Looking for an unusual gift to bring back from your next trip? We ask some well-travelled British Airways’ crew for their best overseas buys

James Easton, customer service manager, Mixed Fleet
Need a gift for the fragrance lover in your life? Visit Souk Al-Mubarakiya in Kuwait. Many of the oil and fragrance sellers will mix up a bespoke scent for you and decant it into an elegant bottle. Travelling to Lyon? Foodies will love the macarons at Sève in Quai Saint-Antoine. The gorgonzola/sesame and Iberian ham flavours are perfect as canapés on Christmas Day.

Miranda Mihkelson, iCSP crew
Everyone loves a sweet treat, and they don’t come much tastier than Turkish delight from Istanbul. Visit Hafiz Mustafa (pictured top) on Hobyar Mahallesi for unusual flavours, including pomegranate, cinnamon and coconut. If you’re in New York, call by the Museum of Modern Art gift shop. It has a range of unusual gifts, from modern glassware and umbrellas to candle holders and jewellery.

Claire Tingay, Worldwide cabin crew 
If you’re looking for a trinket, the jewellery markets in Mexico City are worth a visit. Local designers showcase their unique silver jewellery at competitive prices. If you’re heading to Cape Town, Boschendal Vineyard (pictured below) is a must-visit. The scenery is fabulous and you can buy the wines at affordable prices.

Aileen Sherer, Worldwide cabin crew
San Francisco is brilliant for gifts. Pick up a sparkly cable car decoration to hang from your tree, or buy a box of American-made Ghirardelli chocolates. The milk and caramel squares are particularly good.

First Officer Chloe Harrison, Airbus A320 fleet
Where better to get gift inspiration than High Life Shop – BA’s onboard duty free magazine? There’s an awesome set of walkie talkie watches, which would be a great gift for kids. I’d be happy if someone bought me the Elizabeth Arden 8HR essential pack, while for men, I can recommend the Armani gents coffret set. It’s a little pack containing five amazing scents. And who doesn’t want to smell nice for Christmas?

Jo Bentley, Worldwide cabin crew
Spices make the perfect gift from Bangalore. Give someone the ingredients for classic masala chai by packaging up green cardamom, cinnamon, fennel seed, ginger and black peppercorns. Kuala Lumpur is known for its fantastic essential oils at great prices. These can be used for skincare, aromatherapy massage or making your home smell wonderful. Returning from Mumbai? Bring back packets of sweet and savoury snacks flavoured with spices. They’re ideal for serving with a pre-dinner drink.

Manish Ramji, Worldwide cabin crew
I’m from Uppsala in Sweden, so I like gifts that remind me of home. Gingerbread houses and mulled wine always go down well. I’d also recommend crystal items by Swedish brands Orrefors and Kosta Boda (pictured above) – their vases and glasses are really stylish.

Jennifer Forrest, Worldwide cabin crew
Paris is beautiful before Christmas. Spend a morning on the bank of the Seine browsing the bouquinistes’ antiquarian books and prints. If you’re lucky you may even find a signed treasure. The Christmas market in Hanover is another lovely place. Visit the craft huts to pick up handmade wooden tree decorations; the small snowmen with tiny, hand-knitted scarves are adorable. If you’re shopping for an art fan, try Piazza Navona in Rome. The boutiques off the main square specialise in one-off, hand-painted pieces by local artists.

Interviews by Hannah Hudson

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This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Travel Tips