[jsalba]

First idea:

Send me the gift and I'll tell you whether or not I liked it.. and then you'll know if it's worth sending to them.

Second idea:

Whatever field of work your DH's friend is in (degree related), contact the University and ask to purchase a book dedicated to his children (if he has any) about his field of work (make any sense?) and the University usually sends a nice correspondence telling about the book... it will be a gift that will not only make a difference to those being educated at that institution but also be available for years to come.