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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask you to tell me what to buy in the US

111 replies

usashopper · 15/12/2018 11:46

We are off in a week's time on a family holiday to the US. It is years since I was last there and I just wondered what is worth buying and bringing back that is much more expensive and hard to find over here? I am unreasonably excited about a trip to Walgreens but wonder if there is anything else I should consider. Thank you all!

OP posts:
catography · 15/12/2018 11:50

Are you going anywhere near Louisiana? If so can you bring me some Zapps crisps in Voodoo flavour please? Actual food of the gods!

If not, Sephora if you're into skin care!

HundredMilesAnHour · 15/12/2018 11:50

Given the current exchange rate (thanks Brexit), I don't think they are really deals to be had in the US for us Brits right now. I travel to the US a lot on business and prices there tend to work out higher than in the UK due to the weak pound. It's not like the 'old days' when £1 was worth $1.6 or higher.

Avis7 · 15/12/2018 11:59

Bombas socks! Bloody love them.

bonzo77 · 15/12/2018 11:59

I need a Bemis 100 EC toilet seat. Cannot find one for sensible price here.

TheTroublesomestTribble · 15/12/2018 12:00

Nothing! The exchange rate is shocking at the moment...

Bobbiepin · 15/12/2018 12:01

American eagle jeans. Especially if you can get them at an outlet store.

LakieLady · 15/12/2018 12:02

Advil. For some reason, it seems to work much better than UK bought ibuprofen.

Alfie190 · 15/12/2018 12:05

We go quite a lot. I honestly cannot think of anything and with the exchange rate being so low I don't think anything is going to feel like value for money.

Honeyroar · 15/12/2018 12:05

Bath and Bodyworks candles and hand wash.

19lottie82 · 15/12/2018 12:05

Shopping isn’t great with the poor exchange rate, and also remember you need to add tax on to all the prices. This varies from state to state, but I think in CA and NY it’s about 8%.

If you can get chance to go to an outlet mall then go, this is where you will always find the best bargains!

yunalis · 15/12/2018 12:07

Hulu gift cards

Littlemissdaredevil · 15/12/2018 12:14

I normally buy a massive tub of 1000 paracetamol and 1000 ibuprofen plus cosmetics from US brands are cheaper. I also buy peanut butter m&m’s as I love them!

Original poster
usashopper · 15/12/2018 12:28

Thank you all for the replies so far! I should have said, I am currently living in the eurozone so don't have the issue with the pound!

OP posts:
Original poster
usashopper · 15/12/2018 12:29

I think there is an outlet mall nearish to where we are staying so I think that will be the way to go. I love Gap so might find some good things there.

OP posts:
Original poster
usashopper · 15/12/2018 12:32

I was actually thinking about buying a Vitamix (the king of blenders) and bringing it back in my luggage (it is 7.5kg) because they are HALF the price on the US amazon compared to the UK one. But that might be a bit mad...

OP posts:
Firstbornunicorn · 15/12/2018 12:36

If you have curly hair, Devacurl shampoo and conditioner!

greencatbluecat · 15/12/2018 12:40

Old Navy. It's a Gap brand with similar style to Gap but prices a little above Primark. We always order online and have the order sent to our hotel. If you want to return anything, there will be a branch nearby.

Original poster
usashopper · 15/12/2018 12:43

Ooh nice tips so far, thank you all and keep them coming!

OP posts:
tryagain · 15/12/2018 12:53

If you buy the electrics just check they are compatible with electrics even with a convertor plug at home. My american pressure cooker/instant pot does not work in Ireland Sad

Original poster
usashopper · 15/12/2018 13:07

Thank you, yes good point about the Vitamix, I will need to research more.

OP posts:
AviatorShades · 15/12/2018 13:21

CVS Pharmacy Day and Night Flu Relief.I always buy 2 packs of 2 bottles of the Night Relief stuff every time I go over. God! It's so effectiveStar
Sephora
and I love Old Navy tooSmile

Celebelly · 15/12/2018 13:22

Tylenol PM is so good.

Original poster
usashopper · 15/12/2018 13:25

I can't wait to visit CVS pharmacy! There is just something about a pharmacy abroad. Thankfully I don't often need to take any medication but I will check out those aisles as well!

OP posts:
VeniVidiWeeWee · 15/12/2018 13:33

Check how much duty and VAT you will need to pay in your country.

Angeladelight · 15/12/2018 13:36

I would spend my entire trip in Sephora, I appreciate the exchange rates aren’t great but we don’t have a Sephora in the uk ( at least not yet I don’t think)

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