Quintessential Albany items?
Samantha messages:
Hi, I've only lived in the Albany area for a couple of years, so I'm not too familiar as to what screams "Albany"! But I need to know!
See, my husband (retired Army), myself and our daughter were based out of Ft. Hood TX, back in '07. While there, my husband and many others deployed. I was fortunate to have a small support group of other medic wives. Among them was a girl named Jay. Jay has a son named Max who is about the same age as my daughter (they were 3 back then). We spent 15 months supporting each other while our husbands were gone. Really she supported me, she was, and definitely is the strongest woman I've ever known.
This is why she is so strong.
It is also why I need to know what amazing Albany swag consists of?
Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated!
Here's the short story from that link: Samantha's friend's son, Max, has a brain tumor. He'd like to visit France, but as you might understand, that's difficult considering the circumstances. So friends of the family are trying to bring Max the world via mail -- postcards and other items.
So Samantha's looking for some fun and very-Albany items she could send Max.
Got a suggestion? Please share!
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Comments
One of the first things that came to mind was an "Albany is Eggcellent" shirt -- just because it's kind of goofy, and a good conversation starter.
... said Greg on May 3, 2013 at 12:55 PM | link
The New York State Museum has some very cute "New York" stuff...tshirts, Sesame Street mementos and trinkets, in general. Most of it is catered to kids, too. Good luck (to you) and, most of all, to Max.
... said Abby on May 3, 2013 at 1:13 PM | link
Our state Capitol building is one of the most beautiful buildings you'll ever see. They say that it is modeled after the the Hôtel de Ville, or City Hall, in Paris. There is your French connection. Perhaps a side by side picture of them both would be cool.
What would be really awesome would be a written message from Governor Cuomo. Unlike past governors, he actually stays in the mansion in Albany. Don't know how that could happen, but it sounds like a twitter/Facebook campaign to me. Good luck, and we will all keep Max in our thoughts.
... said Albany Joe on May 3, 2013 at 1:25 PM | link
A bouquet of tulips would be lovely. For the full Tulip Fest experience, send deep-fried Oreos and a 24-pack of cheap beer with the tulips!
... said SiobhanGK on May 3, 2013 at 1:27 PM | link
Go to the museum shops of the Albany Institute and New York State Museum and see what they've got that might be cool for kids. I recall the State Museum sells rocks that might be from the area. Maybe a replica of Dutch wooden shoes?
... said chrisck on May 3, 2013 at 1:32 PM | link
For me, nothing says Albany like tulips. Lucky for you it's the perfect time to take pictures of the tulips in Washington Park and send them to him with a few bulbs that he (or his mom) can plant and grow themselves.
... said Meghan on May 3, 2013 at 1:40 PM | link
Hey, another idea that may be awesome and very Albany. You could get a Resolution honoring Max passed in the Senate or Assembly. They do dozens of Resolutions each week and all you need is a sponsor to carry it.
... said Albany Joe on May 3, 2013 at 1:41 PM | link
How about some maple syrup and/or maple candy?
... said Liz on May 3, 2013 at 1:46 PM | link
I have sent out the Nipper postcards to penpals before, that's pretty unique to Albany.
... said Gina on May 3, 2013 at 1:48 PM | link
William Kennedy's book "O Albany!" http://www.amazon.com/Albany-William-J-Kennedy/dp/0140074163
... said Eric Scheirer Stott on May 3, 2013 at 1:53 PM | link
The NY State museum sells Little Nipper postcards.
Mini hot dogs on ice? Hot Dog Charlie sauce?
... said Olivia on May 3, 2013 at 2:00 PM | link
UAlbany Great Danes and Siena Saints scream Albany!
... said johnny on May 3, 2013 at 2:06 PM | link
Greg - I love that shirt - it's a good idea!
I feel like Albany is on the cusp of coolness but has yet to make itself marketable - hence a lack of merchandise. Someone who is clever and creative: get on that.
Before I realized it was for a kid I was going to suggest sending tulips. Most of the things that make this area cool have to do with food and she can't mail an egg sandwich or Ric Orlando. But, if she mailed it express, a baguette and pastries from Mrs. London's might be the closest regional items she could send that are reminiscent of both France and the Capital Region. I'd send it with Krause's chocolates.
... said Valerae on May 3, 2013 at 2:14 PM | link
E-mail me directly, I have an Albany Patroons pennant I would be willing to part with if someone is assembling an Albany-centric CARE package.
... said Chuck Miller on May 3, 2013 at 2:43 PM | link
some dutch clogs!
... said julie on May 3, 2013 at 5:53 PM | link
Thank you all SOOO much! I am very excited to go hunting for Albany treats for Max! Had I hoped my message would be reposted, I might've shared more than just the link to Max's site. He really is a big hero in a little mans body, and such an inspiration! He was so brave last year when he won his first battle with BC, and still now even after it came back. Nevertheless, thanks again AOA!!! You guys rock! As do your readers!-D
... said Samantha on May 3, 2013 at 7:47 PM | link
contact the woman who did the Smalbanc. They used to have these cute small cotton bags with Nipper on them. His tag said if found return to Albany. Cute
http://smalbanac.com/?page_id=26
Also, AOA had something a while ago about Owney the postal dog?
Maybe this guy or even the ACCVB can get you something? The Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau had some Owney paraphernalia a while back. They can be reached at 434--1217
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/194704400/secret-around-the-world-adventures-of-owney-the-po
... said Kathy on May 5, 2013 at 9:55 AM | link
A Smallbany cartoon!!! I think the artist does a new one every day, so maybe he'd make a special one for Max
http://www.facebook.com/smallbany
... said Elenor on May 6, 2013 at 11:50 AM | link
Freihofer's Chocolate Chip Cookies.
... said CapHwys on May 6, 2013 at 5:59 PM | link