We're going to New Orleans for five days ... our first time there, and our (adult) kids have hinted that local souvenirs to be presented to them upon our return would be welcome ... what should we look for? We will have to pack whatever we get - but we're planning to check one bag, so it's not all carry-on.

Anyone have ideas for some things to bring back to a pair of twenty-somethings?

A hurricane glass from Pat O'Brien's...along with a bag of hurricane drink mix.

Pralines.

Something with a fleur-de-lis on it. I bought a t-shirt with a fleur-de-lis symbol and "Rebuild New Orleans" on it after volunteering on a Katrina rebuild...but you can also find the symbol on everything from jewelry to salt and pepper shakers.

You can also buy chicory coffee and beignets mix from Cafe du Monde (you can also find the coffee and mix at grocery stores and souvenir shops), but I've seen the coffee and mix in grocery stores outside Louisiana.

Anything representing a chili pepper. They like it spicy.

decorated Mardi Gras masks are fun

the voodoo dolls (with pins!) that I brought to friends a few years ago were a big hit

Tobasco hot sauce items (shirts, mugs, ties, etc)

alligator skulls are big with the guys I know (yuck!)

cajun cooking stuff (spices, jambalya mixes, etc)

Then there are the cheapest and easiest to pack - beads!

I love the masks- that's what we brought home when we went.

Café du Monde sells their beignet mix. You can buy chicory coffee as well.

Wow - thanks for all the great ideas. I am printing this thread out to take with me!

My daughter collects shot glasses, so I always buy her a shot glass whenever I travel.

We brought back masks for the kids but I would bring back Muffeletta mix in a jar next time.

Last year when I went down to help clean up, I got a t-shirt with a fleur de lis that said"Drove My Chevy to the Levee but the Levee was Gone"
Sure said "New Orleans" to me.

Oh gosh eileenleft--that song was popular when we lived there, and I've always loved it. Never thought of it in that context, but how prophetic!

If you bring back pralines, bring a chewy and a crispy version.

Me, I vote for chewy.

How about CD's of some of the musicians from the area?

CDs of local musicians have been a hit with my souvenier recipients and any food items

Hit "post" too soon. I have also brought back artwork - either originals or prints done by local artists. Those where big hits too.

<<Last year when I went down to help clean up, I got a t-shirt with a fleur de lis that said"Drove My Chevy to the Levee but the Levee was Gone"
Sure said "New Orleans" to me.>>

I laughed so hard when I heard about those tshirts!!!! I grew up right next to the 17th street canal (on the side that didn't break) and I really want to get one! It's sad - but SOOOO clever.

Head to the French Market and get some beignets and cafe au lait from Cafe du Monde. Then head down the street PAST all the shops to the flea market. Cheapo prices, wide variety of the same things in the stores.

Saint's gear?

Pralines
Bottles of remoulade sauce
Hurricane drink mix

Grcxx3--we too lived on the 17th St canal, the side that didn't break. Lake Ave in Metairie. We could literally see the tops of the boats passing on the levee from our 1st apt, post marriage.