A friend of mine is coming here on his honeymoon. Many moons ago, we were flatmates in a study abroad program (ERASMUS for him-and <deleted> great memories!) in Europe. We have maintained contact and met up on each others home turf throughout the years.

Coincidentally, I have an adult student who is Thai-Italian, who gave me good advice, (yes, I totally used the situation as a conversation discussion in my class on gift giving and culture) he informed me that something jade like an elephant would be nice.

Where is the best place to buy something like this or does anyone have alternative suggestions? I know the vendors at JJ market would salivate at the chance to sell a farang something like this but I want to avoid being gouged and want something authentic.

I don't mind paying for some jade if it is real......how much would a fist to half fist full of carved jade run? I guess an elephant is kind of cliche. Is it best to just do it at an airport gift shop?

Any suggestion without conjecture would be greatly appreciated!

Get him a 1-metre-long pizza from Pala on Sukhumvit. Authentic Italian style, delicious pizza that I can recommend to any true pizza lover - and Italians do love their pizza.

Should have added that I will be meeting up with him in the islands. Thanks Thainess, I will remember that for me down the road!