scottish gifts for overseas friends

[PineappleDanish]

Going to visit some friends in the US in the summer. They used to live in Scotland but have now emigrated. They are about 2 hours from where we will be based so DS and I have booked cheap flights to see them. I know from past experience I will not be allowed to put my hand in my pocket all weekend so offering to buy us all dinner will be tricky. So I'm looking for a "naice" Scottish gift with a few restrictions....

Not food or drink - hand luggage only and US are weird about things like haggis
Not huge / heavy /bulky - hand luggage only!
Not tartan, twee, tacky Scottish tourist stuff.
Not art - the woman has a fine art degree and second guessing taste is so tricky.

Totally stumped. Last time I wimped out and send a big bouquet of flowers after we'd been.

maiagifts.co.uk/products/highland-cow-keyring-assorted

What about one of those colourful highland cow prints? They're quite popular here so I wouldn't necessary choose them for my house but they'll be much rarer in other countries.

Or a print of Edinburgh castle? Glasgow uni? Wherever they lived?

Can you get someone to write a poem about them in the Scots dialect , , get it done in calligraphy, roll like a scroll .

Lots of lovely ideas, we have one of the colourful style paintings - but of a chimp not a cow.

Like the idea of mugs too, or a local print.

www.gilliankyle.com/tunnocks/tunnocks-teacake-tea-towel/

Have a look on this website. Lots of traditional scottish suggests on mugs/tea towels etc

This is a nice wee Scottish shop with non-twee stuff: www.sunshinenumber1.co.uk/online-storeScottish
Earrings/cufflinks from somewhere like this? shonajewellery.co.uk/shop

I know you said no food, but could you get away with tabket, Orkney fudge, Tunnocks stuff, dark chocolate fingers etc?

Or something from here? www.galgael.org/shop

what about something like a quich? i got one for a recent birthday and loved it

quaich even

I’d get naice gin in duty free.

Are you swimming? Otherwise why can’t you get scotch at the airport? I used to live in Scotland and now live in the US, the only things I would want are Scottish gin, whiskey and tunnocks teacakes.

Angel's share glass have some lovely stuff, whisky droppers would fit easily in baggage.

Edinburgh rock? I know you said not food, but surely a sweet would be okay?

The one thing my goddaughter craved was stock pots. Apparently US ones are disgusting.

Are you swimming? Otherwise why can’t you get scotch at the airport?

Because we are flying from the UK to the US, spending a week on a family holiday, then DS and I are taking a short internal flight to see our friends.

Brooch . Tie pin . Lapel pin . Cuff links .
You can get some lovely Celtic styles using silver and slate or enamels .

Cashmere

www.amazon.co.uk/Steak-Lorne-Sausage-Seasoning-Complete/dp/B00E4KQTOS/ref=sr_1_9?hvlocphy=1007387&hvnetw=g&keywords=lorne+sausage+seasoning&hvadid=259059157402&qid=1582104933&gclid=CjwKCAiA1rPyBRAREiwA1UIy8DklgYhse4wagemJNI90fF2xDbAT7pWx6CWmPEdenX9wkdIC8rqX3hoC-e4QAvD_BwE&hydadcr=234_1865536&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=aud-857735893802%3Akwd-317449515972&adgrpid=52794979906&hvrand=18189814607816843815&sr=8-9

Lorne sausage mix

I'd definitely bring whisky bought airside in the airport. And remember to not open it.

A cashmere pashmina or small blanket might also be appreciated if you have any idea of their taste / colour preferences.

Arran Pullovers for the whole family if you are staying longer.

I’ve found it dead in the airport and you donT find any ‘interesting’ ones there.

www.craftscotland.org/craft-directory Some good stuff on here, homewares etc.

Gin from their area?

Recently I sent a US friend some Harris Tweed fabric, but she sews.

Buy duty free , then post / mail it to them across the states , therefore not international?

Sorry but food and drink is the key. When anyone from home visits my family members who now live in the US, that’s always what they want. Chocolate/sweets, teabags, bisto, stock cubes, their favourite coffee, biscuits, that sort of thing. I took a massive bag of stuff last time went. Nice Scottish gin or similar can perhaps be ordered online and sent to them if you won’t be having hold luggage.

Another vote for Highland Stoneware! Or something made from Harris Tweed?