What shall I buy in America?

[PrettyCandles]

And what should I steer clear of?!

Are buggies cheaper, better range, over there? Our Maclaren is naff and I want a new umbrella-fold, but dh doesn't think the buggy is bad enough to replace...would it be worth 'helping it along' fairly drastically while we're over there?

What about perfume? I want a new one - or maybe even two - should I buy in USA or duty free?

ilovemydiog's fugure quoted of £250.00 is unfortunately incorrect.

The correct figure is £145.00 without paying any Customs Duty and VAT.

My mum has asked me to get her some Creme de la Mer. That should take us over the limit nicely .

If the limit is per person, with children getting the full allowance, then we shouldn't have any problems.

Gonna overload that buggy! (Shhh - don't tell dh)

Just don't forget that kids don't get the alcohol allowance.

'Remove all labels and lose any receipts, PC, so things don't look brand new. Not sure if that's being norty though? '

That's what my mom does.

She also washes all clothes.

I like bed linens from there, much cheaper for good quality bed linens.

And cosmetics. Lots and lots. I like the Sonia Kushik stuff from Target.

Yes, anything made of cotton because the americans grow it and keep it cheap here.

Oh, yes, the parentals always bring me their full alcohol allowance .

I have this thing for California wines, particularly whites and zins, a passion shared by my mother.

And whilst I can find some of them here, it's just not the same as walking into Argonaut's Liquor Store and heading straight over to the California section .

It doesn't help that I subscribe to Oprah and Martha Stewart's magazines which always carry glowing recommendations for CA wines.