Small, light gift ideas for French host under £20, easy to transport

[LoisPrice]

would like to take a present to France for French host.

needs to be small, light and something easy to transport, travelling with 10kg bag only.

it needs to get through customs and be inexpensive/ less than £20

any ideas? Please 🙏 I’m stumped

shortbread?

Edible?

Can't go wrong with premium shortbread
Or maybe English tea?

Will I be ok taking shortbread on ferry?

I have been stopped before and had camping knife taken from me 🙈

It’s a female host of around 50/55

Would she like something like a silky scarf? Not on the High Street, Etsy, or even from a real shop on the High Street.

Shortbread or, even better, Oxford Marmalade. Neither will be a problem with customs as they aren't a weapon

Meat and dairy products or anything containing them are not allowed from UK into EU. So shortbread could be confiscated if it contains butter (which it should!). Same for milk chocolate.

Marmalade or tea is probably safer but even then, plant products in theory need some sort of certification (suspect it would probably be fine in practice but a risk).

Fancy candle? Or some sort of nice small bowl or jug…?

I don’t think this is true for processed products.

You might find something here. Some nice gifts under £20.

https://countrylivingshop.co.uk/collections/gifts-under-20

I've just spent the last hour on that website - definitely one to return to for all kinds of things. So far, my shopping list includes a table, a bowl, a clock and a scarf.

These decorations by Elizabeth Harbour would make a lovely gift.

www.johnlewis.com/cath-kidston-london-stoneware-mug-coaster-275ml-red-multi/p114280006?s_ppc=2dx_mixed_home_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22402347839&gbraid=0AAAAAD2el1zc3c-dTLORTAY6-GOSovEez&gclid=Cj0KCQjwve7NBhC-ARIsALZy9HU4egk5RLIheR8c5FT4j8-VX5Hf9eayNXlCUR8OBqzmQH1aXLoOeNsaAsShEALw_wcB

We took Fortnum and Mason biscuits which got through fine.

https://www.primark.com/en-gb/p/london-travel-mug-navy-991130009528?selectedSku=211467756&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22158052747&gbraid=0AAAAADffWK7J2V9e12qGKr0o1bCUEowXJ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwve7NBhC-ARIsALZy9HW8t0JVn_vCgKox6riPWunVtQW5RrSJJ6D16dq2t5v0j-CzbkcUh1QaAt0CEALw_wcB

Harrods teabags

https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/p/harrods-no-1-first-blend-50-tea-bags-000000000007655842?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22525029090&gbraid=0AAAAADm-wgNzlCeFS5ae2TmO-8Nob2x_u&gclid=Cj0KCQjwve7NBhC-ARIsALZy9HXV9o7z0nmauclDBuGiKazLMcBL0G_YWTA0dCnZrH2tikDqVYVJQLEaAtJTEALw_wcB

Maybe a bit random but I’m trying to restrain myself from buying one of these:

enamel trays.

Very light to carry, under £20. There are lovely things stocked here, many are ££££, but a surprising number for the £20-ish mark.

Could be something related to your hometown, especially if you have nice places that are notable enough but aren't major tourist attractions. You can make a desk photo calendar with city views or check out any local souvenir shops for an accessorie from a local artist, a cute figurine or something like that.

Small teapot and English Breakfast tea(bags).

Thanks for the ideas

i like the makeup bags on the site linked and they’d definitely not take up much space in my 10 litre bag 😊

im not going to fit a tray in my small bag 😂 however it is pleasing to look at

I think I might also pick up some shortbread at the port in a nearby supermarket, see if it smuggles over in my knickers bags, if not it’s not a lot to lose

thanks for the suggestions

im not going to fit a tray in my small bag 😂 however it is pleasing to look at

@LoisPrice
Fair enough but if you look at the measurements you’ll see it’s actually tiny:
Perfect for holding small trinkets, jewellery, or as a decorative accent…Diameter: 10cm/3.9"

That’s why I thought it would fit in your small bag 🤷‍♀️

I was in the Lake District the weekend before and got a beautiful make up or jewellery bag and some wax melts to put inside. My host loved the bag and mrlts

tjanks for the suggestions

I'd just pick up some alcohol at the airport.

Heaven’s sake! 😄 Take a newly published book! A slim volume by an English writer. Take it as hand luggage.

Like this:

https://fitzcarraldoeditions.com/books/what-am-i-a-deer/

Something with a William Morris design, (Liberty) or a London Underground design from the Transport Museum gift shop.

Or something Welsh / Scottish depending on where you are coming from.

Or gin from the ferry duty free

The little trays are lovely @Brillig.

I often default to ceramics for this kind of thing - small handmade jug or similar, maybe from a local pottery.

We also have a lovely shop on our high st that sells beautiful local scented soaps and little ceramic soap dishes - I'd be delighted with that.

Depending on interests/context, a slim British cookery book like the Simon Hopkinson/Lindsay Wareham (Roast Chicken) one would be a great gift. Or a couple of serving spoons.

Beautiful stationery might be another option - notecards or similar.