E.T.
I love to get a piece of art or jewelry whenever I travel somewhere. I have several small pieces of art that show street scenes. I love finding handmade jewelry.
My brother will be going soon and has graciously offered to bring something back. Haven't a clue what I might ask for. Any tips or suggestions? It can't be foodstuffs because it'll have to go through customs.
Thanks
F. B.
I love to get a piece of art or jewelry whenever I travel somewhere. I have several small pieces of art that show street scenes. I love finding handmade jewelry.
Prague (and other Czech cities) is known for gorgeous beadwork. My MIL is Czech and traveled with her sister to see her family's native city. They brought back lovely bead necklaces, and also some intricate glass sculptures. Glass is pretty fragile to travel with, however, but you might ask him to get you some of the famous Czech beads, either loose (they look pretty on a sunny windowsill in a clear glass container), or on a necklace.
Prague is known for beautiful crystal. When we visited, I got a really nice set of 6 wine glasses. They were not expensive at all!
I can't think off hand but something small that will fit into a suitcase and clear customs. If you sew some fabric, a picture or a wooden plate or plaque. When we lived in German there were bazaars that carried items from countries and many were wooden.
the other S.
Perhaps unique jewelry or something artisan...although those custom forms are just a "suggestion" anyway. If you don't write it down and put it in your suitcase, food items usually get through. ;-)
I'll probably be scolded for saying this, but I do it all the time! Generally I'm a rule follower but herbs and such from Europe are so wonderful and cheap so if you cook a lot, he should bring back spices!
I would think something useful for the kitchen maybe. Like a nice serving bowl, trivet or serving spoon set. Maybe a nice piece of jewelry if he knows what you like. Good luck.
They are famous for their crystal which could be purchased and shipped ahead so he wouldn't have to mess with it. Also I believe they are famous for their herbs. If customs is a problem, maybe it could be sent ahead as well.
Let him surprise you.
I brought back stacking dolls for my daughters.
I'm in the jewelry/artwork camp. When I went to Paris and Switzerland, I bought back 4 small paintings and a Swiss army knife. My aunt still has the artwork on her living room wall but I don't know what happened to the knife.
When I bring back souvenirs from trips it's something that reminds me of the person, so maybe a piece of silver jewelry for my friend who loves silver, an art print for my uncle who is an art lover, a Christmas ornament for my MIL who is crazy for Christmas, etc.
It's really hard to give you advice not knowing what you are into. Can you tell us and maybe we'll have better advice?
I would let your brother pick something so it will be a surprise.
If you celebrate Christmas an ornament for your tree is nice. My son brought me home a beautiful nesting doll and also an embroidered table runner.