British made goodies for someone living in the USA

[tellermorrow]

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

You risk it all being seized and destroyed
Check the import rules closely but chocolate is generally not allowed.

That's really interesting because I sent a box of Easter eggs including kinder eggs which I know are banned to Ohio tbis year. I labelled it "chocolate" on the declaration and there were no problems either end. It didn't even occur to me or I guess the guy at the post office, that it might be an issue.

Have you a posh farm shop near you? I'm lucky enough to live near Chatsworth, so I always get goodies from there to take over to America as gifts for friends.

Most of the suggestions here can be bought in trader joes in the USA (or could when I lived there) some in Safeway. I'd go for regional specialties

Travel size Arran Aromatics or Pure Lakes smellies, Kennedy Chocs, also from the Lake District ( they really are good, better than Fortnums) Walkers crisps or other potato snack, Dean's shortbread.... a scarf or cute Etsy socks maybe... depends on your budget.

Many things can be bought in the US, but usually only the main varieties. For example, i can buy regular kit kats on amazon, but struggle to get dark mint ones. Nice christmas crackers are tricky, small dice branston pickle, m and s knickers (if she used to wear them, might give her a giggle) cath kidson bunting or napkins. It really does depend on what she is into

@Leeds2, a big YES to the crisps. In the US they have basically ready salted, cheese (yuck), salt and vinegar, and bbq...
I DREAM of roast chicken crisps, or prawn cocktail, or Thai chili... I would be delighted to receive some.

And I have never had a problem bringing chocolate - just ensure it is wrapped/commercial. I have declared it (and all my crisps) and it was absolutely fine.

Not particularly special, but an friend always takes picked onion monster munch when visiting family in US.