Please Help! Gift for an early-30s drag queen?

[Mmmango]

For my brother. He has unusually got gifts for the dc's this year, so I'd like to reciprocate. He's a drag queen, I think he likes giving dinner parties... any ideas?

Just to further complicate things, I'm in Asia, he's in N. America. I do have a UK bank account so I'm thinking that using that to buy him something online would reduce delivery charges a bit. Budget is 50 GBP, including delivery charges/ postage.

[SoupDragon]

Well, that's a request you don't often see on MN!

Any other things he likes doing?

[AngryBuddha]

How about this [[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shoe-Shaped-Wine-Bottle-Holder/dp/B00BJ2JKLS/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1385887331&sr=8-7&keywords=shoe%20bottle%20holder%5Dshoe&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21 wine holder] there are lots of different styles.

[Retropear]

Soup I was thinking this must be the hardest parent hunt ever.

Mac make up/ voucher
Lush glittery stuff
accessories

I guess it depends on his style?

[AngryBuddha]

Sorry, just learning how to post email address. <a class="break-all" href="//www.amazon.co.uk/Shoe-Shaped-Wine-Bottle-Holder/dp/B00BJ2JKLS/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1385887331&sr=8-7&keywords=shoe%20bottle%20holder&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">wine holder in shape of a high heel

[Mmmango]

I know! I was lurking on the gift-for-posh-septuagenarian-lady-who-has-everything thread, hoping for frivolous posh ideas, but it wasn't quite coming up with the goods.

Unfortunately I've realised that I barely know my brother at all. We are emphatically not posh, but he definitely likes nice things and is way hipper than me not a great accomplishment, admittedly. I thought about a hamper from Fortnum and Masons, but a) the cheapest ones are right at the outside of my budget; b) it seems that delivery outside EU means no alcohol can be included; and c) I don't know if F&M stuff is actually nice and a bit posh, or naff and for the clueless.

The only other angle I have is the drag stuff - definitely on stage it's all about glitter, false eyelashes and the rest. I consider mascara and lip balm the height of being made up so am completely clueless there too.

[cozietoesie]

Forget the glitter and go for vintage style such as a vintage accessory - preferably Deco/1920s if still in good nick. I'm thinking about something like a good long silk scarf with pointed ends and a 'pattern a disposition'. That will suit, trust me.

[iheartdusty]

can you shop on amazon com from where you are?

if so, delivery is sorted for you.

What about:
accessories - scarf etc
vodka and a lovely vodka decanter
fabulous weekend bag


glamorous, but not necessarily related to drag dressing.

[Dontlookbehindyou]

I'd focus more on dinner parties than the drag if I'm honest, what about a hamper of some really cool spices, ingredients and equipment that's not easy to get unless you're in Asia? If he's from there it'll be nostalgic, if not it'll be a cool new dimension for him to cook for dinner parties?
Not sure how prohibitive postage would be though?

[Mmmango]

Mmm, I'm inclined to agree with the dinner side, and I think consumables are less high-risk than a bag/ scarf that I could get completely wrong. Don'tlook, the spices etc would be a great idea but I'm not in a big town and would have trouble finding the things that make it festive, like a nice little basket for presentation. So online probably makes most sense.

So the vodka and decanter could work. Or some kind of kitchen gadget thing? Cheese knife? Posh napkins (but would need someone's help on brands)? Not sure about getting alcohol through customs, or glass in general getting there in one piece.

[MiracleOntheM4]

I think the last postage day from here in the UK to the States is next week, so I would imagine it maybe imminent from where you are. Because of this and delivery costs if be inclined to order from a US site, which will deliver an mean you don't have to worry about the US Customs thing (which may further delay the package apart from anything else).

A couple I've used for US relatives:
Anthropologie USA

Barneys

[newfavouritething]

There's a book with the history of the most famous drag queens - I got it for my sil a couple of years ago - would be more helpful if I could remember it's name!

[mrscumberbatch]

What about if you get him something collectible/treasureable that is a nice thing but related to drag?

There might be a collectible book or print from Paris is Burning (about the ball scene) or a book about some of the best/most controversial drag queens.

Freak Show by James St James is very well known.

[PomBearWithAnOFRS]

Seamed silk stockings - if you can find them get some in original 40s packaging. They go for about £15 a pair-ish for the genuine article

[PrammyMammy]

Is he a professional performing drag artist or is it a lifestyle choice?
The cross dressing males I know all love expensive things and seem to have mastered the art of make up much better than me.
How about a mac voucher? Or some designer accessories, Vivienne Westwood do lovely necklaces or scarves.

[PrammyMammy]

But if he's just in drag professionally then he will probably like the same as any other bloke.

[TeaAndCakeOrDeath]

pink sparkling vodka?

vodka teacup?