Need gift ideas

Jamison'smama wrote: My DH is meeting with a business person from NZ. He won't be staying with us but I thought as a nice gesture we would put together a small basket for his children. He has a daughter age 9 and a 12 yo son. Any ideas....stuff they may not be able to get in New Zealand? I want some fun, relatively cheap ideas. I don't even know what kids that age in America like--much less kids in New Zealand.

Please send ideas my way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

moped replied: What about food items - treats

Jamison'smama replied: Okay, what kind? The kids won't be here--I should specify that--so this is something that he would take home to his kids.

Jackie012007 replied: what about like little things for them to do, like cheap little games and activities... and you could add some treats in there too. No matter what you decide, I'm sure the kids will absolutely LOVE it!

Jamison'smama replied: I want it to be "American" so they can have cool "American" stuff--just clueless what to send them. It has to be small since he is carrying it home to them in his suitcase. I wonder if there are clothing brands that they can't get there but know about--you know, a hat or something from there. Food items, hmmmm, I can get stuff from Ohio State Univ. I wonder if they have Bath and Body works.....just have no idea.

ashtonsmama replied: I would ask ilovemybaby if you see her on, I could ask for you too if I talk to her! Good luck, I'm not sure what to get either...

Jackie012007 replied: as far as I know, B&BW is only available in America, HTH

redplaydoh replied: Be careful with food items, I know New Zealand is strict with such things, although wrapped candy would be fine.
I know here in Switzerland, Osh Kosh brands are big. Old Navy things too. Because they are really not sold here or are considered pricey if they are. I have one of those Life Is Good t-shirts for Lucas and I get asked about it a lot.
The problem with toys in the US is that everything is made outside the US now and pretty much any toy in the US can be found here as I'm sure it could be in New Zealand too.
Don't get videos or DVD's because NZ uses region encoding - code 4 and the US uses code 1 and they will not play except in players that are coded for that area or a code-free player.
What about music CD's? or a cool beach towel that is fun and probably not available there? Or some sports related toy/clothes that have a team from the US on it, even if it is a local team that is not professional?

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: I think Old Navy is a great idea! Those logo'd t-shirts are really popular right now. Anything trendy is probably right up the alley of a 9 and 12 year old! Maybe some fun flip-flops or outdoor activity type toys like paddle ball (but the kind that the ball velcroes to the paddle)...am I making sense? Cranium is a fun game for that age. I know that age is REALLY into anything Ipod, but they're expensive, so maybe get them gift certificates for Itunes (that is if they have Ipods I suppose). My niece who is 7 LOVES Claires...they have a ton of cute small funky items.

ashtonsmama replied:
Good ideas, Rae! I should have thought of those...

How are you? Sorry, just had to ask! Maybe a PM would be better!

coasterqueen replied: Oof, I wish I had some advice. I don't know what is "hip" these days for kids.

mamasbigbaby replied: I don't have any suggestions, but I hope they love the gift they get!!

ZandersMama replied: Maybe a USA t-shirt or something. As far as i know you cant get Oreos over there, that might me a nice treat.

mamasbigbaby replied:
Ooh, I'd love that as a kid!!