What can I put in my SP parcels from Scotland?
 

Greetings from across the pond! Sorry if this is not the right thread - hopefully some kind person will move it if I'm in the wrong place.

What can I put in my SP parcels that can't be got readily in the US, or have you guys already got all the good stuff? ;)

I don't want to look mean, but things are so expensive here (e.g. new Japanese fabrics are on sale in my LQS for $22.50 a metre/39" - average price is $17/18, so a leading brand FQ is around $5; a small spool of Gutermann cotton is $2.40). As for notions....:eek:

Sweets (candy) tends to be quite heavy to post. I'm fairly new to quilting so I can't readily rattle off handmade goods.

I'd be grateful for any suggestions - thanks.

does SP stand for Secret Pal?

Maybe some small local crafted items. Hankies, table mats, cute hand towels.

Sorry - yes it does.

Hankie somehow related to Scotland, a momento of William and Kate, sprig of thistle, a couple of Scottish cookies
Anything not weighty that bespeaks Scotland

All of that is great, like the Hankies and mementos, etc. Have you thought about photos? I have family in England, and they're always sending me "English" things for Christmas and my Birthday, but it's like pulling teeth to get them to send me any photos, yet that's what I cherish the most. And not just photos of them, but photos of the places we're gone together, the walks we've taken, the sea, the dunes, the burial mounds (I have a sister in Anglesey). Make your special packages to your special person personal. Do a little embroidery, make a potholder, a wall hanging. It doesn't have to be perfect, and it's almost better if it's not! I don't have a lot of photos and pictures up (new house), but I have every photo and picture Linda and her daughters ever gave me. Think about it.

Gee. I'd want something that would be very Scottish..something that I could not find in the states...it would not have to be quilt/sewing related at all!:o

How about a handsome young man dressed in a quilt and bagpipes?? OPPS-maybe a bit too heavy to send in the mail.

Postcards of your area, town or country, small flag replica would be fun. I recently received a candy bar we can't get in the USA. It was yummy. Even after hardening up from arriving melted, it was great.

I have a friend who went to China and took some photos of the Chinese and how they exercise any place, any time. She had pictures of them exercising on sidewalks and in malls. She had pictures of them getting their faces shaved in the streets. Old men sleeping in folding chairs on the sidewalks. People working in the rice paddies wearing funny tall hats. And that's just a couple of photos I'm telling you about. Those pictures were so exciting because we see nothing like that here is the USA. So, if you could send pictures of things that your culture does that we don't, your SP would be very happy and learn so much about your culture. And who doesn't want to learn about another person's culture?

Take your pick. Oh sorry - did you say kilt or quilt?[ATTACH=CONFIG]349013[/ATTACH]

What a fabulous photo! Thanks for sharing this with all of us!

definately postcards of your country, teas or coffees, specific country candy, fabric/threads from your stash, handmade goods are great. while i have sent secret pal packages overseas i have yet to receive one from across the way but i would want something representative of their country in my package. you may have a travel bureau near by that has little do dads such as pictorial books, descriptions of places of interest. you can do refrigerator magnets as i think i got one of a red phone booth from one of my friends travel.

i'm thinking of some more things and will post. as you build up your seap box of things to send, you will have time to do more cost effective shopping and get things on sale or find things from thrift shops.

ok here's more ideas:
scottish plaid pencils/pens
magnets
tea towels
bookmarks
a small pkg of those delish cookies
a kilt air freshner
bagpipes or map of scotland keyring
shot glass

It's my daughter's wedding - fairly traditional. The man waving like a crazy person is my husband, lol.

Agreed -- something from Scotland (but not necessarily fabric). I got a coffee mug with a man in a kilt and the black watch plaid -- love it.

I would love anything from Scotland because my Dad's side of the family are Scottish, the McCallums.

I worked with a woman whose name was McCallum and her husband was Canadian - lot of Scots in Canada.

I would love a mug rug with one side made of any tartan. Snowballs, and I don't mean the cold ones! I mean the marshmallow ones covered in chocolate and rolled in coconut.

I love the photo - and especially your husband waving wildly at the back; it just makes me smile. My best friend lives in northern England and we exchange gifts at Christmas. I always love any of the following: a coffee mug with scenes of Britain on it, a package of shortbread, a package of "oaties", Cadbury's bar, a small jar of clotted cream, tea towels with cathedrals on them, small jars of salmon spread (I love it and can't get it here), and my favorite fragrance which is only available at Boots. And of course fabulous photos of the family and neighbors in the pub and a view of her garden from the kitchen window. The package is always small and light and every year I'm excited to get it.

And if you have any family recipes that you could share, they would be fun as well.

When I went to Scotland, i thought I'd want fabric to bring back, but, as you said too was expensive. Even more so for me, because the dollar was doubled. it was the same fabric that we had in the states. However I bought back a few thimbles with a thistle on it. I think little things would be very appreciative. I know postcards would be fine.

He is quite good looking. Can you spare him?

DH is the proud Papa of a gorgeous bride. Terrific. Thanks for sharing.

huh???????:confused:

Thanks for all the good suggestions - there are quite a few castles in this area so will pop along with my camera and Balmoral, the Queen's summer residence is about an hour away. They call Aberdeen the Granite City because most of the building were built from granite from a nearby quarry, so it's quite striking in sunlight (when we get any).

soozieq2 - I'll ask him if he's interested in a swap, lol

annt59- I'm tickled that you like our Snowballs, but not sure if they'd survive the journey, but will look out for something to put one in in the cooler winter.

Artsyone - I would never have thought of Salmon spread in a million years:D Great idea about Boots brand and Cadburys when your weather cools down.

I've got some great ideas for gifts now, with the emphasis on local &b Scottish - thnks to all.

Anything from Scotland...a scrap of plaid..a Scottish quilt book...doesn't have to be new. Pictures of Scotland

Just send Haggis!

NO, NO, No Haggis, Scottish shortbread!!!

I agree with pictures/postcards. Maybe candy/cookies made there.

How about a nice bottle of Glenfidditch???

Welcome from Glasgow-glad you have caught the quilting bug.

I guess from your comments that you are American-hope you enjoy living in Scotland.

Always the best gift!!!!! Scenery is always nice but I love faces!

How about a Scottish quilt pattern. Celtic or such like.

Now this is what I'd call a great parcel. Sign me up for a SP if I can get one of these. LOL

I visited Aberdeen years ago. My SIL's husband was manager of an offshore rig in the North sea. Lovely city; we had a great time. Had dinner one night at a wonderful little restaurant: Mr. G's, I think it was. My SIL was collecting antique cheese plates/covers and she took us to yard sales where I bought a teapot. Also went to Edinburgh on the train and saw the Scott memorial and the castle and shopped along Princes Street. You've awakened some great memories in me!

Marilyn

Hi i took part in the Sp swap quite a few times and hope to get back into it sometime soon, I used to send postcards, recipies, local resuable bags (my library sells them for £1.50) anything cadbury, tea bags, shortbread. Pin cushions are very quick and easy to make. Have you been to the Seattle quilt co (think that is the name) in Aberdeen they were at the Harrogate quilt show and had some good bargains. Poundland is good for notepads and pens. Howabout a 2013 scottish calendar. Can also let you have some websites of good mail order companies that have some 99p fat quarters and other small items so you can build a bit of a stash if you send me a pm. I always used to spend between £6.50 and £7 for the $10. Also would send used magazines prima etc they went down well. Recipies from supermarkets etc. Hope that helps

Oh my yes I will have one of those....I truly believe that there is no man alive whose looks would not be improved by wearing a kilt. And as for bagpipes, they really stir my blood, I love listening to the pipes and Scottish music in general. Funny my ethnic heritage is not Scottish. It is Irish, Norwegian, and Apache, so why do I find all things Scottish so attractive.

annt59:
You beat me to my idea of the mug rug. I would enjoy anything at all from Scotland as my Great, Great, Great Grandparents were born in Scotland and it was my Great grandmother that got to come to the U.S. from there. I am sure our SP would enjoy anything Scottish and all the ideas posted would be fantastic.

when i was in the UK last year, i looked for special books about area crafts, woolens, yarn, lace, linen things. took lots of pictures of the castles and small towns. hunted down regional recipe books.

I'm actually a Weegie myself, but living in Aberdeen for past 35 years :)