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Present for Polish friends ~ is anything hard to get any more? [57]
Hi Helena
I understand your predicament because I remember how it was in Poland in 1965!!! It's not like that now. Most of the small electronics/computers etc are more advanced than ours! The answer is that all things are accessible, if you have the money. The cost of buying stuff in Poland is roughly governed by whether it is a luxury or not. For example chocolate, christmas decorations, gardening equipment etc are all available, the same brands that we have in UK, but they are classed as non-essential items and are therefore expensive to most Poles. Foodstuffs, shoes, basic clothing etc can all be got at a reasonable price. However I echo the sentiment of others - it is always exciting for a Pole to get something that is clearly from abroad whether it be a piece of pretty bone china, or some other gift. If you want to be practical it might be worth knowing that many Poles buy clothing, and especially children's clothing, in the market or in second hand shops that import bales of it from UK! Many of my family come to UK to shop in charity shops because the quality of the clothes on offer is better here. Tescos George brand children's cotton clothing is much better quality than can be found in most places in Poland. Also, the same (identical) shirt can be bought on market stalls all over Poland. if you have a garment from UK you will be the only one wearing it! I would say get clothing for the children - doesn't need to be expensive, and get the parents some gift item that they can show off to their friends over coffee and cake. Most importantly they will be happy to see YOU! The gifts will be exciting but secondary. Have fun!!! Mary
