Ireland Business Trip: Gift Suggestions
 

Have a work trip next week for important clients in Ireland. I am wondering if there is anything in particular folks might like from the US, and that is airplane/travel friendly? I usually bring a gift of scotch, but I think that's already taken care of over there :)

Waterford crystal is an obvious but tasteful choice. Also, you'd be helping out a venerable Irish business that's having some difficulties thanks to global competition from not so fine crystal imitators.

Woolen clothing items (scarves, hats, sweaters) are nice, quite popular back home and easy to obtain. Try Avoca in Dublin for some excellent couch and bed throws as well as amazing Irish made food stuffs. Seeing as you're from a cold climate the latter suggestion seems extra appropriate.

If you are close enough to them to know their families, kid gifts are always a nice touch. Maybe Boston Celts shirts/scarves or such? Or even for the adults if you think it appropriate.

Couldn't think of a Boston food thing? From MN there is always wild rice.

I really prefer perishables like food, and clothing that gets worn out, rather than something one has to dust and display.

Romelle

I think he means to bring gifts to Ireland, not gifts from Ireland to the US.

If you know the family then something personal like T-shirts, sweatshirts, Football stuff is kool. If Catholic then something local religious. I live in CA so we have quiet a few missions with nice gifts.
If you do not know the family, I like the idea of something edible typical from your area. Maple syrup, good local chocolate.

let's see what the FlyerTalker in the UK & Ireland forum can contribute to this thread :) I am moving it so please follow it at its new home

chrissxb
moderator
europe forum

If you live in Philly, you might pop into the Pennsylvania store at the Reading Terminal Market. There is a wide variety of food stuffs and souveniers. Many come from the Lancaster area. If there are teen children (an oxymoron?), sometimes they like the local pins from the Hard Rock cafe (almost next door to the Market).

I once used a pocketful of Kennedy Half Dollars to give as keepsakes to friends and relatives. They were delighted to receive them.

Chocolate is always good (except that stuff which Hershey makes - that's always bad :D ).

Quality items made in the USA... Cross pen and pencil sets? Longaberger baskets?

I would avoid religious stuff like the plague unless you are absolutely sure: the secular outlook is spreading cheerfully across these islands and the assumption that Catholic = believer cannot be made with the same assurance that it could be in the US apparently.

Oh, here you all are! Somehow with the move I lost my subscription to the thread.

Heading out this afternoon to buy some Ghiradelli, and I'm going to try the bank for Kennedy half-dollars. I do remember seeing a lot of JFK photos throughout my travels.

Thanks again, Chris

You're welcome to visit me too! Ghiradelli... mmmm... :D

>" I'm going to try the bank for Kennedy half-dollars. I do remember seeing a lot of JFK photos throughout my travels."

You said "Important Clients". JFK has been dead almost 45 years and you are planning to hand out a coin worth about $.25? Certainly doesn't sound impressive to me.

You could take some ties/scarves from VineyardVines.com

Post Script: No kennedy half-dollars available. :(
So I went with Cross pens and Ghiradelli. And they were big hits. Apparently, Cross used to have a plant in Ireland, so they are perceived quite favourably.
Jane: I see your point, however, I mentioned this to one of my colleagues in Ireland and they said the Irish love all things Kennedy, and this would have also been well-received.

Why is a Kennedy Half Dollar worth $.25? I would give you $.30 each for any quantity you can come up with.