Help with gift ideas please

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Nice pens sound a good idea, useful and take up little space in luggage and the recipient's home, and everyone needs a pen at some stage. Otherwise for the young folk some nicely presented chocolates or British toiletries. Do you know them? Would a good bottle of whisky be appropriate for the older gentleman
I'd personally steer clear of leather goods, as Italians make so many lovely leather goods

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Very good idea mrsgreenfingers56
I have seen a lovely WWF add on the TV for the type of gift you have suggested. The animal in the add was an emperor penguin.

Magazine subscriptions

Make sure you check with the customs forms you will have to fill in now we are no longer part of Europe .....BUT if they are small allowed items that will go in your case, much better ...check with customs as to what you are able to take ! Much better and less expensive than posting ...I posted parcels to friends in Europe every birthday and Christmas but we have now agreed to stop, following Brexit ...we used to send only silly things anyway ....last year it cost me over £50 postage for things that only cost me £30 ! so I made instead a contribution to charity for the same amount I would have spent, and they said they would do the same !....good luck ....I hope the restrictions let you into Italy ......

I have just done a hard to buy for person and thrilled with it. Basically I have paid for my friend to adopt a snow leopard through the WWF. I paid and the cuddly snow leopard and all the details of the adoption came with it and I have wrapped up today. He goes away a lot to countries where a snow leopard could be spotted but never seen one as yet so joked I have provided the next best thing!

I get lost down the " rabbit hole" that is Etsy. I always find something a bit quirky and original there. Take a look, Lucca and fingers crossed that you get out to Italy for Christmas.

Don't quite understand your question, JaneJudge

If the question is in blue, rowyn it means it's a link.

Mind you, I have no idea how JaneJudge did that!

My DS & Family currently live in Italy but crave Cadbury chocolates. (even though they live in a chocolate producing region!) I think wine might be a case of "coals to Newcastle". Pens sounds a good idea.

How much are you looking to spend? Obviously it will have to be something very British but that will be appreciated by Italians. Calendars with pictures of castles or countryside views, biscuits, mince pies or particularly shortbread (in tins so they don't get crushed in your suitcase.

If you go for Christmas cake or Christmas pudding, serve it up yourself or they'll just put it in a cupboard. You can also get jars or tins of clotted cream which might go down well.

JaneJudge

I presume you've heard of these people?

What a fascinating site!

I just went onto the Harrods site to look for you, so appalling, they are selling real fur coats again. Shame on the, the buyer should be made to watch how the animals are farmed and euthanised.

I wouldn't take a leather gift as Italy has such an amazing leather industry.

For something British you might like something here? Harrods may also have a section.

www.johnlewis.com/browse/gifts/british-themed-gifts/_/N-amt

I shall buy a scarf for my friend either from One hundred stars or Bimba y Lola.

I’m thinking the pen idea or leather key fob…. For the others probably local renowned tea etc products …. The tea towels are fun for the couples.
Not taking duty free stuff as I di t know what they drink plus I’m not having carry on luggage!

Thanks gransnetters.

JaneJudge

rowyn, I was linking to a website that Lucca might want to look at. I wasn't responding to you or criticising your post

Yes lovely website

Visgir1

Share in a British Racehorse?

Ah yes I’ll do that with the change in my pocket !!.

I don't know if you still can get them, but there used to be very good linen tea towels sold in souvenir and gift shops. They were greatly appreciated abroad because they had things like a map of the British isles, or famous places on them.

They were both decorative and useful and lasted for years, even why in daily use.

What about a Parker pen each with individual name? You can choose from several fonts and up to 20 letters including spaces. They are stylish, light weight and have been received with delight from friends. I’ve seen them use the pens so know they are not lying at the bottom of a drawer! Try the Pen Outlet.

A nice boxed pen each. Don't have to be that expensive

Share in a British Racehorse?

I hadn’t heard of the site JaneJudge, it is great, thanks.

rowyn, I was linking to a website that Lucca might want to look at. I wasn't responding to you or criticising your post

Don't quite understand your question, JaneJudge.
Not On the High Street is a website which hosts many small creative businesses showing their unusual products, a lot of which are handmade. Items are not cheap, therefore.
I've used the website for quite a few gifts, and sometimes just for inspiration!