'll be visiting - the brand that combines a pocket guide & big map or the pop-up pocket map<BR>* Novels or other books that take place in Switzerland (if she likes business intrigue sorts of books, "A Numbered Account" is one of my favs in that genre, although it doesn't really set the scene extremely well - there are whole threads on this topic - Hotel du Lac, etc.)<BR>* A mini phrase book in French, German, or Italian (depending on where she's going - or all 3)<BR>* Some Swiss Francs<BR>* You could print out some helpful Fodorites' postings<BR>* General travel items, like an inflatable neck pillow, eye patch, and earplugs for the flight, electrical plug adapters, etc.<BR>* Thermal underwear if she's going to be in a cold place<BR>* Film for her camera, and/or coupons for developing it upon her return<BR><BR>Have fun - I love baskets & I'm sure she'll love whatever you do!

Eek - re-reading my post, I realize I should have mentioned "Your idea of the guidebook and other posters' mentions of maps got me thinking . . . "

Carla, What a sweet, thoughtful idea! I second Andrea's great ideas. Anything to get her excited and more knowledgeable about where she's headed. How about a travel journal?

LOL. Somebody advised you to pack "Leiderhosen", which means "unfortunate trousers". Cute!<BR>Take "Lederhosen" (leather trousers) instead. :-D

Andrea, thanks those are great ideas!