topic Re: Ideas for Aussie friend in Buying

Ideas for Aussie friend

ross3804 — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 09:35:18 GMT

Hello everyone from the US here. I have a friend in WA whom I have never met in person, and would like to put together a Christmas box for her. I am hoping you can give me some ideas of what she might enjoy from the states. Thank you so much for your help.

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

*sparklz* — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:02:57 GMT

Um very hard to answer that as we do not know the person or what she likes.

Maybe some sort of souvenir with USA on it?

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

digital*ghost — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:13:56 GMT

I have some friends in the US who have sent me things, and they tend to be things that they know I'll like, but something only available over there.

For example, I'm a huge coffee drinker, so one friend has sent me special Starbucks coffee sachets, a limited edition Starbucks Christmas mug and so on.

Another friend knows I am a huge Invader Zim fan (short-lived US cartoon, merchadise is a little hard to come by here), so she sends me some of the weirder stuff (nobody knows why there's bacon in the soap 😮 ).

On the flipside - my coffee pal is also pretty keen on coffee, so I've sent him souvenir spoons.

So, the gist is, take something you know they like, and find something to do with it that they couldn't get here, at least not easily.

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

kopenhagen5 — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:19:54 GMT

That's a tough one without knowing much.

Probably best if you can find out some of her interests or hobbies.

Perhaps a xmas hamper with some of well known American gourmet, confectionery items. 🙂

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

emporiumdownunder — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:25:52 GMT

Maybe make up a hamper with things from the US, haircare, skincare products, food items lollies ect (have to check the Aus quarantine to see what is and isn't allowed).

Put a few different things in the hamper so you have it all covered, Anything that is different and only from the US 🙂

Its so hard to buy for other people so good luck 🙂

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

ross3804 — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 11:25:54 GMT

Thanks for your replies - and the suggestion to check the quarantine - never would have thought of that! Can you get real maple syrup (Vermont) down there?

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

gamesheaven77 — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 11:37:08 GMT

How about a gift or gifts from Timmies, we don't have them here

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

kopenhagen5 — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 11:50:31 GMT

The only maple syrup I have seen here is Camp brand.

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

ross3804 — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 12:14:15 GMT

I live in Chicago and had to Google Timmies to find what it was. Appears to be a Canadian coffee/doughnut chain. Never heard of it before. Maybe maple syrup would be a good idea if it.s not available there.

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

lis351 — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 14:12:20 GMT

No chocolate! Im in WA, Christmas time is notoriously hot, it will be ruined when it gets here.

If sending food items, be sure they have clear ingredients on the packaging, should customs inspect. If the ingredients arent clearly marked, its doubtful your friend will receive the item.

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

lyndal1838 — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 15:54:56 GMT

Several Canadian brands of maple syrup are readily available in the supermarkets here although they are a bit expensive. They retail for about $9-$10 for 250ml.

Other brands are available in specialty shops.

My OH is a Canadian who loves his maple syrup so I have researched it in great detail.

A lot of you popular biscuits and sweets are available here too.

I would be inclined to look for something non-perishable...maybe a nice book of views or some sort of souvenir. Spoons are often popular.

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

davewil1964 — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 17:11:10 GMT

My OH is a Canadian who loves his maple syrup so I have researched it in great detail.

Yours too? Golden syrup is just as good and cheaper. Try telling them that, though.

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

annies_fancy_dress — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 01:57:54 GMT

No Dave, golden syrup is just sugar extract.

And GS can never compete with maple syrup for flavour.

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

davewil1964 — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 03:55:54 GMT

I prefer lemon juice and sugar on my pancakes anyway.

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

lyndal1838 — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 04:48:50 GMT

Yep, I like lemon juice and sugar too...was brought up on it. But I do love maple syrup on icecream or yoghurt. No way would I use golden syrup on those.

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

i-once-was-bump — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 07:11:45 GMT

Hi ross3804 I am Bump, your new Aussie friend, and I would like some Sweet Romance jewellery for Christmas please, it is very hard to buy in Australia. thanks.

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

i-once-was-bump — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 07:13:33 GMT

btw, I am a lemon juice, butter and sugar pancake person. It was how my mother served them up when we were kids and have never been able to eat them any other way.

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

carly2579 — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 07:44:15 GMT

well packed hershey chocolate you can get that here but it is 3 dollars a a bar and only in specialty shops

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

ross3804 — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:44:11 GMT

Maybe the Hersheys would be good in your winter, but if I sent that for Christmas, I'm afraid it would arrive melted!

bump - there are over 500 of those right now on eBay US. Shipping should be minimal, I would think.

Keep the ideas coming - thanks to all of you!

Re: Ideas for Aussie friend

ross3804 — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:05:53 GMT

Do you have these available?