I'm surprising my wife with tickets to Mamma Mia on our trip to NYC in a couple of weeks. I want to find a fun way to give her the tickets, maybe a scavenger/treasure hunt or just add a few Swedish knicknacks to the box--any ideas on where I can buy food or other items? I'm also interested in other Swedish "things" there--restaurants (other than Aquavit--anything less expensive?),etc. (If I get desperate, I guess I can always go out to the Ikea near NYC, but I'd rather not spend the time)

http://www.newyorkmassagespa.com/index.htm

She could have a Swedish massage!
Take her to buy Orefors Crystal, something at George Jensen.

Thanks, Kate--actually good ideas for adding to the "major" present.

How about suggestions for small "hints" to put in or decorate a box? Any folk art or typical objects/food? There's got to be a Swedish section of town in NYC, right? You guys have everything!

There is a Scandinavia House (not strictly Swedish) on Park Avenue and 37th/38th Streets. Their restaurant, AQ Cafe, is open for lunch (until 5pm) and is run by Aquavit.

As for "hints" (by the way, what a fabulous idea you have there!), what about a copy of Pippi Longstocking? Or a VHS of an Ingmar Bergman movie, a pair of clogs or a bottle of Absolut vodka - there's also a coffee table book with all those great Absolut ads.

Here's a cheap way -

Buy a one pound bag of Swedish Fish at the market and place them without the bag into a small nicely wraped box with tissue paper lining the box. Make her dig for the good stuff - tickets!!

Great ideas--keep em coming!
Thanks

Haven't tried Ulrika's on 115 East 60th Street yet, but understand it's quite good Swedish food. A review is listed at the following site.

http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7158326/