Small and Light, Suggestions Needed!

angel

I'm off to visit family in Canada on Boxing Day and because of the snow most of my luggage allowance will be taken up with jumpers, boots and other warm things.

I've been going in circles trying to think of small, light presents that look good but are not too expensive. Initially I wanted to give everyone festive scented candles but even the small ones from M&S are over 500g. Mainly I need ideas for adult relatives who I'll be dropping in on.

sethsgran

Ooh thats a toughy what about jewellery for the ladies, not expensive ofcourse.

boglin

John Lewis have some lovely Indian silk cushions with pot pourri inside them. They are about £8, I think and located near the candles.

I'm also, as I have just been browsing the Whittards website - how about boxes of tea bags and tea bag stands (these are half price in the sale!)

haylibo

Angel

I don't know what the exchange rate is with the candian $ but would it be simpler to shop at the airport? Maybe a little tiring after a long flight but if it's anything like the US$ at the mo then it is cheaper to buy over there and you don't have to worry about weight.
Here's a link to Vancouver airports' shopping concessions if you want to take a nosey. http://www.yvr.ca/guide/todo/index.asp

Hayles

angel

That's a great idea but Calgary airport is pretty limited when it comes to shopping. It's ok for souvenirs, but that's about it. Also I think that they'd prefer things from here.

I had to try to spell souvenirs about five times before I got it right!!

CLARABEL

what about cufflinks for the men and fnky beaded necklaes for the ladies?

that's the smallest/lightest option i ca think of!

apart form that, those credit card sized useful sets of tools / magnifying glasses miht be ok...

or ...err...usb memeory sticks?

ummmmmmm.... packets or pretty seeds?

OK, I'LL STOP NOW before i get too silly!:eek:

haylibo

Aw, sorry that wasn't much help. I'll have another try.... If you know what they like could you send them magazine subscriptions for the family? Gardening, motors, craft etc. You could send english and then it would be posted out to them (if it can be done reasonably) and would be a regular reminder of you. On that note, any company that can post stuff out to Canada may be good, you still have plenty of time. Or, if there is such a thing, an English company based over there such as a one which sells English foods. If you have understanding rellies there you could have stuff posted to one address and then wrap and distribute when you arrive.
Urm...English leather is appreciated in USA, don't know about Canada, so passport holders, card holders, notebooks etc stamped with something English lol. http://www.aspinaloflondon.com/select_style.asp?CategoryID=11&RangeID=64 gives an idea of items but prices are stupid. John Lewis, Debenhams etc will do similar gifts at much lower £££.

There are some gorgeous key fobs to be found which are a little more general than jewellery but could be squirelled into hand luggage/handbag. Cashmere and Scotts wool is popular in US (sorry to keep refering to America but have a better knowledge of it) so gloves, hats, socks would make smaller but luxury gifts £££ though.
CDs take space but light. Sounds of English choir music?
Is it general family gifts you are aiming for or specific to each person?
This one is quite a challenge, is really getting my grey matter going!!! Give us a better idea of who it's for and we can have a go at knocking them out one by one! In a nice way of course :-)
Hayles

angel

Thanks Hayles! You sure are working hard on this!

Ok, the thing is that I'm meeting friends and relatives of my fiance for the first time. I'm not sure that they'll be buying me anything so I don't want to make them feel embarrased but I wanted to take a lil something as a gesture. Preferably not over £10 per person as you know how things add up. Mainly I'm stuck on two aunts who are in their early 60's and a few married couples in their 50's. Like I said in original post I wanted to take festive scented candles but the weight adds up. I've managed to do the children and teenagers by myself!

Thanks again.

angel

Memory sticks and seeds sound good! :rotfl:

haylibo

Angel, phew lol. Can relax a bit now I know ;-) How exciting and slightly nerve wracking meeting them for the fist time! At least it sounds like you've got his mum and dad out of the way :-)

Hayles

culpepper

what about tea towels ? You can get quite interesting designs and they neednt weigh much. Things like british birds, landmarks , wildlife ,flowers or sometimes there are brand names like carnatian milk etc printed on them almost like a poster.