<p>Thought I would begin a new thread here on gift suggestions that our son/daughter might purchase for their loving parent(s) while they are earning the big bucks at sea....</p>
<p>Let's see so far we have:
Japanese tea set
Belgium chocolates
JM's suggestion, a kimono</p>
<p>I want to add Limoge (sp?) and an Italian leather handbag. Not sure that I can trust son on this purchase however...</p>
<p>Any other suggestions?</p>
<p>German chocolate (or from whichever country you are in!)
Christmas ornaments
Small vase (everyone has local ceramics)
Local artisan earrings, neckalce, pin (jewelry)
or candles (many ornate ones)
Hit local drugstore and find something really interesting you can't find here.
Local magazines with pictures (i.e. fashion or sports).
All available in all prices and fairly easy to carry home.
AND LOTS OF PHOTOS!</p>
<p>ooooh...some real good ones Weski...</p>
<p>Not to appear shallow and materialistic here, but do their boats ever make any stops in Ireland? I was thinking Waterford Crystal ... OK, that may be a little too greedy, he'll have to save some money for his future of course.</p>
<p>The mid who told me about his trip to Japan, said that Japan was very, very expensive. Do you know about other places and costs? From the Olympic reports from Turin, I understand that part of Italy is mucho dinero (maybe artificially inflated during the Olympics for the unsuspecting tourists!)</p>
<p>Saki set & since Jamz thinks he's a ninja (some of you will remember the photo at Indoc I speak of) some ninja weapons! I could use a good ninja sword the next time I go to the post office to expedite Jamz' boddle boxes faster. They need to realize that I MEAN BUSINESS! Anything jade too. I really want a Panda but not sure it would fit into his duffle. Hows-a-bout one of those gong things. I could really use one during the Hubby's next Nascar race. I can think of more things I want from the Europe trip actually. We can find most Japanese things here anyhow.</p>
<p>You might have to suffice with just a postcard. Don't let me stop you from dreaming though.</p>
<p>Coming back safely is good enough for me.</p>
<p>Dads are so easy. Well, I am not going to share my ninja weapons with you guys. I would take an A on sea project instead though.</p>
<p>Being the world traveler that I am (ahem) I might be able to recommend a few things. Belgian chocolates are the best. As is Belgian beer (trappist, if you are so inclined). Argentina has great wines (Malbecs, again, if you are so inclined) and leather products are pretty cheap there. There may be some deals in Japan, but I never found any. I'd say South America probably has the best bargains (Brazil has good deals on precious gems). Mostly, though, you can have a good time in any of those places.</p>
<p>Mikimoto pearls from Hong Kong :-) That's what my sailor brought me!</p>
<p>Also, when we lived in Italy we found it relatively inexpensive, although that was a decade ago. So, from southern Italy, Sorrento inlaid wood, hand painted tiles and ceramics, and Capodimonte ceramics. From Venice; Murano glass, Carnevale masks. Hmmm. I have a friend who is nursing a case of Italian wine...</p>
<p>Mine brought home Japanese candy for the kids and Inlaid card for me and a sword for Dad but best gift of all was safe return and high high grades on her Sea Project and Sea Tests.</p>
<p>Understanding that 'safety' is always a given as regards our kids :)....</p>
<p>Back to the matter at hand...</p>
<p>I like the pearls Momof1, and 8kids my husband would definitely like the sword and the Belgian beer as suggested by goingboeing (gotta love those Monks)</p>
<p>Well, I think I can finalize my wish list now... LOL, this should cover the 1st sea year!</p>