Need advice on what to send a friend in Italy?

Question

There is a girl who went abroad to Italy for the semester and I promised her a care package. I have no idea what to get her. I'm wondering if there is anything sold here in the US that isn't available in Italy... I want it to be funny and thoughtful. So tell me what you all think. What should I send her ?!?!?

thanks,

Matt

Answer 1

There will be a great percentage of the items she's used to seeing and having in the US that she won't find in Italy. Though there will likely be some near-match for most items, the specific selection will be altogether different. From toiletries to snack foods to electronic devices to OTC remedies and all the in-betweens, the surroundings and variety of consumer items will all be largely, well, foreign to her, and she'll likely be, at times, at a bit of a loss as to how to really make herself feel at home and at ease. This may not set in initially as she'll be reveling in new discovery and experience (and will be preoccupied with studies, yes?). But it'll all catch up to her at some point and she'll find herself missing some of the conveniences and conventions she's grown accustomed to. As it is with much that pertains to preferences, likes and dislikes, many of Italy's offerings are enjoyed as an "acquired taste", and require getting used to.

Items to consider for a care package might be: cookies, instant coffee, hot chocolate packs, beef jerky, salted peanuts, trail mix, granola bars, Cracker Jacks, fruit snacks, bars of (girly) soap, travel-size games, current magazines, travel-size laundry detergent, school supplies, aspirin, a stuffed animal, a humorous greeting card, et al.

Hope this helps. I'm sure you'll impress her! And I hope your friend enjoys her time in Italy!

Answer 2

She should be sending you a care package from there; everything is better in Italy!  Don't even think of sending food!!  Actually, when I go, I bring with me from the US: protein powder, powdered vitamins, balance bars, etc, but that's bec I'm a health freak.  Otherwise, like I said, everything is better there: the food, the clothes, etc.  Just send her your address and phone number printed out nice and neat with a little note saying you're here for her if she gets lonely despite being surrounded by all those s**y italian guys.  (sorry, dude...)  you can also include a phone card.  and roam around a little gift shop and see if you see anything cute.