Last year a friend asked me what kitchen items to bring from India to USA. I was thinking even apart from kitchen items there is so much you can get from India, for yourself or as gifts for others. Things that have an Indian touch – in terms of traditional clothes (kurti, salwar suit, sari, etc) and accessories (bangles, earrings, handbag, etc), Indian art / painting, small idol statues, food items (like dessert boxes or Haldiram's snacks), etc. There are SO many options.
And same goes for Thailand - whether it's Thai Silk, handicrafts, showpieces for decor, or the unique tamarind candies (never heard? ask me) – the Thai touch is apparent. You could even bring Thai curry pastes, and seasoning cubes for yourself or friends and relatives.
So today, I was wondering what all gifts or souvenirs could I take from USA for my family back home. When we go back to our hometowns for vacations, it is a good idea to plan and start shopping way beforehand – consider baggage and weight limitations, and look out for deals. I am sure there are a lot of amazing things in US, but what gifts from USA are worth taking home?
One of my friends in California takes a big bag of walnuts from Costco for her family in Bkk, she says they’re very good quality.
Almost everything is available in Bkk, but my mom said the Tide stain remover pens here in Walmart were new to her, and the vegetable/fruit peelers here were of better quality.
My hubby had taken Ziploc bags in all sizes for his mother since those are very useful in kitchen and travel. And Sony Vaio laptop, 1 TB external hard drive, and Blackberry Playbook for his brother since these are more reasonable here.
I have seen some bloggers mentioning their friends and family brought or sent them baking accessories, candied peels, preserved/dried fruits, etc from US.
Now my question to you is: what gifts, souvenirs, or items you think are great to take for family, relatives, and friends when visiting from US? Or if I may put it differently, what do people like to receive from US?
UPDATE MARCH 2013: {new post} Gifts I took from USA for families in India
UPDATE MAY 2016: {new post} Gift ideas for family to carry from USA
UPDATE MARCH 2013: {new post} Gifts I took from USA for families in India
UPDATE MAY 2016: {new post} Gift ideas for family to carry from USA
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