Consumer Shortages and Gifts To Send to Poland

I just found this site and think it is great! But I have wondered....does Poland have any shortages? I have a penfriend that I have been writing to for about a month and want to send her a gift. What would be good? She is a school teacher and getting married soon. I would like to send somthing for her school class and something for just her. She will not tell me that she wants anything. What kind of American gifts are looked at as valuable in Poland? Thanks for your help.[/b]

Whatever you send, it should be appreciated by most Polish families (unless they are choosy). When I was last time in Poland I was asked by my "5-th cousin" if I could bring/buy him a laptop. Shheez. I didn't know what to say - I don't have laptop myself and I think it's a pretty expensive gift for someone you see the second time in your life.

I guess some electronic, modern gadget will do just fine - maybe ipod or xbox if you have enough money.

don't send anything too expensive as it might make her feel uncomfortable

From what I've seen, Poland has just about everything. Maybe look for something that's made ONLY in the US and not likely to be exported..

I sent her a few books for her class (little golden books) and some candy made in the US I also sent pictures of FL and the classified section of the paper, pencils and a word search book. I don't have the money for an IPOD or Lap Top.....I was thinking more along the lines of something that is rare in Poland but plentiful in the US (and light) Is there an easy way to send money? Can I send American money or will she have a problem exchanging it?

No need to spend a lot of money. It's not the valkue that's important anyway. I think a wire xfer is the safest. You can exchange US currency almost everywhere.

They don't have cereals in Poland like in the US. They do have puffed rice, corn-flakes and a few other ones, but not as big of a selection as in the US.
But you can find pretty much everything in Poland.

Everything is made in China, so it's hard to find anything made in USA anymore

Kraft Mac and Cheese! I teach and my students ask me what foods I miss. I miss mac and cheese and NO ONE knows what it is! Pancakes too! I have had inquiries on how to make pancakes. I am having my mom ship these over to finally clear the confusion up!

And tacos. Very few heard of tacos. One time I made tacos in Poland for family and they really enjoyed them! After I left, they were eating the leftovers a little bit at a time so it would last longer.