Diplomatic Gift Ideas for Barack Obama

Here at The Scratching Post, we're not completely consumed with snark for our president. And unlike some of our friends, we don't want to see him fail. Recently, President Obama hosted the Prime Minister of the UK, Gordon Brown. While the Prime Minister gave Barack some lovely gifts, The One responded with a pack of DVDs.

It was very badly received.

In light of these developments, we'd like to offer some suggestions to the Obama staffers who ran off to Costco at the last minute to buy a gift for our most important ally in the world. That way, the next time an important dignitary arrives, they'll be prepared.

Here's our list.

For Nicolas Sarkozy of France, we recommend some very nice scented candles.


As we understand it, the French don't like to bathe. These candles will really help mask the odors in their meeting rooms!

For Angela Merkel of Germany, how about a lovely assortment of chocolates?


Since she's a girl and worries about her figure, these could be combined with a Jane Fonda workout video.

For Kim Jung Il of North Korea, nothing says, "I want to be your friend so will you please stop threatening us with a sea of fire" quite like a Hickory Farms gift basket.


Plus, since his people are all starving to death, this will go over big when he gets back home!

For Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, how about some groovy designer footwear?


The guy is like 4'6" or something. These would make him feel taller and boost his self-esteem!

I'm sure you can think of some good gift ideas, too. Leave your ideas in the comments. Let's all pull together and help Barack Obama out. After all, we don't want to have to keep reading criticisms like this:

At least if he meant to snub Brown, it would suggest a certain competence at this brand of diplomacy. Instead, we’re told that the Obama White House and their staff are just a bunch of incompetents who got in over their heads.