The gift giving must go on!

January 2, 2015 10:37 AM

An Italian penpal and friend from Turin sent me a wonderful gift and I would like to reciprocate. I love chocolates and Italian food generally, so she sent me an assortment of very high end chocolates from Guido Gobino (super fancy, well known Turin brand). I'd like to get her something in return that is unique, special, and can't be found in Italy.

It would be nice if it was something local to NYC too, but not necessary. Also, I don't think it necessarily has to be an edible or confectionery, but that is a possibility certainly. Must be mail-able obviously. About her: She is a 33 year old female, who lives in Turin, Italy. On the verge of completing a doctorate in Architecture, smart, thoughtful, enjoys food and sweets. Her English is at a decent conversational level, but perhaps gifts including long, complicated literature would be a little too much. So, mefite friends, let's brainstorm. What would be a good gift to send her?

posted by incolorinred to Shopping (5 answers total)

I think the cacao nibs from Mast Brothers are incredible and superior to all other cacao nibs I've tried, and unlike the chocolate bars, I have never seen them for sale anywhere other than the Mast Brothers flagship factory/store in Brooklyn.

Also, they're unbreakable (already little bits!) and a malleable bag, so while perhaps not special enough on their own they could pad out a package to protect another more fragile item while being much more delicious than cornstarch packing peanuts.
posted by Juliet Banana at 10:53 AM on January 2, 2015 [1 favorite]

John & Kira make an "every flavor" box of chocolates that include lemongrass, coffee whisky, Earl Grey tea, star anise. People tend to get excited when they open a box.

http://www.johnandkiras.com/category/Every-Flavor-Collection
posted by clarkstonian at 11:39 AM on January 2, 2015 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Besides enjoying fancy edibles, does she like to cook? If so, you might consider a New York-inflected cookbook. The Village Voice has a list of favorite New York City restaurant cookbooks to consider. The Essential New York Times cookbook is a worthy contender as well. But really, I only intend to suggest a category here. I'd say see what you can find with a connection to you as a pen pal, i.e. if you have a favorite restaurant you wish your friend could visit, see if there is a related cookbook. Where possible, find something with beautiful pictures and clear instructions too.
posted by Smells of Detroit at 11:52 AM on January 2, 2015

Best answer: As an Italian who now lives in the US: maple syrup. The really good kind.

Add a recipe for pancakes or French toast but I guarantee that the maple syrup always wows people. It's something they all know about from movies but categorically cannot be purchased in Italy. And it's delicious and lasts a long time.
posted by lydhre at 3:45 PM on January 2, 2015 [12 favorites]

Response by poster: Thanks all, these are really great suggestions. I must get maple syrup!! What a fantastic idea lydhre. Maybe I will incorporate Smells of Detroit's suggestion and get an American breakfast cookbook to with it.

Thanks again all,
incolor
posted by incolorinred at 8:25 PM on January 4, 2015