Around the world in a daze

Southern Living, Sep 1998 by Carlton, Michael

In a never-ending quest for the perfect gift, travelers wander the world, exploring the teeming souks of Morocco, the lovely lanes of London, and the marketplaces of rural China. Surely there, they believe, they will find a keepsake a special friend or spouse will cherish always. Andgiven the time, expense, and effort of traveling to a distant land-they may well locate just the right purchase.

Or, they can simply go to Orlando.

For here, in the board-flat land of citrus, swamp, and vacations, they can also find a flawless, marvelous gift. In fact, they can find them from several faraway countries in one day's stroll along the World Showcase at Walt Disney World's Epcot. The World Showcase is a grand collection of 11 countries. Each offers a look at its culture through presentations, films, restaurants, and-lucky for you-shops.

Come along then, all you dedicated shoppers, and discover the wondrous world of Epcot. We've spent hours poring over merchandise, and we think we've uncovered some perfect gifts. Here's a sampling.

CANADA

Expensive: For $310 you can have a hand-carved wooden loon for your den. Or buy a high-quality True North sweatshirt resplendent with a maple leaf for $55.

Inexpensive: Eight ounces of maple syrup is $12, a plush Mountie Moose is $18, and a leather wristband with your name imprinted is $7.

Favorite: Linda Edgington's whimsical porcelain would grace any home. Her frog painted with the ABCs is perfect for a nursery at $40.

CHINA

Expensive: Attractive silk robes start at $95; folding screens with an egret motif go for $125.

Inexpensive: Cut enamel rings for her finger are only $4, or grab a box of 100 oolong or jasmine tea bags for $6.50.

Favorite: Chinese hand exercise balls ($15) promise to stimulate the circulation, prevent hypertension, adjust the central nervous system, and dispel fatigue. What a deal.

FRANCE

Expensive: A 3.4-ounce bottle of the exquisitely aromatic Arpege by Lanvin perfume is $95.

Inexpensive: Bright paisley-print hot pads are $5, and a box of Roger and Gallet perfumed soaps is $13.

Favorite: A jaunty wool beret for cool fall days is $18.

GERMANY

Expensive: If you are totally crazy over the cute figures produced by Goebel Hummels, buy a giant-size (as big as a person) rendition of a Hummel boy or a Hummel girl in an apple tree for $24,000. More modest is a figure of Mickey Mouse with a beer stein for $190. A fabulous set of six green cut-crystal wineglasses by Dresden Kristall costs $325.

Inexpensive: Cute glass snowmen are $10; glass Christmas ornaments are $26; a bottle of Piersporter Michelsberg Kabinett wine, $12.50; a box of Bahlsen of Hanover chocolate wafers, $2.85.

Favorite: Wooden nutcrackers in the form of Uncle Sam ($190) are absolutely wonderful.

ITALY

Expensive: How about a darling rendition of Mickey Mouse battling the wild waters from the movie Fantasia, sculpted by Giuseppe of Florence for $650? Or purchase a beautiful gold bracelet for $150.

Inexpensive: Satisfy the wine lover with a bottle of Villa Cerna Chianti Classico for $19 or the food lover in your life with Colavita extra virgin olive oil for $8.95.

Favorite: Hand-painted olive oil jars look terrific and only cost $30.

JAPAN

Expensive: Grab a silk kimono for $255, or a pearl necklace for $2,970.

Inexpensive: Painted paper fans go for $18, origami sets for $5.50, and lacquered chopstick sets for $3.15.

Favorite: Charming porcelain wind chimes in the shape of fish are $12.50, and large paper Japanese lanterns are $27.

MEXICO

Expensive: Nothing here is very expensive, but you might check out a silver and onyx bracelet ($105) or a stunning lacy cotton dress ($60).

Inexpensive: Grab a wool serape (like a cape) for $18, a sombrero for the kids for $6.95, or a hand-carved statue of the Virgin Mary for $40.

Favorite: Captivating terra-cotta renditions of the sun ($11) and moon ($24) would enhance any decor.

MOROCCO

Expensive: A hand-knotted rug would be a happy addition to your home for $350.

Inexpensive: A greatlooking leather belt with silver buckle is $10; a fez for your head is $10.95.

Favorite: Vibrant pink dressing gowns, perfect for relaxing at home, cost $35; wood throw rugs run $24.

NORWAY

Expensive: A handmade, handpainted wooden crib is $1,800; a North Sea jacket by Helly Hansen costs $250.

Inexpensive: Let your child become a Viking with an $11 plastic Viking helmet; a pewter corkscrew for your dad is $20.

Favorite: Stunning hand-knit woolen Trondheim sweaters are a bargain at $175, or settle for a wool ski hat for $50.

UNITED KINGDOM

Expensive: The chess sets are enchanting. We particularly liked the one featuring Alice in Wonderland ($650) with White Rabbit as pawn, the Queen of Hearts as queen, and Alice as king. Other sets feature Tudor kings and queens ($650) and Robin Hood and his merry men ($500). If fashion is your game, try on the Sherlock Holmes woolen cape ($1,000) or deerstalker hat ($100).

Inexpensive: Pick up a box of Mickey's Shortbread Cookies ($5) or a tin of Twining's Tea ($5.75).

Favorite: Pringles offers fine Scottish tartan ties for $25. A package of wooden golf tees with Scotland imprinted on the side is perfect for the family duffer and only $12. If you have a foodie on your gift list, grab a jar of Fortnum and Mason preserves for $6.95.