Anyway I can buy gift-cards in the US for the UK?

[radhak]

All gift cards I see in the stores are USD; can they be used in London, UK? (I presume with implicit currency conversion).

Or is there any other way I can buy such cards for gifting to kids in UK?

(Will see them only briefly at the airport, so don't have much time for any purchases there).

[JR]

I buy Amazon gift cards for my niece in Germany. I have to go to the Amazon.de site, which presents some interesting translation challenges.

One imagines Amazon.uk should be somewhat easier, though not without its own little foibles!

[radhak]

Neat Idea! I might try that.

Did you get it delivered here, or at their address in Germany?

[JR]

I've done it a couple of times, with varying results. I think you select from a variety of electronic or physical methods.

One time I was able to get it delivered directly there. The next time it came to me as an e-voucher, which I was able to forward to her via e-mail.

I'd think that the UK site would be easier to navigate to get the exact outcome you want. Their language is more similar to ours.

OBTW - I ended up using this method because I was unable to find a way to buy any kind of debit/gift card in the USA that could be sent to Europe. I tried really hard - credit unions, banks, Target, etc. I think you might be able to buy one from a bank in the UK and have it sent on to your relative if you try hard enough.

[Stytooner]

If they have a Paypal account, then you can simply send them some money that way. Then they are able to use it anywhere they would want.

[radhak]

This gift is for the kids of old friends, whom we have not seen in decades, and we have never seen the kids before. So we'd like something to hand over when we see them, and cash-equivalent is better than anything else.

But Amazon.uk has some good options. I like the one where we purchase a 'gift card', and then print it out, sorta like a home-printed birthday/christmas card, except that it'd have some info for them to cash into.

[JR]

This gift is for the kids of old friends, whom we have not seen in decades, and we have never seen the kids before.

Oh. That's a whole different kettle of fish.

I know it would be difficult to predict what sorts of things those kids are into. But know this. Things American are cool. Things Floridian are extra cool. Ball caps or jerseys would be great for boys of all ages. Young girls would like Disneyland things involving princesses. Teenage girls are more difficult, but clothes that express the Sunshine State ethos would definitely be good.

Good luck and have fun in the UK!

[radhak]

Good to hear that, JR - maybe we can find things from here they'll like!

Thanks!