Visiting gifts question

**alsrx** · 18th January 13, 04:00 PM

I will be visiting Scotland in June to meet some very distant relatives. I need help trying to think of a nice gift from the US to give to them. The US is so diverse, it's difficult to think of something that represents us well and that would make them think of the US each time they look at it.
Any suggestions?

**piperdbh** · 18th January 13, 05:26 PM

Since you're in Georgia, how about a jar of peach preserves and a sack of pecans?

**madmacs** · 19th January 13, 05:15 AM

I guess it would also depend on who the gift is for...

I'd avoid any food that is uncooked (jerky) and anything that might be considered live (seeds) HM Customs probably has other restrictions too...

Piperdbh's suggestion of something from your area would be worthwhile though.

**EagleJCS** · 19th January 13, 10:29 AM

When I went along to the 2007 World Scout Jamboree in England, I took along some pencils with the Commonwealth of Kentucky motto, bird, etc. on them as 'friendship gifts'. I also had some lapel/hat pins and a couple of other knick-knacks, as I recall.

We have a shop here in town called 'A Taste of Kentucky' with many Kentucky-themed gifts (not just foodstuffs). Maybe there's something similar in your neck of the woods?

Since this is family (however distant) you're talking about, maybe some family photos of your common ancestors - if such things exist - in a nice frame, or a family tree chart showing your relationship would be in order. Also, since you have some time, maybe copies of the immigration records of those common ancestors, if they can be found.

**Jock Scot** · 19th January 13, 01:39 PM

I carry in my brief case and have done for many years, an American silver Dollar in a wee leather pouch that says "good luck" and the name of the giver on it, who is a dear friend who has crossed the pond to shoot with us over the years. I have had many an envious comment when it has been seen. I treasure it very much. Can you get silver Dollars these days?

**piperdbh** · 19th January 13, 01:46 PM

They can be found, Jock, but only from collectors/dealers, and they're worth far more than the dollar they were originally worth. The value fluctuates somewhat with the price of silver, the condition of the coin, its mint, etc., but it's fair to say that a silver dollar is worth at least $20.

**Babyvett** · 19th January 13, 01:48 PM

If not silver dollars you could try the Georgia state quarter.. You might be able to find a coin company that had a roll of uncirculates of just Georgia either from a dealer or even on ebay.

**Dixiecat** · 29th January 13, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

They can be found, Jock, but only from collectors/dealers, and they're worth far more than the dollar they were originally worth. The value fluctuates somewhat with the price of silver, the condition of the coin, its mint, etc., but it's fair to say that a silver dollar is worth at least $20.

Coins are a great idea. The Royal Canadian Mint has been a great source of special gifts for me over the years. The RCM leads the industry in special coins.

Americans can find similar gift ideas and commemorative $1 coins along with other specials at:
http://www.usmint.gov/

**TheOfficialBren** · 30th January 13, 03:04 AM

I think the coin idea is brilliant.

**Dale-of-Cedars** · 30th January 13, 05:54 AM

I collect rocks from places I've been, and was given a small piece of green quartz on a visit to Georgia - quartz being the State Stone, and the green variety being found in Georgia.
Not the thing for everyone, but I was, and am, quite happy with it. (It lasted longer than the pecan pie, which was good too :-)