What's inexpensive that I can buy in London that I can't buy in America?
October 26, 2013 9:25 AM Subscribe
Going to London on a very quick and dirty business trip next week. I'd like to acomplish two things. 1) Bring my friend, a French foodie living in Brixton, something from America that she might find difficult or can't get there (value up to $50-$100) and 2) pick up some thing(s) for myself as a cool souvenir that I can't get over here.
Caveats:
I am only bringing a carry-on suitcase over to London, so my gift for my friend can't be liquid or very large. She loved the hand blown glass wine bottle stoppers I got her before. She is very classy, so something like a hoodie sweatshirt wouldn't work.
I literally only have 6 hours of free time to do any shopping but my London hotel just happens to be next to a huge shopping center in Stratford City. I'm really looking for small, inexpensive items that UK folks might take for granted but we Americans just can't find over here. On my list so far: Wispas (love them), a large hot water bottle. Kitschy for me is fine. I will be bringing an empty small duffle bag to drag back with me for goodies.
Caveats:
I am only bringing a carry-on suitcase over to London, so my gift for my friend can't be liquid or very large. She loved the hand blown glass wine bottle stoppers I got her before. She is very classy, so something like a hoodie sweatshirt wouldn't work.
I literally only have 6 hours of free time to do any shopping but my London hotel just happens to be next to a huge shopping center in Stratford City. I'm really looking for small, inexpensive items that UK folks might take for granted but we Americans just can't find over here. On my list so far: Wispas (love them), a large hot water bottle. Kitschy for me is fine. I will be bringing an empty small duffle bag to drag back with me for goodies.
Oh god yes those Tate's cookies are heaven if you can get them. They're liable to shatter and crumble, so you'd need to handle with care. But that's definitely a good idea.
If you're thinking along the lines of artisanal food items, what about something hyper-local to you? I was going to suggest Mast Brothers Chocolate or maybe something from Jaques Torres as a counterpoint to Taza, but I notice you're in Lake Tahoe. Is there a local company that does interesting food that would meet all your requirements? Maybe local jams or salsas?
What about delicious locally-roasted coffee?
I would err on the side of bringing something more specific to where you live.
posted by Sara C. at 9:41 AM on October 26, 2013
If you're thinking along the lines of artisanal food items, what about something hyper-local to you? I was going to suggest Mast Brothers Chocolate or maybe something from Jaques Torres as a counterpoint to Taza, but I notice you're in Lake Tahoe. Is there a local company that does interesting food that would meet all your requirements? Maybe local jams or salsas?
What about delicious locally-roasted coffee?
I would err on the side of bringing something more specific to where you live.
posted by Sara C. at 9:41 AM on October 26, 2013
Westfield Stratford is pretty chainy, apart from a few speciality places, and they tend to sell stuff that's either not very souvenirish, won't travel well or may not get through customs. (The Karaway bread stall is really pretty good for the location.) You might want to focus on M&S, Waitrose and John Lewis, which are the anchors at each end. Perhaps Neal's Yard for smelly stuff, or even Boots for the cosmetics that don't make it over to Target.
Christmas stuff is going to be out already: a pudding or box of mince pies may not pass muster on your return to the US, but other stuff will. Get some Christmas crackers. Way better selection.
posted by holgate at 9:44 AM on October 26, 2013
Christmas stuff is going to be out already: a pudding or box of mince pies may not pass muster on your return to the US, but other stuff will. Get some Christmas crackers. Way better selection.
posted by holgate at 9:44 AM on October 26, 2013
You could trade Rolos. I learned recently that the candy is made by different manufacturers in the USA and UK.
posted by carsonb at 9:58 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by carsonb at 9:58 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Mature Farmhouse Cheddar cheese!
posted by Static Vagabond at 10:03 AM on October 26, 2013
posted by Static Vagabond at 10:03 AM on October 26, 2013
Earlier this year, my in-laws brought me a beautiful tin of rose tea from the Twinings shop in London.
posted by trunk muffins at 10:09 AM on October 26, 2013
posted by trunk muffins at 10:09 AM on October 26, 2013
Best answer: I'm from New England, so my gift of choice for foreigners is always pure maple syrup. Grade B is the best.
posted by wisekaren at 10:14 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by wisekaren at 10:14 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
Best answer: For 2), fountain pens can be had significantly cheaper than in the US (though you're looking mostly at pens that are available in the US).
We were on a Nivea deodorant kick for a while. They do come in glass bottles, so I'm not sure how compatible they are with hand luggage. (From a rules perspective, that is. The bottles are sturdy. I did manage to break one dropping it on a tile floor, but I wouldn't worry about it breaking in your bag.)
We all bought socks in Marks and Spencer the last time we were there.
My grandad takes Frango mints back to England as presents for people. That only makes sense if Frango mints are local to you, though.
posted by hoyland at 10:16 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
We were on a Nivea deodorant kick for a while. They do come in glass bottles, so I'm not sure how compatible they are with hand luggage. (From a rules perspective, that is. The bottles are sturdy. I did manage to break one dropping it on a tile floor, but I wouldn't worry about it breaking in your bag.)
We all bought socks in Marks and Spencer the last time we were there.
My grandad takes Frango mints back to England as presents for people. That only makes sense if Frango mints are local to you, though.
posted by hoyland at 10:16 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
UK-to-US:
Mature Farmhouse Cheddar cheese!
No kidding. "Sharp" American cheddar almost always isn't strong enough compared to a decent English cheddar. I miss Wensleydale, too.
Add a couple of jars of Branston pickle to go with it; maybe some pickled onions too.
(Branston is available in the US but generally only in the smallest size; Marmite likewise, and if you like Marmite you probably want the big-ass jar.)
Hob-Nobs. Penguins.
US-to-UK: there have been a number of similar AskMes in the fairly recent past; "expat" might be a good search to start from?
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 10:17 AM on October 26, 2013 [2 favorites]
Mature Farmhouse Cheddar cheese!
No kidding. "Sharp" American cheddar almost always isn't strong enough compared to a decent English cheddar. I miss Wensleydale, too.
Add a couple of jars of Branston pickle to go with it; maybe some pickled onions too.
(Branston is available in the US but generally only in the smallest size; Marmite likewise, and if you like Marmite you probably want the big-ass jar.)
Hob-Nobs. Penguins.
US-to-UK: there have been a number of similar AskMes in the fairly recent past; "expat" might be a good search to start from?
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 10:17 AM on October 26, 2013 [2 favorites]
Cadbury.
Theirs is a vastly superior version vs. the U.S. (and, very difficult to find here in America).
posted by Kruger5 at 10:50 AM on October 26, 2013
Theirs is a vastly superior version vs. the U.S. (and, very difficult to find here in America).
posted by Kruger5 at 10:50 AM on October 26, 2013
If you are leery of taking maple syrup (Grade B is indeed the best), the Vermont Country Store has maple sugar powder.
posted by jgirl at 10:53 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by jgirl at 10:53 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
I would bring your friend some mesquite flour and a recipe for cookies to make with it. Probably available at health food stores or Whole Foods?
Not sure what you like, but I love the demitasse style spoons that are used to serve tea all over the UK. While you can buy them in the US, they don't normally come with flatware settings (what we call a teaspoon is really the size of a dessert spoon, I guess). So I like getting them in department stores and that's what I ask my friends to bring me. I use them for a lot of things, stirring up spice rubs mixtures and sprinkling them on, etc.
A nice Scottish wool scarf, those are cheaper than at import stores in the US.
And a tin of great tea, of course.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 10:54 AM on October 26, 2013
Not sure what you like, but I love the demitasse style spoons that are used to serve tea all over the UK. While you can buy them in the US, they don't normally come with flatware settings (what we call a teaspoon is really the size of a dessert spoon, I guess). So I like getting them in department stores and that's what I ask my friends to bring me. I use them for a lot of things, stirring up spice rubs mixtures and sprinkling them on, etc.
A nice Scottish wool scarf, those are cheaper than at import stores in the US.
And a tin of great tea, of course.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 10:54 AM on October 26, 2013
Best answer: For you: McVities' Chocolate digestives!
Also, as trunk muffins said above, Twinings is good stuff. If you can make it to their shop in the Strand, you should (if you like tea).
posted by midatlanticwanderer at 11:16 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
Also, as trunk muffins said above, Twinings is good stuff. If you can make it to their shop in the Strand, you should (if you like tea).
posted by midatlanticwanderer at 11:16 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
McVities, Hob Nobs, Twinings, and a basic line of UK-made Cadbury are all easily purchased in the US at places like Cost Plus World Market. Unless you're a serious junkie, I doubt the cost savings would be worth the hassle.
posted by wintersweet at 11:32 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by wintersweet at 11:32 AM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
Tylenol 3 aka cocodomol- super cheap in the up and my usa friends have taken it home (in effervescent form) as the ultimate hang over killer!
posted by misspony at 11:58 AM on October 26, 2013
posted by misspony at 11:58 AM on October 26, 2013
Response by poster: I'm not looking for British "souvenirs" like tea mugs with royalty on them. I actually have lived in London and spent a lot of time there in the past, just not been recently. I'm thinking of things to bring back to the USA that are often used there but not found in America. I live somewhat near a World Market so I do have access to McVities chocolate digestives and the like.
posted by HeyAllie at 1:16 PM on October 26, 2013
posted by HeyAllie at 1:16 PM on October 26, 2013
Best answer: Cadburies chocolates if you have a favourite from your time living in the UK, the stuff you get here in the US, that is made in the USA is not the same recipe.
Proper teaspoons, you may be able to get them in the US but my searching over the past 4 years of living here as revealed nothing, I now get my mother to send me some each Christmas.
A nice cheese, they make so may good ones in the UK or some lamb though not sure of the logistics of bringing a nice leg of lamb back with you.
posted by wwax at 1:32 PM on October 26, 2013
Proper teaspoons, you may be able to get them in the US but my searching over the past 4 years of living here as revealed nothing, I now get my mother to send me some each Christmas.
A nice cheese, they make so may good ones in the UK or some lamb though not sure of the logistics of bringing a nice leg of lamb back with you.
posted by wwax at 1:32 PM on October 26, 2013
Best answer: Me, I'd head for a good stationers. Paper goods are generally small, lightweight, unique, fun, and unbreakable.
Also, tea towels.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 2:26 PM on October 26, 2013
Also, tea towels.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 2:26 PM on October 26, 2013
Skin care. European brands like Avene or La Roche Posay or Bioderma among many others are available in the U.S., but much cheaper in Europe. Also there are many excellent sunscreens that cannot legally be sold in the U.S.
posted by payoto at 3:45 PM on October 26, 2013
posted by payoto at 3:45 PM on October 26, 2013
Please be aware that you cannot take Christmas crackers back home via airplane; they are considered explosives (!) and may be confiscated. Not sure that you'd have time to hit Fortnum & Mason but their Christmas tea is marvelous and they also have musical birthday tins of cookies (biscuits?) that make great gifts. F&M has a website but the shipping is pretty brutal, from the US, at least.
posted by Morrigan at 3:46 PM on October 26, 2013
posted by Morrigan at 3:46 PM on October 26, 2013
Best answer: What about personal care products from Boots? I know you can get the No. 7 stuff here now, in Target, but there are a few products Boots makes/sells that I adore and that are actually impossible to get outside of the UK (as they won't ship them). Personally, I am referring to the tea tree spot wand & related products - every time I know anyone who goes through/to the UK I beg them to bring me a few - but obviously this can be any product you prefer. <3 Boots!
posted by AthenaPolias at 4:23 PM on October 26, 2013
posted by AthenaPolias at 4:23 PM on October 26, 2013
Note about Marmite: speaking as someone who was just in the UK not too long ago and didn't check her luggage, jars of Marmite are confiscated at security as they are considered a liquid. They'll tell you you can buy in the terminal, but they lie. Oh, how they lie.
posted by Kitteh at 4:34 PM on October 26, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by Kitteh at 4:34 PM on October 26, 2013 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Maybe it's too souvenirish, but I like the recyclable grocery bags from sainsburys. It reminds me of England when I use them but don't feel touristy.
posted by Sukey Says at 6:43 PM on October 26, 2013
posted by Sukey Says at 6:43 PM on October 26, 2013
World Market has a lot of British cookies and candy, but the thing I can't find anywhere here are Jaffa cakes. There are Pim's cookies which are pretty close. Anyway, I would grab some Jaffa cakes if it were me, because I love those things for some unfathomable reason.
posted by litlnemo at 9:06 PM on October 26, 2013
posted by litlnemo at 9:06 PM on October 26, 2013
Jelly Babies. I don't know if you can get them in the states at all but in Canada- where pretty much everything that's been listed above is on at least some shelves (digestives? Twinings? really? they're at freaking Safeway here!)- they're easily five times as expensive. I'm sure they're almost impossible to find in the US and they're disgusting and addictive.
posted by ethnomethodologist at 10:50 PM on October 26, 2013
posted by ethnomethodologist at 10:50 PM on October 26, 2013
Seconding boots products, my friend takes tons of boots dry shampoo back with her!
posted by misspony at 2:00 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by misspony at 2:00 AM on October 27, 2013
Seconding Kitteh, be aware that paste-products like marmite or jams, or syrup will be classified as liquids by over-zealous airport security personnel and carry-on limits are still somewhat conservative.
posted by epo at 4:02 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by epo at 4:02 AM on October 27, 2013
Best answer: Also seconding reusable bags from local shops. We have ones from Tesco's, M&S, Waitrose, etc. They're usually of a durable quality and look cool and it's one of those odd things where it gets compliments because you never really think of buying a canvas bag when on vacation.
posted by Kitteh at 5:38 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by Kitteh at 5:38 AM on October 27, 2013
Best answer: I like the recyclable grocery bags from sainsburys
I've brought back the Orla Kiely charity bags from Tesco, the jute bags from Waitrose, the retro label bags from M&S.
Thanks, Morrigan, for saying that crackers are verboten (boo). How about some charity Christmas cards? Again, I think the selection's a lot better, and the UK is way ahead of the US in selling variety boxes at high quality, where at least some of the cost goes to a good cause.
posted by holgate at 8:29 AM on October 27, 2013
I've brought back the Orla Kiely charity bags from Tesco, the jute bags from Waitrose, the retro label bags from M&S.
Thanks, Morrigan, for saying that crackers are verboten (boo). How about some charity Christmas cards? Again, I think the selection's a lot better, and the UK is way ahead of the US in selling variety boxes at high quality, where at least some of the cost goes to a good cause.
posted by holgate at 8:29 AM on October 27, 2013
"Jelly Babies. I don't know if you can get them in the states at all..."
Jelly Babies can be found at Cost Plus World Market in the U.S. I use them as treats during long runs sometimes.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 9:02 AM on October 27, 2013
Jelly Babies can be found at Cost Plus World Market in the U.S. I use them as treats during long runs sometimes.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 9:02 AM on October 27, 2013
...although I've found the imported Jelly Babies from Cost Plus to be kinda hard and stale compared to the soft, juicy ones I remember from back home.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 9:50 AM on October 27, 2013
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 9:50 AM on October 27, 2013
Best answer: Fortnum and Mason is not very close at all to Stratford Westfield. What is, though, is Spitalsfield Market - you can take the Central Line to Liverpool St and walk from there. There's interesting bits and pieces there if you aren't that interested in chains.
If the Boots in that Westfield is anything like the one in W12, it will carry a lot of different ranges such as Liz Earle which you might not get there, and also their Christmas gift selection is out so if you like, say, Soap and Glory, you can pick up something interesting.
This isn't ideal for you with regard to hand luggage, but the own brand bubble baths and shower gels from Waitrose are really nice. I have the Ginger and Clementine one in my bathroom right now. Last year they did mince pies that came with pine-scented sugar, so it might be worth looking at their Christmas offerings (mince pies have a long shelf-life). Christmas pudding I think is pretty rare in the US! Also, I hear Americans are pretty astounded by the variety of crisp flavours we have. Kettle Chips, the posh Walkers Sensations range, and Tyrell's do interesting flavours: the Walkers lamb crisps are spookily identical to the real thing.
Paperchase do some nice stationery bits and pieces, as does John Lewis.
In terms of foodie presents - Microplane graters aren't that easy to get over here, unless you want to pay a lot more. I personally would want a lot of weird junk food for the novelty value! I asked a colleague to bring me some popcorn seasoning back when he went over there - flavoured savoury popcorn is a big thing here. Stuff like the Martha Stewart magazine might be interesting.
posted by mippy at 7:59 AM on October 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
If the Boots in that Westfield is anything like the one in W12, it will carry a lot of different ranges such as Liz Earle which you might not get there, and also their Christmas gift selection is out so if you like, say, Soap and Glory, you can pick up something interesting.
This isn't ideal for you with regard to hand luggage, but the own brand bubble baths and shower gels from Waitrose are really nice. I have the Ginger and Clementine one in my bathroom right now. Last year they did mince pies that came with pine-scented sugar, so it might be worth looking at their Christmas offerings (mince pies have a long shelf-life). Christmas pudding I think is pretty rare in the US! Also, I hear Americans are pretty astounded by the variety of crisp flavours we have. Kettle Chips, the posh Walkers Sensations range, and Tyrell's do interesting flavours: the Walkers lamb crisps are spookily identical to the real thing.
Paperchase do some nice stationery bits and pieces, as does John Lewis.
In terms of foodie presents - Microplane graters aren't that easy to get over here, unless you want to pay a lot more. I personally would want a lot of weird junk food for the novelty value! I asked a colleague to bring me some popcorn seasoning back when he went over there - flavoured savoury popcorn is a big thing here. Stuff like the Martha Stewart magazine might be interesting.
posted by mippy at 7:59 AM on October 28, 2013 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Hi all, I really ended up not having much free time at all, so most of my shopping was limited to what was in the Westfield Mall in Stratford City. This is what I ended up bringing back thanks to your suggestions: recycled shopping bags from Waitrose and Marks & Spencer. Wispas hot chocolate. Lots of Wispas. McVities milk chocolate digestives (yes, I know I can get them here but still). Waitrose brand English tea. Very Britishy Chistmas cards from charities. Soap and Glory scrubs. Radox shower goods (love those hanging handles - don't have those here.) Nivea in small glass jars. I went a bit crazy in Primark and bought several really thick leggings which I thought were a great price, along with a pair of shoes.
Saw the Gentlemen's Relish but wasn't sure I was ready for anchovy paste on buttered toast.
posted by HeyAllie at 12:43 PM on November 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
Saw the Gentlemen's Relish but wasn't sure I was ready for anchovy paste on buttered toast.
posted by HeyAllie at 12:43 PM on November 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
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I recently had cookies from Tate's Bake Shop, which were awfully good. They are thinnish, crisp, and super buttery. (My thought being, chocolate chip cookies are American, and these are a fancy version.) They're at various gourmet supermarkets.
Taza Mexican chocolate disks are good too, and would be very easy to pack. (That link is to their $28 sampler pack, but they have other kinds of gift packages too.)
posted by LobsterMitten at 9:35 AM on October 26, 2013