What to buy in America?

[Uhohmummy]

Travelling to the US next week. I'll be doing some shopping but with the rubbish exchange rate am wondering if there's still anything that's better value over there. Any recommendations?

Bump...
Or maybe the answer is actually nothing!

With the crap exchange rate there's not much that's a lot cheaper than you can get it here, unfortunately.

Still, some American brands and household/food items you can't get here might be nice as a treat.

Certain makeup brands are less expensive not including the exchange rate because they have to be imported. Clinique is one of them. I'm American and when I go to England I'm disappointed about how much more I have to pay for certain staples I have. What type of things are you after? I'll think of more I'm sure.

Ooh jeans - good idea. (Apart from the fact I'm feeling really fat at the moment and jeans shopping could potentially be a nightmare).
Maybe makeup is a better bet as that will always fit! I suppose US brands must be cheaper there. I've heard good things about Josie Maran.

Crest teeth whitening strips maybe? There's a thread on here about them. Illegal to sell in UK as US version is stronger than norm.

I'm currently on my way back from a holiday in USA and I bought the crest strips, some gap clothes, a Kate spade bag, trainers and some nice make-upey bits in Sephora. Exchange rate isn't great so no real bargains but we did go to an outlet while here and got some good offers. My sister got a lovely coach bag for $98 which wasn't bad.

Kate Spade is cheaper there as it's an American brand. I'd buy Bath and Body Works candles & shower gels etc. Also American sweets, like the M&Ms that we can't get here etc.

What about Berenstain Bears, Curious George or Franklin kids books. There are a lot of lovely books in America that we either can't get here or are difficult to get or expensive over here.

Seaandsun is right. Clifford is my personal favorite. Look for a Half Priced Books in the area you're traveling to.

How about J Crew? That used to be cheaper in the US.

Melatonin
Certain trainers are much cheaper

Agree with jeans - American Eagle or Joe's jeans

Is the Victoria Beckham range in Target any good? Off to the States on Thursday next week - thanks for the thread OP!

My sis in law lives in LA and says the Boots No7 face creams are cheaper there! We bought lots of Under Armour sports stuff (£8 per item) in their outlet shops, that's about it though.

It's hard to find things that are much cheaper, apart from the outlet malls, so I focus on what we can't get in the UK, like Neutrogena skincare and suncare, Bath & Body Works, makeup like Physician’s Formula and Cover Girl and Sephora. And food!

Maybelline is very cheap if you like it. The mascara is great.

Carhartt brand clothing, Levi jeans

Oh yes, Melatonin :)

I got 2 Tommy Hilfiger coats last month for $38 each. They are lovely and if you get to an UGG outlet they have an offer on at the mo for chestnut and black short quilted ones for $39.99.

Sally Hansen nail varnish is way cheaper, in some supermarkets you can get it for $2 a bottle and it seems to be better quality than the stuff you but here.

If we go shopping there we tend to look for American brands we cannot get here. DH loves Cole Hahn shoes and we usually get American eagle t shirts. We just enjoy looking around and there are a few bargains if brands you like are discounted.

Word to the wise The Berenstein Bears have found God in a big way.....the new books are nothing like the old ones.

Aeropostale hoodies are super cheap and comfy. Old Navy is a cheaper version of Gap. OPI and Essie nail polishes are cheaper (about $8 a bottle).

And converse!

Saltwater sandals are cheaper in the US!