Gift for parents' 30th Year in Canada

July 13, 2008 6:18 AM

How can I help my parents celebrate their 30th anniversary of emigrating to Canada from Britain?

They're having a party at the end of July, coinciding with both of their birthdays and their wedding anniversary. I suspect that none of their old friends from England will be there, due to travel costs.

I have 2 weeks to get something together. Any suggestions on a Canada/UK themed gift?

posted by krunk to grab bag (8 comments total)

How about faking up a telegram from the Queen?

WE ARE SO SORRY THAT YOU LEFT STOP WE HEAR CANADA IS FRIGHTFULLY COLD STOP PLEASE ENJOY THIS CARE PACKAGE OF DIGESTIVES AND PROPER BEER STOP

Pair it, of course, with a nicely faked letter from the PM's office congratulating them on the life they have built here.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 7:04 AM on July 13, 2008 [2 favorites]

What's your budget? A trip to an area of Canada that they've never visited (but have some interest in, obviously) might be nice.
posted by kate blank at 7:10 AM on July 13, 2008

Oh, and what about gathering their UK friends together for a party, with a webcam?
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 7:17 AM on July 13, 2008

... and dnab's suggestion isn't so hard to do since the LCBO has proper beer (except nothing Welsh, sadly) and there are a bunch of UK food shops in Toronto. My favourite is at Eglinton Square (Vic Park & Eglinton), but it's a bit far from you. Alex has good British cheese, if they're partial.
posted by scruss at 7:21 AM on July 13, 2008

If your parents are hitting their 50th wedding anniversary, you can get the Governor General to send a special letter of congratulations.
posted by storybored at 8:46 AM on July 13, 2008

It's only their 37th anniversary, unfortunately... and I suspect they will be well stocked with English beer at their party.

My budget is around $500. The Canada trip is a good idea, I'll see if Intrawest has any gift packages available. I do enjoy the letter from the Queen too!
posted by krunk at 10:31 AM on July 13, 2008

I don't know what province you're in, but you can get letters from the lieutenant governor and various others for 25th+ anniversaries in BC.
posted by acoutu at 11:44 AM on July 13, 2008

I think it's their 37th wedding anniversary, so that isn't a big deal -- it's more the 30 years in Canada. The fact that all the events are in the same week just means that I can combine the gifts into one :^)
posted by krunk at 4:43 PM on July 13, 2008