Better Gifts than CDs of the Leader's Speeches

Maybe the occupant of the White House can take a lesson in thoughtful gift-giving between heads of state by checking out the gifts exchanged by the Holy Father and Queen Elizabeth II:

Pope and Queen exchange gifts
Sep 16 2010

The Queen and the Pope exchanged gifts at a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh today.

The Pontiff received from the monarch a facsimile edition of 16th century drawings by German artist Hans Holbein the Younger.

The 85 sketches were encased in a white papal binding specially produced by conservation staff at Windsor Castle.

Including a portrait of Sir John More, the pictures are considered among the greatest treasures in the Print Room at Windsor Castle.

The Vatican’s gift to the Queen was a copy of the Lorsch Gospels dating from 778 to 820.

The gifts were exchanged in the Morning Drawing Room and a private audience with the Queen followed at which the Duke of Edinburgh was also present. [...]