need ideas for an American themed gift basket

[jodi]

I have some clients who just came to the US from England. I'm meeting them tomorrow to start our house search. I want to put together a fun little "Welcome to America" basket for them. Some ideas I've had so far:
-a few little individual apple pies
-a mini flag
-a bottle of wine from a local vineyard (we have one not too far away called "Americana")

But then I'm at a loss. Can anyone help me think of a few stereotypically 'American' items? (preferably small and/or consumable so they don't have to lug too much from hotel to house) Thanks!

[jIM_Ohio]

american cheese
some good ole fashioned american bread (maybe from a local bakery where houses are around)
I am sure a patriotic book of some sort could help
Pepsi (it's read white and blue)
I would look for a t shirt maybe (red white and blue)

[jodi]

Wow, you're quick! Thanks!

[vsjhoc]

baseball cap (NY Giants?!)
t-shirts (I love NY)

[sweeps]

6-pack of PBR

[LuxLiving]

American Flag and a Welcome Mat.

[jimmyengland]

as i am from england originally and currently live in the USA if you were to make me a gift basket personally i would have you just fill it with wine wine and more wine and some beers. an american flag is not a bad idea and a I love NY t-shirt are some great ideas. I love the way americans go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. I dont have to many ideas for your gift basket but i am 100% sure that they will not be expecting one so anything you get them i am sure will be great. good luck with the house search and i am sure you will be able to find them something amazing considering the house prices here plus the great exchange rate for them moving this way. 2 for 1 is never bad.

[jodi]

Part of the reason they are moving here is because the cost of housing in England is starting to get ridiculous too! We have quite a few options comfortably in their price range, so I am very optimistic. Thanks for the suggestions.

I LOVE the welcome mat idea! Keep 'em coming - these are great!

[momof1in150]

Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh baked

[scfr]

If they have kids, Disney or Barbie items

Coffee

A sign for the inside of their car that says "stay on the right side of the road"? (Just kidding)

[jIM_Ohio]

every new house needs a roll of toilet paper with that welcome mat
and duct tape
and a map of the area

[LuxLiving]

Popcorn!!! mmmm!!!! good.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Did someone say, "American cheese"? Is this supposed to be a gag gift?

Urrr-- if you want it to be a nice basket, how about an artisinal cheese made in America? Only do the "American cheese" if you are trying to good-naturedly or humorously introduce them to some of our peculiar shortcomings.

If that is what you are after, how about one of those books that pokes fun of the local language pronunciations and idioms? (I married a fellow from Western PA and came across a small book about the language there. It was hilarious.

If you are not so interested in emphasizing the humorous, perhaps som local books and guides: A history of the area, perhaps one which considers the Indians and archeology. Or a colonial and later history. A book about the landmark buildings of the area. A book about hiking and camping opportunities. One about local geology--sites that one can visit or which have been important in the way the city. A book about the native flora, and fauna if you live where it has not been wiped out--perhaps a flower and plant identification book tailored just to your area. A guide to galleries of the area. A walking tour guide. A history of local railroads or rivers. A book about home gardening in your area. (Much of the USA has much greater weather extremes than their home country. If they like to garden, they may have to learn a lot of new plants and practices.)

Oh, yeah, how about some seeds, bulbs, or annuals for the new place? Again, an emphasis on native plants would be in tune with your theme.

Hey, this was fun to think about. I hope they will enjoy your basket.

[DebbieL]

What is American cheese (and is it really that awful)? I always assumed it was just a type of cheddar or something. Enlighten me someone

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

It is a processed food. It starts with a very young, barely cultured, very mild cheese. Apparently it is run through the finest sieves and then uncultured milk and/or water and/or vegetable oils are worked into it to make it even softer and milder. A lot of salt is usually added. I think sometimes sugar might even be added, because sometimes it tastes sweet to me. Oh, and it is artificially colored orange. It is almost always sold pre-sliced into squares that are about 4 inches by 4 inches and maybe 3 mm thick. Sometimes each slice is individually wrapped in plastic to prevent tearing the slices when one separates them. The mouth feel is, to me, most unpleasant. It's gooey and sticks to the roof of my mouth and my teeth. It is popular for making grilled cheese sandwhiches, if you know what that is.

I suspect this is one of those foods that had its origin in WWII or post WWII shortages when people were more willing to "pretend" it was cheese.

[mom-from-missouri]

How about a McNally road map of the USA or a state map and a state visitors guide? Some red, white and blue candles?

Personally, I would stay away from giving wine or beer. From the volunteer work I have done at various crisis and help centers, I have discovered there are a lot of recovering alcoholics out there--more than I ever thought were were. And, that could put an unwanted additional source of stress on them (on top of the move to another country) Also, many people just plain don't drink.

[mom-from-missouri]

How about a CD of American patriotic songs??

[jodi]

Thanks, everyone! I gave them the gift basket last night and I *think* they were pleased. At the very least, they were not expecting anything and were pleasantly surprised. I was a bit limited in time and shopping areas (I had to go to Wal-Mart), so I didn't have time to look for books on local features, which would have been great. The map was also a great idea, but I know for a fact that they bought one on their last visit. This is what I ended up with:
a bottle of Americana wine
a pound of Dunkin Donuts coffee (I'm fairly sure they drink both alcohol and coffee)
Cracker Jacks (it was a cute red, white, and blue box)
M&Ms
two mini apple pies
a red, white, and blue pinwheel
I tucked it all into a very nice basket. Thanks again!

[jodi]

P.S. I did like the cheese idea and got a nice block of local cheese, but it spent a little too much time in my car between stops and got mushy I'll have to plan better next time!
(it wasn't gift-worthy, but it is in my fridge now! )

[LuxLiving]

Good luck - are these more than prospects or someone you've got under contract to buy a house already?