I'm off to the US tomorrow. What should I raid the drugstores for?

[CountBapula]

I know there was a thread on this ages ago but I can't find it. Anyway, I'm going to Chicago for work and will have a bit of spare shopping time. So what are your US must-haves? I've got Crest whitestrips and Butter London nail polish on my list so far but that's it.

Also any recommendations for good clothes shops and kids' clothes shops gratefully received.

[MaggieMaggieMaggieMcGill]

Melatonin and Sodium Naproxen! A more effective form of ibuprofen that is not available OTC in the uk.
But if you have any friends you might want to take them some syndol as there is no US equivalent!

[HollaAtMeSanta]

judefawley, do you mean this? You can totally get it here!

[judefawley]

He reckons it's not the same Holla

[ScienceRocks]

Neutrogena Rainbath shower gel. Suitable for the most sensitive skins and smells divine. I always stock up for times when my skin is reacting to everything and it brings it back to normal.

I always buy trainers, jeans and Converse too.

As a pharmacist, I feel obliged to advise you to be wary about buying too many OTC medicines. Naproxen is similar to ibuprofen but along with the fact that it is a but stronger comes an increased risk of side effects such as stomach bleeding. It recently became available in the uk in small packs anyway. Painkillers marketed for use at night usually have a mild sedative in and can be habit forming, so i would avoid. Also, pseudoephedrine is used to make crystal meth so you may get some stern questions at customs if you try and bring a lot back.

[ChristmasFayrePhyllis]

Go to Sephora. Buy two of everything.

If you have a particular perfume it will almost certainly be cheaper in the States. Make up is much cheaper.

J Crew, Banana Republic, Anthropologie.

[Stevie77]

Anyone knows where to buy OPI nail varnish in the US? Not on Sephora's website, not in Walgreens or CVS...

[Heroine]

They still do 'speed stick by mennan' in the US!

[cynnerthenaughtyreindeer]

Stevie77, Ulta sells OPI..or pop into any nail salon, they usually have an inventory of OPI for sale..

[ClaimedByMe]

When my mum goes over she comes back laden with nit lotions, I think the most worrying thing about this is she gets overly excited about it!!!

[ethelb]

tylenol is just paracetamol and really really expensive. Don't bother!

[dottyaboutstripes]

I'm pretty sure I bought OPI in Walmart

[Stevie77]

Thanks dotty and cynner, I think they may have it at a nearby JC Penny but will also check out salons

[GrumpyOldHorsewoman]

I just got back from the US on Tues and there are so many deals atm. Bit disappointed that Victoria's Secret didn't have much snuggly stuff in - mainly slinky and 'christmas present-ish'. Bath and Body Works have some great deals and lovely things- buy their bed socks infused with shea butter - incredibly soft and cosy and only $7.50 a pair ( I think 3 for 2 also). I always get Neutrogena Healthy Defense moisturiser with a light tint and SPF30 for under $13 in Wal Mart - love it. Also brought back flannel duvet set (The Company Store), sheets and jammies (LL Bean) and furry boots (Nordstrom) for far less than you'd expect to pay in the UK, if you could get them. Oh, and OPI nail polish from Trade Secret, although I don't know if that's a nationally available store, or just in my hometown. I have bought OPI in Publix supermarket too.