Great British Gifts for Ex-Pats, Anglophiles and Royal Watchers

Britain has a long history, a rich heritage and is now moving towards a multi-cultural society, so you can find plenty of gifts that are "British". But how do you choose a quintessentially British gift, something that is instantly and indisputably recognisable as British? For me, the answer is to look to Britain's icons for inspiration and you won't go far wrong. Whether you are buying a present for an Anglophile, an ex-pat or a royal watcher, here are some great British gifts.

You simply can't get more British than the Queen, so why not take her as your inspiration. Her Majesty has a developed a certain look and whilst it might be a little old-fashioned, elements of her style have found their way into some very fashionable wardrobes. Look below for some Royal style tips.

If you aren't keen on sharing the Queen's fashions, try giving a book about her life. Having been monarch for nearly sixty years, the Queen has lived through some turbulent times, which make fascinating reading. Try Robert Lacey's biography of the Queen; Lacey has a fine track record of writing biographies of famous British figures, so you will be guaranteed of a readable, well-researched book.

Alternatively, let the Queen do her own talking - give a DVD as a present. The BBC have an unrivalled reputation for producing quality documentaries, and Monarchy:  The Royal Family at Work is no exception. The DVD includes bonus footage that wasn't included in the broadcast series.

If you don't want to give a book about the Queen, why not give the gift of her style? Clearly, the Crown Jewels aren't for sale, but you can buy into one of of Her Majesty's off duty fashion statements: Hunter Wellies.

Hunter Wellington Boots aren't just worn by the Queen and horsey types at the Badminton Horse Trials - these days rock stars and fashion models wear them to festivals and around Town. Hunter wellies are a classic, quality brand, for men and women, that is well and truly British. 

Sometimes it's not just enough to look British: people actually want to be British. Emigration can be a tad drastic, so why not try out the rules of being British?

First of all, learn to speak like a Brit - British idiom and slang can be confusing, but don't get your knickers in a twist - help is at hand in the form of a Dictionary of British Slang.

Secondly, learn to understand the British and the British way of life. Britannia in Brief provides a quick study of what to eat, how the class system works, British sport, odd pronunciations and British politics. An absolute (tongue-in-cheek!) must!

The Union Flag (popularly, but wrongly, called the Union Jack) is an instantly recognisable British symbol and you can buy it emblazoned on most things, it would seem. Whilst a pair of Union Jack knickers (that's ladies briefs) may be amusing, you may want to give a gift that will be more likely to see the light of day.

Here are a couple of Union Jack gifts, combined with an old World War II slogan, that your friends will be proud to have on display.

This is not haute cuisine, actually, it may not even be great, but this is food that every Brit knows and loves, sometimes against their better judgement! These would make great stocking fillers for someone with a quirky sense of humour, or would win you a friend for life from a homesick ex-pat!

Everyone knows that the British love tea and one of the most popular brands is PG Tips. My Dad is an ex-pat nowadays, and this is the brand he always requests from visiting friends and relatives. Baked beans are another British classic, whether served with bangers and mash or on toast - Heinz produce arguably the best ones.

Don't forget the Scots - give the gift of a Haggis this Christmas!