cheap momentos of my trip

K-mart. Keychains, calendars, shot glasses, postcards, etc. The blue tents in Charlotte Amalie have the cheapest t-shirts.

Thank you Teresa. What about inexpensive gifts for children? We paid 5.45 for rum--is that about right?

Are we to assume that the rum is for the children?

Actually, my mom is a teacher and the rum if for her coworkers--for fruitcakes and rumballs--she tells me LOL-- Actually, everyone in WV is curious about the rum--they mainly drink moonshine there!!!

Hmmmm....am wondering if rum prices might be like gas prices when it comes to island by island differences. $5.45 seems quite high for Cruzan rum -- we can get the 2 year light or dark rum for $2.79 at KMart and $2.99 at Plaza Extra/ Ironically, Cost-U-Less (one of my favorite places ever) is more expensive than both of those store -- rum there was marked at $3.49.

For those who are curious, gas on STX is currently averaging $1.65 per gallon thanks to having HOVENSA's refinery right here. Is STX also benefitting from cheaper rum prices because we also are home to the Cruzan distillery?)

A suggestion on cost-effective souvenir shopping: if the 3-4 dozen folks you're looking for inexpensive chachtzkies (sp.?) for are coworkers, all located in one office/school,. etc. consider bringing back a large sampler pack of island-inspired tea/coffee, boxes of rum balls, or other tasty treats that can be set out for everyone to enjoy/. I found that to be more affordable and better appreciated than keychains and similar items.

HipCrip

HC

thanks for the information--wish I had checked a few days earlier- thats a good idea--about the samplers--some of the people are children in my moms school--and some are family/friends.

Thanks a lot HC! I pay $12.99 for a bottle of 2yr Cruzan here in Indiana! 😉

As far as another place on STT for inexpensive gifts, I can't recall the name of the street since it's been a year, but the road right behind the main drag by the harbor at Charlotte Amalie has a ton of t-shirt, gift, and jewelry stores. One store back there I bought 5 shirts and 2 sweat shirts for about $30.

The "blue tent" area is also good, bought a cool summer dress for the wife for about $12-$15.

That sounds exactly like what I am looking for. Would this be 'the blue tents' someone else mentioned?

There is a shop in Havensight, sad tosay, I can't remember the name. It's two doors down from the Post Office. Lots of stuff like what you are looking for.
Ronnie

The "blue tents", James, are on the waterfront more formally known as Vendor's Plaza. I have had a contest going with a childhood friend in Hawaii for the last few years - the tackiest island souvenir" contest. The winner gets round trip tickets to the other's island (when we can afford it). So far, most of my points have been racked up by totally tacky things I have found in Sunrise Pharmacy in Long Bay although some Honorable Mentions have come from the liquor store in Al Cohen's mall.
Pamela.

Oh my Gosh - that is too funny - we did the same thing for Christmas -- it was great - my son ended up with pink flamengo slippers. AND he wears them. lol

HipCrip!

I am going insane! I have to move to St. Croix for three new reasons! First our gas prices are always above $2.20/gallon and have been told it comes from Puerto Rico! Second - our light dark rum costs about $4 and fruity rum costs $5.50 something at Cost-U-Less. Plus K-mart keeps marking up the rum (Cruzan no less) by 50 cents. Third - there is horse-back riding on St. Croix. There are straight roads on St. Croix. Rent is less expensive. I want to meet you and the others on the board. I would love to help Eve in getting her B&B started. I am starting to say the phrase 'Darn Tourists', okay the last one was a joke. 😉 I still love seeing the boats come in and out and the city alive with people. That third reason got long. Well, I must admit I am torn. I am loving the activity here, but would love to see St. Croix and what it has to offer. I would miss being able to 'run' over to St. John for some quiet time on the beach. I guess I will just have to visit a lot for now and later convince my husband's work that he could get his job done from St. Croix. 😉 BTW, how much does the 12 year rum cost over there? It is $21 for a fifth here on STT. Good stuff.

Please continue with the souvenier collecting ideas. I haven't gone into every shop in Charlotte Amalie yet, but there is so much that I am sure James will find something. It is a good idea to get a picture of all of your party on say Drake's Seat over looking Magen's or something like that and frame it for family and friends back home. More personal and a great conversation piece.

Okay, I am done. 😉

Teresa

Down Island Traders would be my suggestion for a good local gift. They don't have the typical touristy crap there. They have local jams, spices, hot sauces, teas, etc. Very classy stuff, rather than the 20 TShirts for a dollar places.

I'm a little opinionated since Janelle is working there now, and she brought home some of the spices and sauces last night and there were delicious to say the least.

I am looking for spices, sugar cane, cinnamon,etc Jerome's hot sauce is great and he gave me a deal cause I bought a case. I bought a tiny bag of cloves for 1.00 from a roadside market and several pieces of cinnamon for 2.00. Any other suggestions for items like these?/Are we allowed to carry these items home in our luggage?

Hello,

You can get some of these items online... or at least get an idea of whats available at

www.vitraders.com

Miranda, you might try the Craft Co-operative store - it has locally made candies and treats. They are located just across from Vendors Plaza in Charlotte Amalie. Yes you can carry such items in your luggage. You can't carry some fruits, plants ect.

--Islander