Gift for someone I’ve never met

[tealandteal]

My brother lives in another country (I have not seen him for 7 years) and will be coming back to the UK this year. We were hosting my mum and in laws for Christmas anyway so brother and his girlfriend will be joining. I have never met or spoken to his girlfriend and know nothing about her. Brother is awful at communicating. What are some safe gift ideas that are also not too big so they can be taken back on the plane. I think food is out as not sure it can be taken into the US?

How old is she?

What sort of budget? Age of GF? When I met my DB's girlfriend in similar circumstances (mid 30s) I bought some pretty socks from Fat Face (the ones that are packaged as a gift), a nice lip balm from L'Occitane and a little box of Choccies from Hotel Chocolat.

I don’t Ben know how old she is! Brother is 35 so assume the same (ish)

A nice notebook and pen

I’d say something simple easy like a nice box of posh chocs, something she can eat/enjoy whilst she’s here before she goes back. Or a nice scarf, that would be easy to roll up and fit in her case.

Thanks some good ideas here, trying to strike a balance between making her feel welcome and not going overboard.

Any cultural differences?

She's travelling with her, presumably, British boyfriend and she's not married to him. I think it fair to assume she isn't part of any strict religious or cultural group, christian or otherwise. The OP's requirement for no food rules out most other minefields re cultural differences.

I'd say the suggestions for things that easily go in a suitcase like socks or scarves are good. Bonus point if you could get one of those that are typically British, like from a local maker.

How long are they staying? Would s voucher to his favourite restaurant be am option?

Thank you all for your advice, if anyone. Is interested I bought some lovely biscuits in a Paddington tin as it was a bit “British” and she can eat the biscuits before she goes home and even bin the tin if not wanted, fancy hand cream and a note book with a quote related to travel on the front which I know she does like.

Sounds perfect