My husband and I are visiting one of my closest friends who just got moved from the US to Sweden about six months ago. I’ve asked her 3 times what treats her family might want from the US but she insists our visit is enough. So now I must ask other expats what they wish they had access to.
If it matters, she’s originally Russian born and raised, moved to the US 2 years ago (that’s when we met) and then got transferred to Sweden six months ago. So maybe she really craves nothing since she wasn’t here a long time, but I think a few treats would still be nice. Her daughter is 3. Also, it must be able to travel via plane of course. Please help! I don’t know what she might have access to there and don’t want to duplicate.
Swedish fish! (Candy)
A ThanksGiving Dinner would help☺️
Trader Joe’s stuff
More likely you will go there and find lots of treats to bring home.
Whitening toothpaste. Tampons/pads. Tajín seasoning (if she likes Mexican food. Tastes amazing on everything)
Gold fish!
Melatonin
Ranch dressing (The powder packets don’t weigh down your suitcase!).
Peanut butter M&Ms (I always have to buy these for friends when I’m in the USA).
Benadryl
If she was an expat living in the US for a short time it is not unlikely she doesn’t have a list of stuff to miss, and a lot of snacks are also available in Sweden.
Good luck
DayQuil & NyQuil.
Honestly, I’d just visit. Maybe bring something small - candy to share and eat while you’re there, for example - but nothing big or lots of one thing. I’ve asked friends for one package of Big Red gum, for example, and they come with 2 cases of it. I don’t have room for all that, nor want it. I’d respect her wishes.
Alcohol is super expensive in Sweden so if they have a favorite booze, they might appreciate a bottle.
Maybe something that her former state or hometown is known for. For example, New Orleans is known for pralines, New York for Babkas and bagels, etc.
Ranch dressing, Cheezits, hot sauce, chocolate chips (for baking), peanut butter (low sugar kind US has)