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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Original poster

British made goodies for someone living in the USA

34 replies

tellermorrow · 13/09/2023 20:28

Hi all,

I'm putting together a Christmas box for a relative who lives in the USA. Was thinking something shoebox size. She used to live in England 35+ years ago, so I'd like to give her some presents which are British made and a little bit special! Does anyone have any ideas?

I did one a few years ago and put in mostly sweets, biscuits and some Cath kidston hand creams. She loved it as British food is so expensive over there so I'll probably add a couple of edible bits

Thank you

OP posts:
Luckydog7 · 13/09/2023 20:33

Tunnoks tea cakes
jaffa cakes
hobknobs

for starters.....

VeryQuaintIrene · 13/09/2023 20:33

Good, maybe European, chocolate.

Luckydog7 · 13/09/2023 20:34

Yorkshire tea?

Starlightstarbright2 · 13/09/2023 20:36

I was going to say Jaffa cakes, chocolate
coffee or tea bags

Luckydog7 · 13/09/2023 20:41

i remember the struggle to find decent, or indeed ANY chutney or pickle in new Mexico. My local friend just looked at me quizzically assumed i meant dill pickles (pickled cucumber)

So a nice selection on classic pickles, onion, farmhouse/spiced apple, branston.

Are there any over the counter medical supplies she might like that would be cheaper then there, or require persciption.

Agree good quality belgian (real) chocolate. for some technical reason real chocolate is allowed there or is massively taxed or something so hardly anyone uses real chocolate, hence hersheys...

BCBird · 13/09/2023 20:42

Shortbread? Marmalade- you can sometimes get the individual plastic portion packs. Definitely Yorkshire tea

Luckydog7 · 13/09/2023 20:42

brown sauce
monster munch

LadyBird1973 · 13/09/2023 20:49

Crunchies, definitely. Percy pigs, local honey, mini Colin caterpillars, posh shortbread. I'd basically raid M&S. maybe a local alcoholic spirit, if she drinks.

isthisallwehavetooffer · 13/09/2023 20:51

Terrys Chocolate Orange!!!

autumnmakesmehappy · 13/09/2023 20:54

Marmite!

RiotAndAlarum · 13/09/2023 21:10

Sorry to everyone suggesting tea: I tried to send that to my American SiL last Christmas, and the Post Office said I couldn't bloody send it! Bet they can't tell the difference between tea and druuuugs, innit 🙄

CraftyGin · 13/09/2023 21:20

When we lived in the USA, I remember asking a UK friend to send Angel Delight (only because she begged me what to send).

A lot of what is suggested, such as Jaffa Cakes, have similar things sold widely under the brand name Pimms (don't get excited).

We had an international shop in the city where we lived, and could get British and Irish processed foods at a reasonable prince. I think I bought up their whole stock of Refreshers and Wine Gums when I was pregnant.

My inkling would be to send non-food, and go for a nice Christmas decoration, or perhaps a souvenir from something like the Coronation. If food, then Duchy Originals or a very pretty shortbread, or something local to you.

Cozytoesandtoast00 · 13/09/2023 21:33

Butter shortbread
Fruit cake
Earl grey tea
Proper strawberry jam
Hum bug sweets

Peachee · 14/09/2023 11:11

Percy pigs
walnut whips
Scottish shortbread

BoohooWoohoo · 14/09/2023 11:19

What about condiments like horseradish, mint sauce etc ? My guess is that they are unlikely to be available in the international section of supermarkets.
It might be a good idea to search some pics of the British section of US supermarkets. Last one I saw had things like jaffas and Ribena but no bourbons and custard creams

goingtotown · 14/09/2023 11:23

tellermorrow · 13/09/2023 20:28

Hi all,

I'm putting together a Christmas box for a relative who lives in the USA. Was thinking something shoebox size. She used to live in England 35+ years ago, so I'd like to give her some presents which are British made and a little bit special! Does anyone have any ideas?

I did one a few years ago and put in mostly sweets, biscuits and some Cath kidston hand creams. She loved it as British food is so expensive over there so I'll probably add a couple of edible bits

Thank you

The postage will cost more than the contents.

LostThestral · 14/09/2023 11:27

autumnmakesmehappy - beat me to it, definitely marmite

Nolongera · 14/09/2023 11:32

Lion bars, tinned haggis for a laugh.

Cowlover89 · 14/09/2023 12:02

Yorkshire tea. Pickled onion monster munch.

Favouritefruits · 14/09/2023 13:04

The first thing that came to mind was Branson pickle and HP sauce, not very Christmasy but it’s what came to mind!

Leeds2 · 14/09/2023 15:05

My DD lives in New York, and she is always asked to bring back Colman's mustard, and Jaffa cakes.
Her American visitors to the UK often comment about the huge range of crisp flavours we have, which surprises me a bit!
You could try retro sweets eg pineapple chunks, cola cubes, pear drops etc.