Welcome to Mumsnet's holiday forum. Discuss all international travel here, including both shorthaul and longhaul trips. Related topics: UK holidays & day trips, skiing, camping & campervans.
Welcome to Mumsnet's holiday forum. Discuss all international travel here, including both shorthaul and longhaul trips. Related topics: UK holidays & day trips, skiing, camping & campervans.
Holidays
What's good to buy in America?
NutellaEllaElla · 18/01/2022 12:50
I'm planning a trip and I'm going to buy big bottles of painkillers and no one can stop me! [Grin] anything else I should take advantage of while I'm there?
PAFMO · 18/01/2022 14:14
Brands like Clinique and Estée Lauder used to cost loads less in the US than the UK. Not sure if it's still the case though.
Meadowbreeze · 18/01/2022 16:14
Aquaphor 🙈 it's the best. Can never find it in the UK. I recently saw it in boots for £9 for a tiny bit. Alwayss get a big thing of it when I'm over there. Sudocream just doesn't compare. Its amazing for all wounds and red skin.
I always stock up on snacks at trader Joe's and get ziplock bags. Theirs are superior.
allfurcoatnoknickers · 19/01/2022 14:30
Melatonin and tooth whitening strips. I also second the snacks at Trader Joes.
Meadowbreeze · 19/01/2022 15:49
Ah yes the melatonin gummies! I don't touch their whitening strips anymore, sadly they're far too strong for me and make my teeth super sensitive. They do work though!
TizerorFizz · 19/01/2022 18:21
We find little difference in price. What we did like are American brands that are difficult to source here. However these days with internet shopping. DH can get his Cole Haan shoes! We like the better service in shops and finding specialist ones that are beautiful. Eg Papyrus. It’s just fun looking!
NutellaEllaElla · 19/01/2022 19:14
I've found American branded stuff is cheaper there than the UK. Anyway, there's stuff you can't buy here that you can there.
Thanks for the recommendations! I don't have sleep problems though.
TizerorFizz · 19/01/2022 19:44
They might be but it depends on exchange rates and discounts you can get here. You need to shop in the USA knowing the prices here or you won’t know if they are cheaper or not. So do homework. USA has purchase tax to add to ticket prices too - around 7% normally.
lljkk · 19/01/2022 20:21
I make a pilgrimage to $Tree every time to get lots of reading glasses in bright colours with rhinestones etc. #MiddleAgedSaddo
I have been known to bring back half gallon size bottles of Pace Salsa, too.
earsup · 19/01/2022 20:28
NYC has high sa;es tax so items not cheaper....and i struggled to find any small sizes....i heard there are clearance shops in out of town malls but again heard that sizing tends to be XL and up...!!....i find most american clothing quite drab....vintage shops are good...salvation army and goodwill.....in the suburbs.
Kittyshopping · 19/01/2022 20:31
Cinnamon flavoured sugar free chewing gum. It’s yummy.
TizerorFizz · 19/01/2022 20:41
I have to say I would not bring bottles of anything back. I like looking for nice clothes that I cannot see here. Not in malls. Nice neighbourhood shops. I might buy a book, Christmas cards, table linen etc. something easy to pack and a bit different. I’ve bought jewellery too.
Bunce1 · 19/01/2022 20:46
Ranch dressing
Trader joes- so nice for a mooch around
Margarita mix
Neosporin spray for cuts
Pootle40 · 19/01/2022 22:02
With that exchange rate I don't think I would buy anything these days
Butternutsqoosh · 19/01/2022 22:07
I visit the states regularly as cabin crew and I bring home big bottles of neurogenic and Advil but own brand from walgreens or cvs everything else I find is just as expensive these days! Kids like Kraft Macaroni Cheese boxes from target which is lurid orange when you make it 🤮 and lucky charms cereal - also 🤮 and I buy Legg's tights for work but also pretty pricey- but generally long lasting
Butternutsqoosh · 19/01/2022 22:08
Oh and Trader Joes chilli and lime seasoning in a herb size jar with a red Label and lid 😍
DillDanding · 19/01/2022 22:10
Tylenol pm and Advil.
Tide with bleach.
Crest white strips.
abricotine · 19/01/2022 22:24
I like J Crew, used to get it here but much harder now. Was always much cheaper there and still is.
Bunce1 · 19/01/2022 23:02
Yes to J crew especially if you find and outlet Mall or a sale. Ditto for Nike.
TizerorFizz · 19/01/2022 23:23
Just looked at J Crew website here and the USA one. USA is a lot cheaper! It cheaper in $ than £ so it makes sense to buy. I’m wondering if more expensive American clothes show the best saving?
I don’t ever shop for food on holiday to bring home. I value my time a bit more than that.
NotNee · 19/01/2022 23:38
Differin Adapalene Gel (Over the counter)
Aleve (naproxen)
Melatonin
Bit obscure but I like the “pot holders” or oven mits that are really thick cloth with silicone (from Target)
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