Gifts for family

caslug says on Jun 15, 2005, 19:52:

how would you bring a.. cheesesteak down to COL? Wouldn't you eat it during the flight? Clothing w/ sports team is good as tinto mention.. candy as gift is universal..

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vladimiro says on Jun 15, 2005, 20:00:

shampoo The ladies like the more expensive shampoos and hair products available in the US. (btw, that's an impressive list of candy!)

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kernow62 says on Jun 15, 2005, 20:22:

Tinto, scratch Charms Pops from your list, they are readily available in Bogotá at least.

For my wife's aunts we took them each a nice bottle of perfume, nothing cheap. For smaller presents we took some inexpensive but nice quality chocolates made by the German firm Merci. They can be found at Target, Walgreens, etc.

Declaration of Independence bad idea.

Perhaps for a man a nice coffee table book about Philadelphia. Younger guys would like the local team jerseys mentioned by Tinto.

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Gator says on Jun 15, 2005, 21:38:

Personally, believe it or don''t... Fig Newtons go over big and make that shampoo Pantene. At least that's what Mrs, Gator says when people coming to visit ask, "Can we bring you anything?"

If you listen closely in the background you can hear Gator yelling, "Jack Daniels Black!"

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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miamimike says on Jun 15, 2005, 22:22:

Those Dollar Coins can be obtained also at the US Post Office in the Stamp Machines.They give them as change say from a $10 bill. The last time I bought stamps they did a few months back in Noeth Miami anyhow,BTW I thought they were Sacajawa coins.

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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xochistar says on Jun 15, 2005, 22:24:

anti-Dandruff Shampoo! Head and Shoulders is always a popular request. I've been told by my cousins that the Head and Shoulders shampoos available in Colombia aren't as tough against dandruff as those available in the U.S. Brita water filters have also made the list of requested gifts. Some of the requests I've gotten are a bit odder, but i'll leave those to the imagination.

Sorry -- This will probably not help you in your search for the perfect gift. :)

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2retirensa says on Jun 16, 2005, 05:09:

Cranberries Wonder where I got that idea? Honestly, my friends love the dried cranberries (sweet/tart) and easy to pack. I get the very large bag from Sam's and divide it into smaller zip lock bag. Very inexpensive that way. They don't have them in Colombia. Other things I have been asked for are wool socks,& wool hats (boys, men).

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mrjlopez says on Jun 16, 2005, 05:57:

Great feedback Thanks.. im returning the kitchen things.. and getting perfumes/lotions/tshirts.. Candies are packed.. getting some andes mints, and well.. depending on how many more responses I get.. perhaps some other things might make it to the list. thanks again everyone

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rona says on Jun 16, 2005, 06:21:

good luck - just watch the 70-lb. limit for each of your bags - - I've been asked for a few weird items:

- Lance Armstrong Foundation Yellow Bracelets - don't know why
- Socks with nike, puma or adidas logo on them
- Sneakers - I go to the outlets and get a decent pair for $20 to
$30; but that's usually for those who I know need them
- Dove brand beauty products esp. shampoo
- Victoria's Secret - ANYTHING - Tinto, my fiancee LOVES their
products
- Lindt Chocolates - a HUGE hit
- toys usu. work for little kids - Hello Kitty items, Legos or
Hot Wheels
- t shirts and Baseball caps for the older ones
- college kids or young adults - if they don't have one already a nice filofax planner - you can get the discontinued ones real cheap at any stationery store . . .

. . . hope the ideas help

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spigrimace says on Jun 16, 2005, 09:03:

Canollis If they don´t break! I would have said philly cheesesteaks or Buffalo Wings but they are now readily available at my sports bar in Medellin.

American brand beers or micro brew beers go over well. A Bud, A Sam Adams, etc.

For the ladies always had a hit with the sterling "return to Tiffany & CO, New York" key fobs.

Many cheeses are very hard to find. I have found provolone, bleu cheese, munster and the real cheddar (vs. the readily available chemical processed squeeze bottle stuff) But bring like a brie and serve it on a carving board with fruits and nuts and a bottle of California wine went over well

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stamper99 says on Jun 16, 2005, 11:31:

Philly to Cali or BUST! We're going to Cali in July from Philly too! First time back in nearly 30 years.
So far we have packed american flag key chains, dollar-store dolls, battery operated toothbrushes and pez for the little ones. John Frieda shampoo and dollar store carry-all bags for my aunts. Biosilk shampoo for my favorite aunt. Obsession cologne for my godfather. And assorted individual-size liquors for the heavy drinkers.
Still have to get some EAGLES stuff though :)

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MacGringo says on Jun 16, 2005, 12:22:

SPANDEX!!!!! YEAH I remember reading on an old post of someone who reckoned second hand spandex went down well with the ladies, but I wouldn't gamble on that.

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angzulu says on Jun 16, 2005, 15:01:

more items My family usually asks for those big bottles of Ibuprofen or vitamins that you can get at Costco. Collagen cream from Walgreens (the pink bottle) is a huge hit with the woman.

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Victoria Maria says on Jun 16, 2005, 15:54:

I will second the Victoria Secret recommendation The brand is loved by all women here- particularly the fruit infused lotions.

Victoria

Victoria Maria

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 16, 2005, 16:16:

Lionheart says on Jun 17, 2005, 03:18:

Some wishes I received that I won't post here Basically things from adult stores are in great demand, especially when you have established a closer relationship.

Another group of items are specific herbs, vitamins etc that are not available in South America, mainly gender or age oriented.

Send me a PM and I will reply with details, also internet sources and shipping options.

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kernow62 says on Jun 17, 2005, 04:25:

Good suggestion Lionheart, I can see it now the gringo boyfriend unpacks the case, the family all gathered round and whips out a 12" dildo for abuela.

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 17, 2005, 11:40:

kernow62 says on Jun 17, 2005, 11:42:

Just how do you know that, pray tell? ;-)

Knowing Texas you probably get the death penalty for such a crime.

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 17, 2005, 11:46:

kernow62 says on Jun 17, 2005, 11:49:

I am, I am!!! ;-)

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 17, 2005, 11:52:

Lionheart says on Jun 17, 2005, 14:22:

Texas is soooo mature When you buy something at an adult store in Texas you sign a disclaimer that you are purchasing the whatever for educational purposes only ...

Class is open children, today we will learn the practical applications ... perfect scenario for school uniforms.

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jun 17, 2005, 14:29:

oh boy what a turn in this thread, from manimoto to sex shop artifacts. Please, lionheart, are you serious? I guess not. When are you going to Colombia? Is that what you are thinking of taking there as presents for the family of your novia?

Getting back to the main topic here, finding suitable gifts is always a headache. It all depends how well you know the recipients of the gifts. If you are visiting the first time, perfumes of top cuality, chocolates (please, forget the US brands...), a good single-malt whiskey, silk scarves, pearls and top quality cosmetics are a good choice.

For the kids: Playschool or playmobile toys, stuffed animals, games and cds are always appreciated. For unexpensive gifts candy and school stuff such as cute rucksacks, pencil cases, sports items and coloring books. Lego is great.

Cheers,
Desi

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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Lionheart says on Jun 17, 2005, 15:03:

Desi, I am serious I have been asked for adult novelties on several occasions by different people, especially by women, who said they would never enter an adult store in Colombia, even if there was one available.

My novia will get pretty personal items, from nice smelling to good looking. Maybe I will make her a pretty gun holster to use under her jacket; I do leather crafts. Her mother likes sweets, her dad likes cognac and whiskey. For her I am considering something for her sewing and kitchen, and I will probably get him a Leatherman Tool. Her daughters will get arts and crafts stuff, since I have seen them being quite creative on webcam with their school projects. I agree with Desi, Legos are one of the greatest gifts for kids in general, and it helps communicating with them when you start building things with them.

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 17, 2005, 15:08:

Lionheart says on Jun 17, 2005, 15:16:

some assembly required I would take it along in pieces I pre-assembled, the final rivetting and attaching the buckles is a simple and fast task I would do there. I would also make a belt pouch for the Leatherman, and include that battery-less flashlight you see advertised on TV (shake'n'light). I think that is an incredible gift. When I see other items available "on TV only" I see many gift options, a lot not readily available anywhere. What about that one-hand sewing machine for example? This unique stuff makes special presents.

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adrimm (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jun 17, 2005, 15:42:

utopiacowboy says on Jun 18, 2005, 14:50:

You know, Adrimm, you have to be careful when you say that. I hated Texas so much I used to drive around the state to avoid it. But as they say, you may not want Texas but Texas wants you anyway. Best place I've ever lived.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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mrjlopez says on Jun 20, 2005, 05:02:

Locked n Loaded..All packed Fantastic advise guys.. thanks a bunch. Went to Marshalls (Dept store liquidation type place) found nice spa kits, some revlon makeup kits, have 2 bottles of JW Blue, Huge Costco sized Jelly Belly beans, ( got the cranberries.. then at checkout realized I dont even like em, so got a smaller bag at the supermarket), assorted syryps, key lime juice, pencil pouches filled with pens, pencils, snickers, ring pops, skittles, kisses. Purchased about 40 assorted colored Livestrong bracelets (hope they dont bust my chops thinking im reselling). Some magaines, Carton of Cigarettes, Hurricane drink mix (from the French Quarter), roasted seaweed, wasabi peas, and a partridge in a pear tree.. LOL.. nixed the vibrators and rubbers. made me laugh though.. about getting a huge box of Condoms for my male cousins.. but changed my mind.. and oh yea.. some sheets (requested).. will see how it goes.... Follwing excert from the FIGHT CLUB movie.. .. for giggles.. 1) so, was it ticking? 2) throwers don't concern themselves with ticking because modern bombs don't tick. 1) I'm sorry....throwers? 2) Baggage handlers. But when a bag vibrates, the thrower's gotta call the cops. 1) Let me get this strait, my bag was vibrating? 2) 9 times out of 10 it's an electric razor. But every once in a while......it's a dildo. Now the company has a policy never to imply ownership in the event of a dildo. We always use the indefinite article - a dildo. Never - your dildo. Abuelitas gona be cranky..

Thanks again for all your input

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