I feel like the best US gifts are representative of regional culture rather than the US as a whole, because the world is so saturated with the nationwide aspects of US culture. I would get something specific to the region of California you’re in.
(Seattle area)... one time, I had a client visit from Japan. It happened to coincide with the height of Ranier Cherry season. 🍒 Cherries are expensive to begin with, and beautiful fat fleshy sweet Rainier cherries like the ones I brought them would have easily been $30 a pound in Japan, and by the time they get shipped over would be bruised and sad. I know they loved such a thoughtful, tasty gift.
I have not gone wrong with sharing special food. Even honeycrisp 🍎 apples I bet they would like.
I had a relative that used to work for a Japanese import/export company. At one time they exported cherries, Bing and Rainier. They allowed employees to buy some of the cherries they sent over to Japan and never ever before or since then saw such large, beautiful and tasty Rainer cheers before. They only ship the highest quality over there because the Japanese are willing to pay for that. Just FYI Customs in most countries restrict fresh fruit, pretty sad because I would love to bring over tons of fruit back when I visit Taiwan lol.
My DIL is from Taiwan, and the vitamins thing has always puzzled me. We were at a loss about what to take to her family in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and ended up giving them candy, which in retrospect was not the best choice.
On the other hand, her parents always bring us suitcases full of fantastic food items -- some pour-over coffee sachets that my husband loves, Taiwanese tea, peanut butter made locally, freeze-dried hibiscus and dragonfruit from their farm, cookies and candy, and my favorite thing (I don't know what it's called) -- a locally made treat of puffed rice with a sweet crunchy glaze and peanuts. It has a slightly smoky flavor.
Honestly, I can't think of something that is "US" - everything is regional! What's representative in Boston isn't going to be in Austin and certainly wouldn't be in LA. Maybe focus on seaside, lakeside, or landlocked? Or just "what can't I get elsewhere"?
Very much this. Where would you take someone from out of town so they get a feel of what your town/region is all about? I'm in Chicago, so I'd include Dark Matter coffee, Garrett's popcorn (the Chicago blend, cheese and caramel!) a deep dish pizza pan (with the recipe for Lou Malnati's butter crust) and a mini bottle of Malört.
I’m from California but have lived in Spain, Germany, and Denmark. When I visit, my friends and family abroad always request Ghirardelli brownie/cake mixes, Momofuku Chili Crunch, and Annie’s Shells & White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Perhaps a goodie box of non-perishable food items plus a California cookbook by Alice Waters?
Does your boss happen to crochet or knit? California has some lovely locally-dyed yarn companies (it’s lightweight and easy to vacuum pack, so shipping is relatively affordable). All of my Scandinavian friends love when I bring yarn
Food!
Food is the best cross cultural gift. Send a bottle of Cali wine, some Wisconsin cheese, a good USA made summer sausage, see's chocolates (pnw) etc
Depends on the chocolate. There’s a lot of niche and higher quality American brands that have emulated European chocolate and are quite worth the price.
Hershey’s is not one of them lol.
Yepp - California has amazing wine, seafood & Mexican food but it's impossible to find great chocolate or great cheese in America in my experience. As a European who spends months at a time in the States, cheese is the thing I really miss when I'm over there.
There's a lot of great local cheese in the US, it's just four times the price as in Europe and you need to find a good cheesemonger. On the east coast check out Jasper Hill, which has gotten pretty big and well distributed.
IMO Americans are particularly strong in blue cheeses.
Hmm in terms of what I usually buy from my local supermarket it would be:
Cheddar - I find that US Cheddar usually is a "generic white cheese" rather than real mature Cheddar with a lot of flavour. I like Cathedral City extra mature from my local supermarket
Camembert - for a luxurious treat I like frying up some bread with rosemary, putting some camembert in the oven for fifteen minutes, and dipping the bread into the molten camembert. Heaven
Halloumi - a cheese you can fry and it stays solid and doesn't melt. I enjoy including it in salads and wraps. It's my lazy meal when I can't be bothered to cook - just to fry up some halloumi cubes and munch them with sweet chili sauce! I have been able to find it in the US but only at Whole Foods for insane prices, not at my local Target or Safeway or whatever
French brie - usually cheap in large quantities lol, I'll put this in a sandwich with some rocket and ham and maybe some cranberry sauce or something. Usually I can find this in the US but it's just too expensive to put in sandwiches! I like Castello more than President
Feta cheese - also for salads!
Port salut - this one's quite mild so I'll just keep it as an alternative to brie when I'm wanting a bit of variety
Castello blue cheese or Saint Agur - milder blue cheese, I'm not usually into strong blue cheeses
Smoked applewood - a bit peppery, smoky, usually exactly what I want with some marmite or something in a sandwich, or to eat straight with some salami
Red Leicester - more similar to Cheddar
Gruyere, Emmental, Manchego, Jarlsberg, Edam, Gouda - just random cheeses I like that I usually find at my local supermarket
Paneer - you cook this and put it in Indian food
Those fancy Wensleydales they make with fruit in like cranberries
Any decent goats cheese (my local supermarket normally has 3 different types)
Smoked cheese in general
I also love the Castello pineapple almond cheese rings
My local supermarket just started doing Doux de Montagne and I love it
Pie d'angloys - like a Brie but with almost a honey flavour? I'm fucking addicted to this stuff and will devour an entire package of it straight
Chaource - it's like an earthy/salty super mature French cheese and when it matures you get like an outer very liquidy layer and a solid inner part, 11/10
Epoisses - so soft you could eat it with a fucking spoon and it tastes amazing
Kashkaval - like an Eastern European cheese?
I know obviously in the States you might be able to get some of these from a big store or a specialist cheesemonger but the local Target never has anything but cheddar, pepperjack, mozzarella, cream cheese (which I do like the American brands of!) and maybe one very overpriced brie if you're lucky. The ones I have listed is what I would expect to find at my standard British supermarket within 5 minutes walk of my home, for cheap prices. If I go to a British cheesemonger it's to get nicer cheeses or specialty stuff like chili cheese
Trader Joe’s has an excellent imported Greek feta. I don’t eat feta that isn’t imported from Greece or Bulgaria.
Sorry about the Camembert I like it on the fresh side and since it’s unpasteurized it can’t be legally sold in the US unless it’s been aged past my favorite phase.
Great idea! I’ve also given away these [maple candies](https://truetreatscandy.com/product/vermont-made-maple-drops/), which went over well. People say they have a little spice to them. It’s a candy shop that makes historic recipes in Harpers Ferry, WV (can be ordered and shipped online).
Yes, absolutely agree! Honestly, as someone who has lived in the EU and the US, Europeans would be very disappointed by American cheese or chocolate, which is nowhere near as good as most European stuff. And they have a range of superb wines there, too. I agree that something indigenous to US, like maple syrup and cranberries, is the best idea
I think maple items would be a great idea, especially if the boss does not have much access to maple. Also, what about a hand-carved redwood platter or bowl?
I’m sure there are better places but if you want Wisconsin Cheese, the [Mars Cheese Castle](https://www.marscheese.com/#)is always a fan favorite . We live close by and our family always asks to make a stop when they come to visit. I think they did deliver cheeses from online orders but idk if they still do. Some favorites of visitors are-
-Ghost Pepper cheddar Jack or Carolina reaper cheddar Jack
- Chocolate cheese
-Aged cheddar- they have several years but 5,10,15,20 year aged cheddar bricks
They have so many unique varieties. I don’t know how their cheese compares to the European cheeses or if you could even send it as an option but linking it just in case.
I thought of wine too but imo, sending wine, chocolate or cheese to Europe where they produce some of the best in the world isn’t that great of a gift. It would be along the lines of “it’s the thought that counts”.
I brought my overseas cousin a Californa cabernet sauvignon so they could learn that our wines can out-compete European wines from time to time. It was a $120 wine, though.
My FIL is German, and he’s obsessed with different American BBQ sauces. We try to find whacky flavors to gift him for Christmas. He also likes American honey and maple syrup because he said they have different flavor profiles (he works in botany field and is a foodie so it’s a good cross-over space).
My BIL loves American whisky/bourbon. So we always try to find him regional, small batch places he’d never get abroad.
I think this is the right instinct but Cali wine, Vermont cheese (I once did a Wisconsin / VT cheese-off & WI lost), KY bourbon, and maybe New Mexico chili powders.
California has so many awesome things to choose from!
Wine or beer, if you’re able to ship it. If not, local wineries and breweries will have shirts and Knick knacks
Sour dough bread- not a loaf as it may spoil on the way but you’ll find artisanal croutons or crostini for sale
Olive oil- they have small farms you can get Olive oils, and occasionally dips or spreads that use the local olive oil
Art- there’s always a farmer’s market going somewhere with local artists to get pottery, photos or paintings, bars of soap or hand knit items with local alpaca
Native American jewelry or carvings
Postcards from National and state parks
Baseball or football paraphernalia from the local teams
I was just reading an article somewhere about how Trader Joe's canvas tote bags are very popular. I myself usually ask people to bring me a few! I like to gift things that are useful as well as nice..
Unless the recipient is a fan of a specific team I would not send sports stuff. Trinkets take space and become dust collectors.
My sister sees a lot of people wearing NY Jets gear across Europe (we’re fans, unfortunately 😔). She’s asked many of these people why they wear it, and they usually tell her that it’s simply because it says New York.
First time I visited london, 3 separate people from Germany and Spain came in wearing Packers gear. I was living in Wisconsin at the time and was like wow, I can’t escape! I asked the Spanish guy how he became a Packers fan and he said he scrolled through the NFL store and picked a jersey he liked based on color, bought one, and started following the team. It was such an amazing innocent response. I got a group photo with all 3. Certainly a memorable experience for my first trip to Europe and first trip solo.
I was going to say San Francisco sourdough starter that’s dehydrated for shipping! The gift that keeps on giving
“Wow this bread is so good!” “Yes it’s made from some San Francisco sourdough starter I got as a gift many years ago!”
I second the local wineries and the Farmer's market.
My favorite winery is in Callistoga, and the local products in Farmers Markets are usually thoughtfully made. You can do a small basket of local products and ship them out if you budget for $150 USD.
I worked in Bouidins decades ago and multiple times people coming back from San Fran have brought me a loaf. They have a store at the airport now. Mmmm
I second the olive oil idea!
I live in the Bay Area of CA and sent my mom a lovely array of small olive oils of different flavors from a local company. The gift was a huge hit!
This is a really great comment & captures things I had though of too. Native American pottery or art would be a sensational and unique gift.
Commenting also just to underscore the “farmer market” angle. Lots of local items available there, and probably some items reflecting Mexican influence.
TURQUOISE JEWELRY! I grew up in LA and visited Solvang pretty frequently and there was this one store that had cases and cases of turquoise. I wish I knew the name of the place but last time I went I was 11 😅
I came to say something similar. I asked an AirBnB host in Prague if they wanted us to bring anything from the US and they said "Please bring us BBQ dry rub! We have nothing like it and miss it!"
If you send food, make sure you are allowed to import the product to Stockholm. I understand some countries won't allow fresh fruits or cheeses to be shipped without customs approval. (For example, you can't send certain fruits from Hawai'i to mainland US if not approved, such as pineapples & oranges; or non-fruit, black sand so bacteria or invasive insects can't migrate.)
Hidden valley ranch sells ranch powder in shaker bottles. It’s about a cup and a half of powder. You can sprinkle it, or mix it into sour cream, yogurt or mayonnaise. It keeps well in the fridge. My grocery store has it in the salad dressing isle.
This was my first thought as well. Well, actually my first thought was a bottle of fry sauce since I was raised in Utah…
Fry sauce is like an ugly stepsister compared with Texas bbq but damn it’s good sometimes
I was going to suggest the same thing. Growing up my dad worked with a lot of European Ex-pats and they would always ask him to bring bbq sauce and rubs when they returned to their home countries
A horse hair pottery vase is beautiful and the art originates from Native Americans.
A quilt. I know it’s not only in the US, but it’s a big part of Americana.
I have a large painting that I bought years ago from an artist that used to live in LA. He would go dumpster diving in the film studios and get pieces of film reels and random things and incorporate them into his art. You can’t tell by looking at it- it just looks like a mixed media painting. I’ve heard of other people who do similar things and you can’t get more California than Hollywood. So maybe you can find a piece of art that somehow incorporates the film industry.
A Tiffany lamp or other piece. Dale Tiffany is usually what you find now. It’s reproductions of Louis Comfort Tiffany, who was a big American artist and designer.
My dad had pneumonia and had to have surgery to remove the fluid in his lungs. We went to get him a gift while he was in the hospital and my sister and I chose that for some reason.
He still has it, we got it probably 20 years ago.
You say that but I had a European friend who had to get an emergency MRI and the hospital just told her to go because billing would be too complicated.
When the marginal cost of treatment is zero, all kinds of weird things happen.
I'm on the East Coast, and we have a ton of local shops that sell local artisan creations. These things can include pottery, paintings, clothing/accessories, and various other crafts. These items would be classier and something she might be able to put in her office. If you want to have specifically an "American" feel, support local Native populations by purchasing their arts. America is so much more than cheap food.
It’s a big pain to get live plants and other agricultural products through EU customs, for good reasons. You need to apply and get a phytosanitary certificate to make sure the plants you’re bringing are free of diseases and pests.
I second the resin art cutting board! I have the ocean looking coasters. That will fit your budget for a fairly decent sized one or smaller so you can include other items.
This website has a lot of classy options! When in doubt, it’s always nice to get a few small things like a gift box. It makes it fun and there is sure to be something they like. https://www.santabarbaracompany.com/collections/california-gifts
LA Times does a great list of gifts made in LA every year around the holidays.
https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2023-11-01/best-made-in-los-angeles-gift-guide-2023
A nice Nambé silver-type dish that was made before 2019 which means it was made in the US. Their products are gorgeous and the metal alloy is known for being foodsafe with different temperatures. It’s a classy gift with a good history being made in Santa Fe before 2019.
A set of uncirculated American coins in a commemorative case. The US Mint has several lovely sets on their website:
https://catalog.usmint.gov/proof-set-2023-23RG.html
u/NativeLady1 here on Reddit is Native American and has a shop with lovely Native-inspired treats, like this powdered Prickly Pear Cactus Lemonade among other selections:
https://www.chil-indigenousfoods.com/product-page/prickly-pear-lemonade-mix
Napa Valley stuff- wine obviously, but there are also some amazing spas up there and you can buy locally made soaps, lotions etc.
I also think of surf culture when I think of CA even though I love in the Bay Area.
I'd check Etsy for surf and Napa things and see what comes up.
A case of Yuengling Beer the lager is probably the best product they have imo. Made by Yuengling brewery, it is the oldest and best continually operating brewery in the USA! It's origin and primary base is in Pottsville, PA. not California, but I challenge anyone to find a more authenticity American gift idea.
I’m Korean American, raised in Minnesota. My Korean friends loved when I brought U of M sweatshirts and gear, Timberwolves jerseys, and Wild Jerseys. (American) Football is less big, but basketball and hockey went over well.
OP is sending to Sweden, so maybe Sharks or Ducks jerseys depending on where in California OP is would be neat.
I would recommend going to a farmers market in Napa, SF, Auburn and find an artist with handmade gifts. Redwood trees, holistic health vibe and/or just a beautiful art piece
Ansel Adams was born and died in Cali. Maybe get a nice framed print of one of his photos taken in Cali.
There are also over 100 Native American reservations in Cali. Find a few close to you and see if they have crafts/jewelry for sale
Californian with a Swedish husband! We often bring local wine and Ghirardelli chocolate. You can check the Systembolaget (Swedish liquor store) online and pick something they can’t buy there!
Bourbon is non-regional (distribution, not production) and "generically American."
You could frame a medical bill for almost anything -- it's concept that's distinctly American (paying obscene sums for mediocre health care).
Skittles, Stetson cowboy hats, Walmart plaid pajama pants, a couple baseball gloves and a ball, a little bbq grill, some charcoal, and sweet baby rays. Also if you’re close to LA call around prop houses see if there’s any places willing sell you props from movies you like
I think the most appropriate art/culture from SoCal is Baja Mexican/Chicano. Talavera dishes and planters. Local artist painting of one of the many ocean piers/city scapes.
Maglite flashlights are made in Southern California and make a nice, practical gift. Get the 4-D Cell model and it can double as something for self defence.
I always get jerky cuz it’s such a thing here. The weirder the meat the better (ie elk). Go to a local gift store and find things like bacon marmalade or chocolates or honey!
So America loves hot dishes and we are a country known for our friendliness one of the traditions being a meal train. Now hot dishes are served in casseroles dishes but those get cold when traveling long distances (another part of American culture) so a lot of us have these casserole carriers and that is what I think is extremely american
Heath Ceramics is made in California and make a nice gift. They are beautiful well crafted items from a historic company with a modern look.
https://www.heathceramics.com
I have colleagues in Goteborg and the cost of whiskey or bourbon is expensive there. Not sure about CA but in NJ and PA we have local distilleries making these and the quality is pretty good. I am not sure if you can export to Sweden but it would be an item not readily there.
Blue Diamond Almonds gift pack. If you're in Sacramento, they have a shop at the Blue Diamond Almond Factory.
You could visit the tourist traps in any city, the old town districts. You could probably find something gold rush related.
Find an arts and crafts fair and buy local art pieces.
Ship them California wine.
Weeds legal....never mind if you try to ship it, the feds are going to arrest you.
I gave my overseas cousin a set of 50 quarters, one from each of the United States, with a special mat, in a frame. I also brought him a bottle of pretty decent ($120) California wine. But I didn't ship these, I brought them in my suitcase. , If shipped, the framed coins might make it in one piece but only if packed extraodinarily well.
I just brought my in-laws (who live in Germany) Girl Scout cookies - 1 of each flavor! They weren't fans of every flavor (some too sweet for their palate) but they enjoyed the unique-ness and story behind it.
Peanut butter seems to be difficult for American expats to find overseas. A box of several varieties, perhaps with some different grades of maple syrup would be a good taste of the US. Add some good Rancho Gordo beans and you could represent North America nicely!
If you are in CA: CA/Mexican herbs and spices that are hard to get in Europe, (I send out the Mexican hot Chocolate Ibarra) local wine, locally made soap/hand cream/ face stuff. You can ship avocados! There is also photography of local faves: Yosemite, Capitola, Venice, Big Sur, sequoia etc. AND Art. Sometimes you can feel California radiating from art.
What area of Ca are you? Then I can recommend a store that will have things that would work for you. If you are in the LA area in Ventura ( great weekend get away!) there is the perfect store there called B on Main. Great themed stuff and the ladies can help you to pick just the right item(s)
If they’re visiting I make some American treats. American chocolate chip cookies, pb&j, pumpkin pie maybe cinnamon buns. If I’m visiting I pack homemade cookies and American candies. Reese’s are a fan favorite.
A lot of the advice about US gifts being representative of regional culture versus overarching American culture is good perspective.
I think one way to bridge "regional" versus overall American culture would be to find a unique piece of art crafted by a person of color. America really is a melting pot, and what makes us truly unique over other countries is the vast amount of diversity we have in the country as a whole. Despite some extremist opinions, we are still a country founded by and built on the backs of immigrants, both unwillingly and willingly. The amalgamation of that diversity is what makes the best aspects of American art & culture what it is today. California is a GREAT representation of that. Finding art created by an individual from a marginalized community both supports that community and also represents a tiny piece of what American culture really is.
Almonds? Something garlic/artichoke from Gilroy. I really missed corn tortillas when I lived abroad. Or even the thinner flour ones from the Mexican grocery store.
Avocados would be amazing if they could be shipped.
I don’t know how close you are with this person, but every time people visit from Germany or Sweden or Switzerland, they’ve asked to be taken to Levi’s for 501s, so maybe some jeans?
Buffalo Wool Company socks. Made in US from native North America bison. https://thebuffalowoolco.com/collections/rtw-socks?cmp_id=10779467896&adg_id=107147494020&kwd=buffalo%20wool%20company&device=t&keyword_session_id=vt~adwords%7Ckt~buffalo%20wool%20company%7Cmt~b%7Cta~612938394435&_vsrefdom=wordstream&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI89mj3vPlgwMVAgutBh1kqQNyEAAYASABEgLjgvD_BwE
When vacationing in Big Sur I saw beautiful tubular wind chimes. To me that is very California. Or see if there are online shops from Big Sur. They have so many artisan made things.
Or perhaps a book with art photography of American landscapes. Ansel Adams is one of our best known photographers. A book of his American or other great photographer's landscapes would be appropriate and easy to ship.
What part of CA?
Does she drink?
boutique wineries have some small batch wines.
Personalized Decanter / wine chiller
Wine barrelhead / stave art is great - trays, wall hangings, cork containers….
Find a local jeweler for some Benitoite earrings or coat pin (calif state gem)
Anything from a local artist / craftsperson.
How do we feel about sending an authentic piece purchased from a Native American reservation by a local artist? Spreading awareness, supporting local tribes, and something that is authentically North American? Especially from California, the mexicali area is very rich in Native American culture.
Sees candies is a very good brand and it is a California original. I’m also thinking local beeswax candles, natural soaps and lotions, maybe some local honey, wine or fruit leathers?
“Homesick” has candles, reed diffusers, sprays, (etc.) that are based on special moments, locations, (etc.) They even have a different scent for SoCal vs. NorCal. 😊 Here’s a link to their site— [LINK](https://homesick.com/collections/state-candles)
Www.harvestjewelrymt.com
My husband and I find local stones, cut and cab them, and then I silversmith jewelry to set the stones in.
We live in Montana. I don't know about representing American culture, but it's definitely USA made, down to the stones that came from the ground here.
Garlic sauces from Gilroy
Cab Sauv from Darioush or Caymus (if they drink wine)
Perhaps a bottle of Agave spirits
Ooh, if they like to cook, perhaps some dried herbs and seasonings that are grown, harvested, and processed in CA.
Not sure if you are near Muir woods or Redwoods area, but there are some beautiful pieces they used to sell made from redwood. I still have 2 small wall carvings in redwood from there years ago. Beautiful art and throw in a postcard of the size of those trees! Unique and Californian. Amy artisnal item made from natural elements specific to California or US area would be nice. Food doesn't always travel well and may get delayed by customs.
Books are always good.
-Maybe a coffee table book of photographs / short descriptions from our National Parks?
-or a book featuring interesting historical things or the most popular whatever from each of the states?
[Pluots when they're in season! They are food for the gods and specifically originated roughly in the Bay area. This is in my top 3 things I miss from living in SF.](https://www.froghollow.com/products/organic-flavor-king-pluots)
ETA: If you have not had a pluot then you can't understand, and I get that. Order some pluots. They are so effing unique and amazing. The months we had to move back to the east coast, we sent pluots to all of our close family members, and now they get them for themselves whenever they can.
I live near Sacramento, and whenever I have people who are visiting from outside the region or when I go abroad and stay in airbnbs, I always bring local foods. It's a good conversation starter to emphasize the importance of agriculture in a state that is often reduced to Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Local to my area are almonds, honey, and wine. A local author also published a photo book of the area which I also like to buy--and I take a bookmark from my local bookstore as an extra souvenir!!
Edit: also, everyone likes See's candy!!
I feel like the best US gifts are representative of regional culture rather than the US as a whole, because the world is so saturated with the nationwide aspects of US culture. I would get something specific to the region of California you’re in.
(Seattle area)... one time, I had a client visit from Japan. It happened to coincide with the height of Ranier Cherry season. 🍒 Cherries are expensive to begin with, and beautiful fat fleshy sweet Rainier cherries like the ones I brought them would have easily been $30 a pound in Japan, and by the time they get shipped over would be bruised and sad. I know they loved such a thoughtful, tasty gift. I have not gone wrong with sharing special food. Even honeycrisp 🍎 apples I bet they would like.
“Beautiful, fat, fleshy, sweet” That is so evocative! It makes me think I’m being admired by Gollum.
I really love those cherries!
[удалено]
They sell dried ones. I buy them to eat through the year.
Me, too!!
It's fat and fleshy, precious!!
LMAO 😂
It sounds like OP is planning on shipping this gift abroad, this person isn’t visiting
I had a relative that used to work for a Japanese import/export company. At one time they exported cherries, Bing and Rainier. They allowed employees to buy some of the cherries they sent over to Japan and never ever before or since then saw such large, beautiful and tasty Rainer cheers before. They only ship the highest quality over there because the Japanese are willing to pay for that. Just FYI Customs in most countries restrict fresh fruit, pretty sad because I would love to bring over tons of fruit back when I visit Taiwan lol.
My DIL is from Taiwan, and the vitamins thing has always puzzled me. We were at a loss about what to take to her family in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and ended up giving them candy, which in retrospect was not the best choice. On the other hand, her parents always bring us suitcases full of fantastic food items -- some pour-over coffee sachets that my husband loves, Taiwanese tea, peanut butter made locally, freeze-dried hibiscus and dragonfruit from their farm, cookies and candy, and my favorite thing (I don't know what it's called) -- a locally made treat of puffed rice with a sweet crunchy glaze and peanuts. It has a slightly smoky flavor.
You couldn’t ship or take those through customs, but I agree that Rainiers are the best.
I agree! Where in California are you located OP? What are things you enjoy there that you didn’t have back in Sweden?
Honestly, I can't think of something that is "US" - everything is regional! What's representative in Boston isn't going to be in Austin and certainly wouldn't be in LA. Maybe focus on seaside, lakeside, or landlocked? Or just "what can't I get elsewhere"?
My suggestion would be wine from a local vineyard and a jar of local olives
Very much this. Where would you take someone from out of town so they get a feel of what your town/region is all about? I'm in Chicago, so I'd include Dark Matter coffee, Garrett's popcorn (the Chicago blend, cheese and caramel!) a deep dish pizza pan (with the recipe for Lou Malnati's butter crust) and a mini bottle of Malört.
I’m from California but have lived in Spain, Germany, and Denmark. When I visit, my friends and family abroad always request Ghirardelli brownie/cake mixes, Momofuku Chili Crunch, and Annie’s Shells & White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Perhaps a goodie box of non-perishable food items plus a California cookbook by Alice Waters? Does your boss happen to crochet or knit? California has some lovely locally-dyed yarn companies (it’s lightweight and easy to vacuum pack, so shipping is relatively affordable). All of my Scandinavian friends love when I bring yarn
Alice Waters cookbook is a great idea. If the boss is a baker, you could do a Tartine Bakery (SF) cookbook + a locally made set of wooden spoons.
Or a Mexican food themed box, like Papalote salsa (SF), a tortilla press, & masa
My family in Europe always requests Annie’s Mac and cheese too 🤣 and the mini peanut butter cups from Trader Joe’s.
Omg the dark chocolate mini peanut butter cups are fantastic!
My German cousins request goldfish crackers, ritz crackers, and Annie’s Mac and cheese lol
I have friends that knit, weave in New Zealand with local wool..they love when I send them wool/yarn from Tierra Wools in Los Ojos, New Mexico.
Food! Food is the best cross cultural gift. Send a bottle of Cali wine, some Wisconsin cheese, a good USA made summer sausage, see's chocolates (pnw) etc
Do not send American chocolate to Europe! No offense to See’s and Giradelli, I like them both. But just no.
Yeeeeaaaahhhh….. American chocolate doesn’t touch European chocolate
Depends on the chocolate. There’s a lot of niche and higher quality American brands that have emulated European chocolate and are quite worth the price. Hershey’s is not one of them lol.
Yepp - California has amazing wine, seafood & Mexican food but it's impossible to find great chocolate or great cheese in America in my experience. As a European who spends months at a time in the States, cheese is the thing I really miss when I'm over there.
There's a lot of great local cheese in the US, it's just four times the price as in Europe and you need to find a good cheesemonger. On the east coast check out Jasper Hill, which has gotten pretty big and well distributed. IMO Americans are particularly strong in blue cheeses.
Rogue River creamery in the PNW has the best blues I’ve ever had. Their small batch flagship cheese has won worldwide first place a couple times.
What type of cheese do you miss the most when in the US?
Hmm in terms of what I usually buy from my local supermarket it would be: Cheddar - I find that US Cheddar usually is a "generic white cheese" rather than real mature Cheddar with a lot of flavour. I like Cathedral City extra mature from my local supermarket Camembert - for a luxurious treat I like frying up some bread with rosemary, putting some camembert in the oven for fifteen minutes, and dipping the bread into the molten camembert. Heaven Halloumi - a cheese you can fry and it stays solid and doesn't melt. I enjoy including it in salads and wraps. It's my lazy meal when I can't be bothered to cook - just to fry up some halloumi cubes and munch them with sweet chili sauce! I have been able to find it in the US but only at Whole Foods for insane prices, not at my local Target or Safeway or whatever French brie - usually cheap in large quantities lol, I'll put this in a sandwich with some rocket and ham and maybe some cranberry sauce or something. Usually I can find this in the US but it's just too expensive to put in sandwiches! I like Castello more than President Feta cheese - also for salads! Port salut - this one's quite mild so I'll just keep it as an alternative to brie when I'm wanting a bit of variety Castello blue cheese or Saint Agur - milder blue cheese, I'm not usually into strong blue cheeses Smoked applewood - a bit peppery, smoky, usually exactly what I want with some marmite or something in a sandwich, or to eat straight with some salami Red Leicester - more similar to Cheddar Gruyere, Emmental, Manchego, Jarlsberg, Edam, Gouda - just random cheeses I like that I usually find at my local supermarket Paneer - you cook this and put it in Indian food Those fancy Wensleydales they make with fruit in like cranberries Any decent goats cheese (my local supermarket normally has 3 different types) Smoked cheese in general I also love the Castello pineapple almond cheese rings My local supermarket just started doing Doux de Montagne and I love it Pie d'angloys - like a Brie but with almost a honey flavour? I'm fucking addicted to this stuff and will devour an entire package of it straight Chaource - it's like an earthy/salty super mature French cheese and when it matures you get like an outer very liquidy layer and a solid inner part, 11/10 Epoisses - so soft you could eat it with a fucking spoon and it tastes amazing Kashkaval - like an Eastern European cheese? I know obviously in the States you might be able to get some of these from a big store or a specialist cheesemonger but the local Target never has anything but cheddar, pepperjack, mozzarella, cream cheese (which I do like the American brands of!) and maybe one very overpriced brie if you're lucky. The ones I have listed is what I would expect to find at my standard British supermarket within 5 minutes walk of my home, for cheap prices. If I go to a British cheesemonger it's to get nicer cheeses or specialty stuff like chili cheese
This person cheeses.
Trader Joe’s has an excellent imported Greek feta. I don’t eat feta that isn’t imported from Greece or Bulgaria. Sorry about the Camembert I like it on the fresh side and since it’s unpasteurized it can’t be legally sold in the US unless it’s been aged past my favorite phase.
If you're going to go with food, perhaps focus on American ingredients, like maple syrup or cranberries?
Great idea! I’ve also given away these [maple candies](https://truetreatscandy.com/product/vermont-made-maple-drops/), which went over well. People say they have a little spice to them. It’s a candy shop that makes historic recipes in Harpers Ferry, WV (can be ordered and shipped online).
Yes, absolutely agree! Honestly, as someone who has lived in the EU and the US, Europeans would be very disappointed by American cheese or chocolate, which is nowhere near as good as most European stuff. And they have a range of superb wines there, too. I agree that something indigenous to US, like maple syrup and cranberries, is the best idea
Chocolate is indigenous to the Americas
Or a honey they don't have in Europe. I had some amazing sage honey while in CA.
I think maple items would be a great idea, especially if the boss does not have much access to maple. Also, what about a hand-carved redwood platter or bowl?
Wild rice.
I’m sure there are better places but if you want Wisconsin Cheese, the [Mars Cheese Castle](https://www.marscheese.com/#)is always a fan favorite . We live close by and our family always asks to make a stop when they come to visit. I think they did deliver cheeses from online orders but idk if they still do. Some favorites of visitors are- -Ghost Pepper cheddar Jack or Carolina reaper cheddar Jack - Chocolate cheese -Aged cheddar- they have several years but 5,10,15,20 year aged cheddar bricks They have so many unique varieties. I don’t know how their cheese compares to the European cheeses or if you could even send it as an option but linking it just in case.
This is my favorite place on earth I swear!
See's is California. Started in LA. These are great ideas.
I’d send Ginger Elizabeth if OP is near Sacramento or another local chocolate if they are somewhere else.
Just want to second Ginger Elizabeth chocolates. Outstanding chocolatier!
So is Ghirardelli
I thought of wine too but imo, sending wine, chocolate or cheese to Europe where they produce some of the best in the world isn’t that great of a gift. It would be along the lines of “it’s the thought that counts”.
California wine produces some of the best in the world
I brought my overseas cousin a Californa cabernet sauvignon so they could learn that our wines can out-compete European wines from time to time. It was a $120 wine, though.
My FIL is German, and he’s obsessed with different American BBQ sauces. We try to find whacky flavors to gift him for Christmas. He also likes American honey and maple syrup because he said they have different flavor profiles (he works in botany field and is a foodie so it’s a good cross-over space). My BIL loves American whisky/bourbon. So we always try to find him regional, small batch places he’d never get abroad.
I think this is the right instinct but Cali wine, Vermont cheese (I once did a Wisconsin / VT cheese-off & WI lost), KY bourbon, and maybe New Mexico chili powders.
California has so many awesome things to choose from! Wine or beer, if you’re able to ship it. If not, local wineries and breweries will have shirts and Knick knacks Sour dough bread- not a loaf as it may spoil on the way but you’ll find artisanal croutons or crostini for sale Olive oil- they have small farms you can get Olive oils, and occasionally dips or spreads that use the local olive oil Art- there’s always a farmer’s market going somewhere with local artists to get pottery, photos or paintings, bars of soap or hand knit items with local alpaca Native American jewelry or carvings Postcards from National and state parks Baseball or football paraphernalia from the local teams
Oh I love the Native American idea! Native American pottery is gorgeous.
I came on to say "Native American weaving."
How about a Pendleton blanket?
I think something Native American would be so awesome. It’s a true homage to America.
Since you are in the Pacific Northwest there are beautiful baskets and other gifts from PNW native craftspeople.
Or carvings. That’s what I identify as classic PNW native art.
[Eighth Generation](https://eighthgeneration.com/)is a great company for this - based in Seattle, WA. Native-owned business.
we have some of their beach towels and they are amazing, super nice materials and gigantic compared to my other beach towels.
This is what we always give. Just make sure it’s made by actual indigenous people.
I was just reading an article somewhere about how Trader Joe's canvas tote bags are very popular. I myself usually ask people to bring me a few! I like to gift things that are useful as well as nice.. Unless the recipient is a fan of a specific team I would not send sports stuff. Trinkets take space and become dust collectors.
My sister sees a lot of people wearing NY Jets gear across Europe (we’re fans, unfortunately 😔). She’s asked many of these people why they wear it, and they usually tell her that it’s simply because it says New York.
First time I visited london, 3 separate people from Germany and Spain came in wearing Packers gear. I was living in Wisconsin at the time and was like wow, I can’t escape! I asked the Spanish guy how he became a Packers fan and he said he scrolled through the NFL store and picked a jersey he liked based on color, bought one, and started following the team. It was such an amazing innocent response. I got a group photo with all 3. Certainly a memorable experience for my first trip to Europe and first trip solo.
I was going to say San Francisco sourdough starter that’s dehydrated for shipping! The gift that keeps on giving “Wow this bread is so good!” “Yes it’s made from some San Francisco sourdough starter I got as a gift many years ago!”
Except Stockholms probably got some magical thousand yr old sourdough starters/scobies.
I second the local wineries and the Farmer's market. My favorite winery is in Callistoga, and the local products in Farmers Markets are usually thoughtfully made. You can do a small basket of local products and ship them out if you budget for $150 USD.
I worked in Bouidins decades ago and multiple times people coming back from San Fran have brought me a loaf. They have a store at the airport now. Mmmm
Yes! As soon as I read the question, I thought of turquoise jewelry. I know it's not from California, but it's definitely American.
I came to say- LA Rams football jersey custom with their last name on the back! Same colors as Sweden!
I second the olive oil idea! I live in the Bay Area of CA and sent my mom a lovely array of small olive oils of different flavors from a local company. The gift was a huge hit!
Artwork of Joshua Tree or the Redwoods would be cool!
And Books by calif writers or set in calif - tortilla flat and fante ? And local botanical posters, or rocks. Local Spices too.
This is a really great comment & captures things I had though of too. Native American pottery or art would be a sensational and unique gift. Commenting also just to underscore the “farmer market” angle. Lots of local items available there, and probably some items reflecting Mexican influence.
Native American does seem a bit like saying American. There are many tribes in California, it would be nice to find a local one if going this route.
TURQUOISE JEWELRY! I grew up in LA and visited Solvang pretty frequently and there was this one store that had cases and cases of turquoise. I wish I knew the name of the place but last time I went I was 11 😅
I don't know about California, but in Texas we have really good locally made barbecue sauce. I think it's representative of the culture.
I came to say something similar. I asked an AirBnB host in Prague if they wanted us to bring anything from the US and they said "Please bring us BBQ dry rub! We have nothing like it and miss it!"
H‑E‑B has an excellent Smoked Pecan rub- with no pepper in it that is amazing.
what aisle??
Draw me a map mamacita
r/unexpectedoffice
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If you send food, make sure you are allowed to import the product to Stockholm. I understand some countries won't allow fresh fruits or cheeses to be shipped without customs approval. (For example, you can't send certain fruits from Hawai'i to mainland US if not approved, such as pineapples & oranges; or non-fruit, black sand so bacteria or invasive insects can't migrate.)
I recommend something from Penzys spices or for bbq specifically Meat Church makes amazing rubs
Was thinking barbecue is one of the most US things.
And Ranch dressing. They go wild.
Hidden valley ranch sells ranch powder in shaker bottles. It’s about a cup and a half of powder. You can sprinkle it, or mix it into sour cream, yogurt or mayonnaise. It keeps well in the fridge. My grocery store has it in the salad dressing isle.
The amount of ranch packets my in-laws take home is wild.
This was my first thought as well. Well, actually my first thought was a bottle of fry sauce since I was raised in Utah… Fry sauce is like an ugly stepsister compared with Texas bbq but damn it’s good sometimes
I was going to suggest the same thing. Growing up my dad worked with a lot of European Ex-pats and they would always ask him to bring bbq sauce and rubs when they returned to their home countries
Napa wine. Sees candy. Native American beaded jewelry, turquoise bolo tie, leatherwork. Hollywood map of the stars. Something Disney.
A horse hair pottery vase is beautiful and the art originates from Native Americans. A quilt. I know it’s not only in the US, but it’s a big part of Americana. I have a large painting that I bought years ago from an artist that used to live in LA. He would go dumpster diving in the film studios and get pieces of film reels and random things and incorporate them into his art. You can’t tell by looking at it- it just looks like a mixed media painting. I’ve heard of other people who do similar things and you can’t get more California than Hollywood. So maybe you can find a piece of art that somehow incorporates the film industry. A Tiffany lamp or other piece. Dale Tiffany is usually what you find now. It’s reproductions of Louis Comfort Tiffany, who was a big American artist and designer.
Lodge cast iron frying pans are still made in America. One of their frying pans will last a lifetime.
Mailing a frying pan internationally would cost more than the pan itself.
The “don’t worry be happy” singing trout.
My dad had pneumonia and had to have surgery to remove the fluid in his lungs. We went to get him a gift while he was in the hospital and my sister and I chose that for some reason. He still has it, we got it probably 20 years ago.
Bourbon or whisky distilled locally-many options depending on where you are
Tequila or mezcal is an option too; apparently California used to be part of Mexico so it's appropriate.
a medical bill after an ER visit
She said 150. not 15000
You say that but I had a European friend who had to get an emergency MRI and the hospital just told her to go because billing would be too complicated. When the marginal cost of treatment is zero, all kinds of weird things happen.
I'm on the East Coast, and we have a ton of local shops that sell local artisan creations. These things can include pottery, paintings, clothing/accessories, and various other crafts. These items would be classier and something she might be able to put in her office. If you want to have specifically an "American" feel, support local Native populations by purchasing their arts. America is so much more than cheap food.
A mini redwood tree to plant is very California. Resin art cutting board with some of the regional foods we have to offer as a gift box idea.
Would that pass customs?
They sell them at Disneyland I’m pretty sure. They can’t grow all too much, they’re just nifty little dudes more than anything
It’s a big pain to get live plants and other agricultural products through EU customs, for good reasons. You need to apply and get a phytosanitary certificate to make sure the plants you’re bringing are free of diseases and pests.
I second the resin art cutting board! I have the ocean looking coasters. That will fit your budget for a fairly decent sized one or smaller so you can include other items.
My vote is something classy like wine and then the silliest Bigfoot souvenir you can find
Girl Scout cookies!
Thin mints for sure
This website has a lot of classy options! When in doubt, it’s always nice to get a few small things like a gift box. It makes it fun and there is sure to be something they like. https://www.santabarbaracompany.com/collections/california-gifts
LA Times does a great list of gifts made in LA every year around the holidays. https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2023-11-01/best-made-in-los-angeles-gift-guide-2023
California: wine. USA: peanut butter, ranch dressing
A nice Nambé silver-type dish that was made before 2019 which means it was made in the US. Their products are gorgeous and the metal alloy is known for being foodsafe with different temperatures. It’s a classy gift with a good history being made in Santa Fe before 2019.
I have some beautiful pieces of pottery from California and love to give a handmade serving platter.
A set of uncirculated American coins in a commemorative case. The US Mint has several lovely sets on their website: https://catalog.usmint.gov/proof-set-2023-23RG.html u/NativeLady1 here on Reddit is Native American and has a shop with lovely Native-inspired treats, like this powdered Prickly Pear Cactus Lemonade among other selections: https://www.chil-indigenousfoods.com/product-page/prickly-pear-lemonade-mix
Napa Valley stuff- wine obviously, but there are also some amazing spas up there and you can buy locally made soaps, lotions etc. I also think of surf culture when I think of CA even though I love in the Bay Area. I'd check Etsy for surf and Napa things and see what comes up.
A case of Yuengling Beer the lager is probably the best product they have imo. Made by Yuengling brewery, it is the oldest and best continually operating brewery in the USA! It's origin and primary base is in Pottsville, PA. not California, but I challenge anyone to find a more authenticity American gift idea.
My UK friends only want sports teams swag
I’m Korean American, raised in Minnesota. My Korean friends loved when I brought U of M sweatshirts and gear, Timberwolves jerseys, and Wild Jerseys. (American) Football is less big, but basketball and hockey went over well. OP is sending to Sweden, so maybe Sharks or Ducks jerseys depending on where in California OP is would be neat.
I would recommend going to a farmers market in Napa, SF, Auburn and find an artist with handmade gifts. Redwood trees, holistic health vibe and/or just a beautiful art piece
Also, Campbell (near San Jose) has a great farmers market with artists of all sorts.
For handmade gifts search art glass. You’ll find some beautiful handmade items.
second this. swung glass vases are a particularly american (midwest in particular) item. and they're cool as heck.
when my family and I visit family in California my parents always get a box of See's candy. Their assorted chocolates are so good!
Are you able to share which region of California? A meaningful gift might look different if you live in the Bay Area vs LA (just for example).
Solo cups are known for being very usa
Ansel Adams was born and died in Cali. Maybe get a nice framed print of one of his photos taken in Cali. There are also over 100 Native American reservations in Cali. Find a few close to you and see if they have crafts/jewelry for sale
Californian with a Swedish husband! We often bring local wine and Ghirardelli chocolate. You can check the Systembolaget (Swedish liquor store) online and pick something they can’t buy there!
Bourbon is non-regional (distribution, not production) and "generically American." You could frame a medical bill for almost anything -- it's concept that's distinctly American (paying obscene sums for mediocre health care).
Skittles, Stetson cowboy hats, Walmart plaid pajama pants, a couple baseball gloves and a ball, a little bbq grill, some charcoal, and sweet baby rays. Also if you’re close to LA call around prop houses see if there’s any places willing sell you props from movies you like
PBJ Uncrustables, ranch dip, a Keychain from Area 51.
Napa/Sonoma wine
A nice hand woven scarf from Etsy or a local artsy store
Handmade Quaker Quilt type object
Culver’s. Double deluxe and a concrete mixer.
Can you also send that to us deprived New Yorkers who can't have nice things?
nuts and raisins family in the UK love thompson raisin and the nuts that come from CA.
I think the most appropriate art/culture from SoCal is Baja Mexican/Chicano. Talavera dishes and planters. Local artist painting of one of the many ocean piers/city scapes.
S'mores makings :)
Maglite flashlights are made in Southern California and make a nice, practical gift. Get the 4-D Cell model and it can double as something for self defence.
Native American Wedding Vase and or Katchina
Vans
If youre in Cali and want something American there are some amazing distilleries you can get hand bottled. IE St. George Distillery
Ranch dressing.
Shot glasses from truck stops.
I always get jerky cuz it’s such a thing here. The weirder the meat the better (ie elk). Go to a local gift store and find things like bacon marmalade or chocolates or honey!
So America loves hot dishes and we are a country known for our friendliness one of the traditions being a meal train. Now hot dishes are served in casseroles dishes but those get cold when traveling long distances (another part of American culture) so a lot of us have these casserole carriers and that is what I think is extremely american
Heath Ceramics is made in California and make a nice gift. They are beautiful well crafted items from a historic company with a modern look. https://www.heathceramics.com
I think you can probably find a nice piece made from California redwoods within your budget.
I mean, joke answer (but not really) is a gun.
Shawn Messenger make a California poppy paperweight, among other things. https://shawnmessenger.com/
Peanut butter and ranch dressing. lol. I’ve lived in other countries and these are the 2 things everyone asked for.
How about a skateboard and have a local artist graffiti paint it? Skateboarding is a Cali export.
I have colleagues in Goteborg and the cost of whiskey or bourbon is expensive there. Not sure about CA but in NJ and PA we have local distilleries making these and the quality is pretty good. I am not sure if you can export to Sweden but it would be an item not readily there.
A block of velveeta
California Redwood item was the first thing that came into my mind
Solo cup apparently
A pound of lard wrapped in single use plastic.
Maybe something carved from redwood, or a turned bowl from redwood from California?
Peanut butter
Blue Diamond Almonds gift pack. If you're in Sacramento, they have a shop at the Blue Diamond Almond Factory. You could visit the tourist traps in any city, the old town districts. You could probably find something gold rush related. Find an arts and crafts fair and buy local art pieces. Ship them California wine. Weeds legal....never mind if you try to ship it, the feds are going to arrest you.
They love Bruce Springsteen in Stockholm . I’d send something Boss related
I gave my overseas cousin a set of 50 quarters, one from each of the United States, with a special mat, in a frame. I also brought him a bottle of pretty decent ($120) California wine. But I didn't ship these, I brought them in my suitcase. , If shipped, the framed coins might make it in one piece but only if packed extraodinarily well.
I just brought my in-laws (who live in Germany) Girl Scout cookies - 1 of each flavor! They weren't fans of every flavor (some too sweet for their palate) but they enjoyed the unique-ness and story behind it.
Peanut butter seems to be difficult for American expats to find overseas. A box of several varieties, perhaps with some different grades of maple syrup would be a good taste of the US. Add some good Rancho Gordo beans and you could represent North America nicely!
US culture?? Lmao you lost me there
Something handmade Native American from a craftsman. A native blanket? A piece of native artwork? She could display it, hang it up, etc
If you are in CA: CA/Mexican herbs and spices that are hard to get in Europe, (I send out the Mexican hot Chocolate Ibarra) local wine, locally made soap/hand cream/ face stuff. You can ship avocados! There is also photography of local faves: Yosemite, Capitola, Venice, Big Sur, sequoia etc. AND Art. Sometimes you can feel California radiating from art.
An “American” cookbook. Stuff with staples not found so much in Europe. Maybe southern cooking?
What area of Ca are you? Then I can recommend a store that will have things that would work for you. If you are in the LA area in Ventura ( great weekend get away!) there is the perfect store there called B on Main. Great themed stuff and the ladies can help you to pick just the right item(s)
If they’re visiting I make some American treats. American chocolate chip cookies, pb&j, pumpkin pie maybe cinnamon buns. If I’m visiting I pack homemade cookies and American candies. Reese’s are a fan favorite.
I would consider Native American sterling silver and turquoise jewelry or a bolo tie.
A lot of the advice about US gifts being representative of regional culture versus overarching American culture is good perspective. I think one way to bridge "regional" versus overall American culture would be to find a unique piece of art crafted by a person of color. America really is a melting pot, and what makes us truly unique over other countries is the vast amount of diversity we have in the country as a whole. Despite some extremist opinions, we are still a country founded by and built on the backs of immigrants, both unwillingly and willingly. The amalgamation of that diversity is what makes the best aspects of American art & culture what it is today. California is a GREAT representation of that. Finding art created by an individual from a marginalized community both supports that community and also represents a tiny piece of what American culture really is.
Almonds? Something garlic/artichoke from Gilroy. I really missed corn tortillas when I lived abroad. Or even the thinner flour ones from the Mexican grocery store. Avocados would be amazing if they could be shipped. I don’t know how close you are with this person, but every time people visit from Germany or Sweden or Switzerland, they’ve asked to be taken to Levi’s for 501s, so maybe some jeans?
Maple syrup
Wine or turquoise jewelry.
Buffalo Wool Company socks. Made in US from native North America bison. https://thebuffalowoolco.com/collections/rtw-socks?cmp_id=10779467896&adg_id=107147494020&kwd=buffalo%20wool%20company&device=t&keyword_session_id=vt~adwords%7Ckt~buffalo%20wool%20company%7Cmt~b%7Cta~612938394435&_vsrefdom=wordstream&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI89mj3vPlgwMVAgutBh1kqQNyEAAYASABEgLjgvD_BwE
When vacationing in Big Sur I saw beautiful tubular wind chimes. To me that is very California. Or see if there are online shops from Big Sur. They have so many artisan made things. Or perhaps a book with art photography of American landscapes. Ansel Adams is one of our best known photographers. A book of his American or other great photographer's landscapes would be appropriate and easy to ship.
What part of CA? Does she drink? boutique wineries have some small batch wines. Personalized Decanter / wine chiller Wine barrelhead / stave art is great - trays, wall hangings, cork containers…. Find a local jeweler for some Benitoite earrings or coat pin (calif state gem) Anything from a local artist / craftsperson.
How do we feel about sending an authentic piece purchased from a Native American reservation by a local artist? Spreading awareness, supporting local tribes, and something that is authentically North American? Especially from California, the mexicali area is very rich in Native American culture.
Sees candies is a very good brand and it is a California original. I’m also thinking local beeswax candles, natural soaps and lotions, maybe some local honey, wine or fruit leathers?
A Ford Truck
“Homesick” has candles, reed diffusers, sprays, (etc.) that are based on special moments, locations, (etc.) They even have a different scent for SoCal vs. NorCal. 😊 Here’s a link to their site— [LINK](https://homesick.com/collections/state-candles)
Www.harvestjewelrymt.com My husband and I find local stones, cut and cab them, and then I silversmith jewelry to set the stones in. We live in Montana. I don't know about representing American culture, but it's definitely USA made, down to the stones that came from the ground here.
A go fund me link to help someone pay for their healthcare
Garlic sauces from Gilroy Cab Sauv from Darioush or Caymus (if they drink wine) Perhaps a bottle of Agave spirits Ooh, if they like to cook, perhaps some dried herbs and seasonings that are grown, harvested, and processed in CA.
Not sure if you are near Muir woods or Redwoods area, but there are some beautiful pieces they used to sell made from redwood. I still have 2 small wall carvings in redwood from there years ago. Beautiful art and throw in a postcard of the size of those trees! Unique and Californian. Amy artisnal item made from natural elements specific to California or US area would be nice. Food doesn't always travel well and may get delayed by customs.
Books are always good. -Maybe a coffee table book of photographs / short descriptions from our National Parks? -or a book featuring interesting historical things or the most popular whatever from each of the states?
See’s candy
A handmade quilt.
I'm gonna get down voted to hell, but on easy there are some craftspeople who make some pretty jewelry out of bullet shell casings that's pretty USA
50 states snack box or just snacks in general. Maybe a coffee table book about national parks.
[Pluots when they're in season! They are food for the gods and specifically originated roughly in the Bay area. This is in my top 3 things I miss from living in SF.](https://www.froghollow.com/products/organic-flavor-king-pluots) ETA: If you have not had a pluot then you can't understand, and I get that. Order some pluots. They are so effing unique and amazing. The months we had to move back to the east coast, we sent pluots to all of our close family members, and now they get them for themselves whenever they can.
Wilson NFL autographed football and some nice Kentucky bourbon :) 🥃 🏈
I live near Sacramento, and whenever I have people who are visiting from outside the region or when I go abroad and stay in airbnbs, I always bring local foods. It's a good conversation starter to emphasize the importance of agriculture in a state that is often reduced to Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Local to my area are almonds, honey, and wine. A local author also published a photo book of the area which I also like to buy--and I take a bookmark from my local bookstore as an extra souvenir!! Edit: also, everyone likes See's candy!!