Gift ideas? Back to US for holidays. What to give SEVEN nieces and nephews?

Hoo boy. How we have SEVEN nieces and nephews is beyond me. Their ages are: 2 months, 1.5, 3, 4, 6 and 7 years old.

So, we don't have a ton of suitcase room nor much money. But, being the aunt and uncle from the UK we'd like to give something with a nod to the UK that they might remember.

Any ideas?

We're thinking of bringing Christmas crackers for dinner... Any suggestions of brand? It seems like every store has them. 

Thanks, Rutabega

You can't fly with Christmas crackers, from what I understand. They are considered explosives, so be careful with that. It's why I'm not bringing any back with me.

I would suggest sweeties or cars (Minis with Union Jacks on them are always cool!). Maybe some Iggle Piggle something for the baby, since I don't think they have that over there (?).

Check with the airline re: Christmas crackers - I brought home two dozen of the suckers in my hold baggage when I flew home in December 2006 and both Virgin and AirTran were totally cool with it.

Kinder-eggs

Shaun the sheep

Red double-decker toy buses for boys.

beefeater stuffies always go over well with the little girls.

my neices are 5 and 6 and in the states..and for Christmas I am sending them the book "B is for Big Ben" it is a book about the UK for kids...and I bought them each an annual I saw at WH Smith...one is Charlie and Lola and the Princesses and I am sending them Christmas Crackers as well...trying to teach them about where I live since they are so curious....

My nephews this year for Christmas are getting remote control mini coopers.    I'm still working on what to get my nieces.

remote control mini coopers?! Where did you find those? Cool.

MrsPink, might I ask you to clarify what IS a beefeater stuffie? Sounds promising indeed. But, being only 5 months in country, I still have a LOT to learn! Where would one find these?

Ah, I had not thought about the cracker/explosive/airplane dilemma. How would you go about asking the airline in such a way that you do not sound like a potential... well...terrorist? Would you call? email? I feel like I'd have to check without giving them my name....

I noticed a "make your own" cracker set at a store. And, the package noted that it did not feature the exciting "pop" but otherwise had the pretty package and the crowns and you buy the appropriate tchotchkas to put inside. Perhaps that will be an airline friendly route?

I may very well just stuff Kinder-eggs inside of the make-your-own-cracker. Thanks, ImE!

Any further options are appreciated. And, advice on how to bring a cracker on a plane is HIGHLY desired!

As far as Christmas Crackers on the plane (even if checked) you should call your airline. I just got off the phone with United and they are not allowing them on international or domestic US flights.

remote control mini coopers?! Where did you find those? Cool.

Argos 

Ok. I figured out how to get Christmas crackers to the US for the holidays. And, I don't have to call the airlines and ask scary questions about explosives...

M&S has an international shipping special of 10 pounds to ship an order to the US. I contacted them and they can ship the crackers (explosive crack and all) with this special, no problem. Right now they are on sale for them at 3 for 2, so crackers for everyone in the family! I may just pick out ALL of the gifts online at M&S in order to cut down on the stuff I have to carry in my bags back over... fabulous...

Ok. I figured out how to get Christmas crackers to the US for the holidays. And, I don't have to call the airlines and ask scary questions about explosives...

M&S has an international shipping special of 10 pounds to ship an order to the US. I contacted them and they can ship the crackers (explosive crack and all) with this special, no problem. Right now they are on sale for them at 3 for 2, so crackers for everyone in the family! I may just pick out ALL of the gifts online at M&S in order to cut down on the stuff I have to carry in my bags back over... fabulous...

Is that just on their website? That could save me a lot of hassle!
M and S have got lots of 125 year anniversary englishy stuff I'm planning to bring to my inlaws like a double decker bus tin of biscuits.

M&S has an international shipping special of 10 pounds to ship an order to the US. I contacted them and they can ship the crackers (explosive crack and all) with this special, no problem. Right now they are on sale for them at 3 for 2, so crackers for everyone in the family! I may just pick out ALL of the gifts online at M&S in order to cut down on the stuff I have to carry in my bags back over... fabulous...

Whooo! It looks as if M&S will be getting a lot of my Christmas business this year! 

That's a great deal! Though FWIW I have taken crackers back on BA flights before.

I find little boys love football jerseys!

Ok. I figured out how to get Christmas crackers to the US for the holidays. And, I don't have to call the airlines and ask scary questions about explosives...

M&S has an international shipping special of 10 pounds to ship an order to the US. I contacted them and they can ship the crackers (explosive crack and all) with this special, no problem. Right now they are on sale for them at 3 for 2, so crackers for everyone in the family! I may just pick out ALL of the gifts online at M&S in order to cut down on the stuff I have to carry in my bags back over... fabulous...

I've ordered them on amazon.com and shipped to my parents house- cheap and no airline hassle- (some let you and some don't  )

PS you don't want kinder eggs for the wee ones -

Iggle Piggle or Upsy Daisy would be good for them though