For the official gift she suggests a piece of moon rock because the new prince was born under the full moon; an American-made teddy bear, as the toy’s namesake is Teddy Roosevelt; or a sapling from a great American tree to plant on palace property. Says Mitchell, “Wouldn’t it be lovely when the prince is 80 years old and King of the UK, and he looks out the window and says, ‘This tree and I are the same age. This tree was presented by the United States the day I was born.'”
For a more personal gift from the Obamas, Mitchell would endorse American crafts such as a rocking chair or a quilt made of 50 squares, one for every state in the union.
Another option on her list: a hobby horse, though she emphasizes it must be made of American wood, from a tree “that fell by natural causes. We don’t want to be accused of chopping down a tree to make a gift for the prince.” She also suggests original art from the book “Where the Wild Things Are,” because both the president and first lady have said it’s one of their favorite books, and Max, the main character, is crowned king in his fantasy.
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