OT - Distinctly Canadian gifts

[Teresa Pitman]

I'm hoping some of you can help me here! I am going to New Zealand to speak at a conference and will be staying in people's homes part of the time. I'd like to bring some small gifts - maybe little gift bags - to give the people who are hosting me, and I thought it would be nice to give Canadian items. Any ideas what people in NZ would see as distinctly Canadian? It needs to be small enough to pack in my suitcase. A hockey player won't fit.

So far I've thought of some maple syrup candy and a small calendar with photos of Canada. Any other ideas?

Teresa

 

[F4disneyfan]

Maybe a ROOTS Canada pendant or some stuff denoting the Blue Nose etc...

 

[dis_guy]

Maple syrup... may have agriculture dept problems, stuffed beaver, mountie doll... If you're near a touristy area (Niagara, Rockies, etc.) maybe grab a few goodies there?

 

[Luhts]

Something from Tim Horton's, Smarties, Maple Tea. You can find all sorts of things with Canadian Maple Leaves or flags at the Dollar store.

 

[ktdaiwik]

Being a kiwi(New Zealander) living in Canada.I would say anything to do with bears,native crafts,inukshuks(sp),anything to do with the Northern Lights,postcards etc.If you would like any other info please feel free to pm me anytime.How exciting for you!I am sure you will have a fantastic time.

 

[My 2 princesses]

anything with the word 'Roots' on it, as if NZ follows the Aussies, they definitely won't wear it.

 

[disneydreamgirl]

Teresa - I can recommend a reasonable place to get quality souveniers in Niagara if you are from around that area. PM me if you are interested.

 

[ktdaiwik]

LOL Roots stuff ummmmmmm may cause some interesting reactions.I tried to get my dad to get something from the Roots Store when they came here but Mum would not let him!

 

[Teresa Pitman]

Now I'm curious - why the dislike of Roots?

Teresa

 

[ktdaiwik]

Teresa I pmd you to explain it....

 

[Northern_Julie]

Now I'm curious - why the dislike of Roots?

Teresa

Someone told me it is a rather crude term for sex.

Other ideas may be if you can find a 2012 oplympic pin, small Inushuks - you can print a card with the meaning.

 

[disneydreamgirl]

Good Idea on the Olympic pins - I saw them at Zellers a couple of days ago discounted and there was a 50% off sign - not sure if that meant additional 50% off or not. Nice keepsake and light for packing.

 

[briarberry]

I don't know if you will be flying out of Pearson but I was there last week and the shopping area in Terminal 3 was loaded with Canadian stuff. There were pins, keychains, T-shirts etc. Some of the stuff was very nice and not too tacky looking.