[coastcat]

Okay, I will freely admit that when it comes to children and child-related things, I am completely and utterly at sea. (I have cats instead!) However, some of our friends have youngsters roaming around, and I can't imagine flying to the other side of the world without bringing back appropriate souvenirs for them.

I've seen the Buzzy Bee, but what's the appropriate age range for it? What other kid-oriented items unique to NZ should we seek out? We're buying for the following ages: 6 yr old boy, 2 yr old boy, 2.5 yr old girl, 1 yr old boy (ages as of next May or so).

(at least my 14 yr old niece will be easy to shop for - she'd appreciate some paua jewelry, a netball jersey, perhaps a nice young surfer dude...)

[Diny]

I think the Buzzy Bee will be suitable for the one year old boy. After that I wouldn't have a clue. You'll find dozens of 'Kiwiana' shops - they all sell the obligatory stuffed kiwi soft toys.

The paua jewelry is wonderful. I have a paua and silver bracelet which I wear all day every day - I shower in it, housework in it, sleep in it .... some folks will tell you that paua is brittle and should only be worn occasionally - obviously I haven't encountered this problem.

You can also find All Blacks rugby shirts in any size - right from teeny weeny up to blooming massive so maybe this could be another idea.

As for the surf dude - I'm right there with you on that one.

Diny

[Moorf]

You think Possum nipple warmers would be too much for kids?!!

LOL

Moorf

[Diny]

Jeeeze Moorf :eek

[Moorf]

:laugh :laugh

Now Paua - I only found out about it today :yes and it is gorgeous - the guy at the Goose Bay layby gave me a Paua shell - he collects them for his brother who makes table tops out of them!! It's here beside me now... so pretty.. I will certainly be seeking out some paua gear now :nice1

[jesselyn]

just wondering... :?
diny? did moorf's comment made you fall off your chair? :mrgreen:
your :eek made me lol :laugh

jes :angel

[Diny]

Jess

Moorfs comment just cracked me up. I could just imagine a small kid opening a box and finding nipple warmers..........."say Mom - what's these"

Diny

[coastcat]

Would possum nipple warmers clash with, say, a sea cucumber G-string? :angel

[Diny]

Here we go again ............... :uhoh

[jesselyn]

LOL :laugh

jes :angel

ps. i only asked bec i could also imagine you with your mouth open... ooppps :oops: :exit

[Raeven]

Would possum nipple warmers clash with, say, a sea cucumber G-string? :angel

The, ahhhh, mental picture that presents itself with this combination is particularly graphic and disturbing... As hilarious and tempting as it would be, I'm not inclined to take this one any further!!!

You lovely, naughty ladies!!! - Rae

[Timbo]

Talking of Possum, does anyone know of another country where roadkill is made into touristy things? I cant imagine too many overseas visitors to uk walking into a shop and buying, say a grey squirrel hand warmer.

[Diny]

Or cat lined gloves :eek

[coastcat]

You can probably find roadkill souvenirs in the US. Remember, we are the Land of the Tasteless. :mrgreen:

But that's such a waste of good squirrel. When searching for a pheasant recipe, I came across this collection of wild game recipes (http://www.outdoorsite.com/recipebox/index.cfm). Start your party off with a lovely hors d'oeuvre of curried squirrel puffs!

[karltsmith]

Classic presents for the girlies include, yes Paua shell jewelery but also carved Green Stone (Nepherite Jade...but beware of fake Chinese imports) and carved bone designs e.g. Maori fish hook designs....they look better than they sound!!!!!!!

Karl

[Moorf]

Girls, you crack me up (said the sea cucumber g-string to the possum nipple warmers)... :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh

[coastcat]

Classic presents for the girlies include, yes Paua shell jewelery but also carved Green Stone (Nepherite Jade...but beware of fake Chinese imports) and carved bone designs e.g. Maori fish hook designs....they look better than they sound!!!!!!!

Karl

I know the Maori designs you refer to, and they are very striking. I may bring back enough pendants to start a jewelry shop! However, Emily is still a wee bit too young to appreciate such things, unless I find greenstone diaper pins. :P Anyone else have ideas for the younger generation that don't involve me getting arrested for corrupting a minor?