375173 Mon Feb 26 14:14:54 -0800 2007 13 32 Chains 0 2331292 I recently visited my friend in Hawaii and discovered that Trader Joe’s does not have any stores there (yet). My friend, who used to live in LA really misses this place and so, I’d like to send her a thank-you “care package”. I’d like to limit the pkg to 5 items to minimize shipping costs. I’m thinking of putting in some dried fruit and nuts…any other suggestions for my former TJ shopper? Thanks! Mon Feb 26 14:14:54 -0800 2007 27021 Augusta 1 2331355 Tj's has great cookies and chocolate things. I'd definitely include some of those. Mon Feb 26 14:28:47 -0800 2007 2331292 65199 Marianna215 1 2331470 My best friend lives in HI and I send goodies from TJ's often. Shipping is so expensive, but it you go to the P.O., they have a priority box that's $8 for any weight that will fit in the box to ANYWHERE in the US. It's definitely the way to go. Here's what I send: Olive tapenade Sun dried tomato bruschetta Chocolate bars Red pepper eggplant spread Artichoke hearts Hearts of palm Black bean chili Have fun! Mon Feb 26 14:52:46 -0800 2007 2331292 10556 geg5150 2 2331491 Wow, what a good friend you are! Thank-you for the suggestions and for the heads up on the shipping/box. I'll definitely check this out. Mon Feb 26 14:59:19 -0800 2007 2331470 27021 Augusta 2 2334142 hi geg! what exactly do you do with olive tapenade? Tue Feb 27 11:33:35 -0800 2007 2331470 70009 abbefaith 3 2335098 Great topping/dip for good bread, crostini, crackers, it's also great with veggies and in pasta or on fish, chicken, etc. Tue Feb 27 15:06:48 -0800 2007 2334142 10556 geg5150 1 2331956 Dried pineapple-so evil. :) Mon Feb 26 17:00:19 -0800 2007 2331292 76226 Oh Robin 1 2333599 I actually get dried fruits when I'm in HI, they're a better price/quality there, so I'd suggest streering clear of the dried fruit. Nuts are a good option though (not mac nuts). Tue Feb 27 08:20:48 -0800 2007 2331292 10556 geg5150 1 2334976 I send TJ care packages to my daughter and son-in-law in Juneau, Alaska all the time and I always include peanut butter filled pretzels with salt, and peanut butter filled chocolate cups. Tue Feb 27 14:33:20 -0800 2007 2331292 69347 Kaisgraham 1 2336393 A few things I like to take when I visit friends in non-TJ blessed cities are: Dark Chocolate covered soy nuts chocolate flavored tea (caffeine free, great bed time treat) Spicy black bean chip dip Tue Feb 27 22:04:46 -0800 2007 2331292 72947 chaussonauxpommes 2 2339260 good call on bean dip - that stuff is amazing. Wed Feb 28 16:04:36 -0800 2007 2336393 65199 Marianna215 1 2343851 Anybody want to send me TJ's care packages will find a friend for life :) They may make it down my way one day.... heavy sigh.... Thu Mar 01 19:34:45 -0800 2007 2331292 22801 bkhuna 1 2344167 Oh, a topic near and dear. I love TJ's. I guess focus on things they can't get or are VERY expensive in HI? Food is so personal, but if it were me: 72% cacao dark chocolate White truffle oil Sweet and spicy walnuts (SO good) Dijon mustard? Wasabi peas? Port? Rice/pasta or risotto/orzo? Smoked salmon in sealed plastic? Razzcherries? (do they have those @ your TJ's?) You are a good friend!! :) Thu Mar 01 21:54:05 -0800 2007 2331292 52195 HomeCookKirsten 1 2353246 Thanks for all the great suggestions! I finally got my care package together and will send my Hawaiian friend the following: Punjab eggplant Pad Thai (in a box) P-butter filled pretzels Peanut toffee w/dark chocolate TJ's Divine Duets (chocolate w/almond praline) Pancake and waffle mix TJ's recyclable grocery bag Again, thanks for all the great replies! Mon Mar 05 08:31:57 -0800 2007 2331292 27021 Augusta