Which Country Gave Obama a 13-Inch Bone-Shaped Dog Chew? (And 6 Other Odd Gifts From Foreign Countries)

The U.S. State Department recently released a list of all the gifts presented by foreign governments to elected officials, cabinet members, military leaders, ambassadors and other high-ranking staffers. While the majority of what's listed on the 231-page report has to do with travel expenses, there are hundreds of gifts cataloged: Many are expensive luxury items, but others -- like the 13-inch bone-shaped chew toy printed with the United Kingdom flag from Great Britain-- seem to be out of place.

Image: OliveGreenDog.com

It would appear that strange gifts are accepted because of something your mother probably told you about that ugly sweater you received from Aunt Tookie -- even if you don't like it, it's the thought that counts. Alongside many of the curious curios, paintings, rugs, etc. is this official statement from the government: "Non-acceptance would cause embarrassment to donor and U.S. Government."

That's government-speak for "it's the thought that counts."

Why does this list even exist? Transparency and ethics. Because we have a policy that restricts the gifts government officials can receive. It's obviously meant to prevent bribery and keep public officials at arms length from situations where it might be construed that they were being given gifts in exchange for favorable treatment by the U.S. government.

The document opens with an explanation:

The Department of State submits the following comprehensive listing of the statements which, as required by law, Federal employees filed with their employing agencies during calendar year 2011 concerning gifts received from foreign government sources. The compilation includes reports of both tangible gifts and gifts of travel or travel expenses of more than minimal value, as defined by statute.

Is there really that much to be concerned about when it comes to pricey gifts and politicians? Considering that some countries are credited with giving our officials tens of millions of dollars in goods and services -- a good answer is yes! Brazil sent more than $43 million in gifts and France reportedly gift wrapped over $42 million worth of goodies (including a very expensive Hermes golf bag).

TheBlaze has combed through the complete report and selected 12 of the strangest, most expensive, and unusual gifts we've seen.

Hermes Golf Bag (with travel case)

Obviously, President Barack Obama and his family are the likely recipients of many lovely gifts. For example, the expensive Hermes golf bag sent by France's then-President Nicholas Sarkozy. The bag had a stated value of $7,750 and also came with a $1,650 travel case (for those trips to play golf in far away lands). Forbes.com featured an Hermes golf bag in its story on "10 ways to buy luxury for less." They found the "Sac de Golf" available for a slight discount of $6,500.

Image: Forbes.com

The Bamboo Bicycle (or "Bambike")

Image: BamBike.com

Obama was given a $1,060 handmade bamboo bicycle from "His Excellency Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., and Mrs. Maria Victoria J. Cuisia, Ambassador and Spouse of the Republic of the Philippines."  There are no photos of the president riding a bamboo bike -- however, we know he's capable:

AP

A Basketball Signed by the Toronto Raptors

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent Obama a "basketball signed by 2010-2011 Toronto Raptors NBA basketball team, in a 10” x 10” hard-plastic display case, presented in a 14.5” x 22.5” green leather-bound box that has the Prime Minister seal on the top." This was part of a two-item gift from Canada that also included an antique map of North America. The entire package was valued at $1,880. We checked various sports auction sites and found a few Toronto Raptors signed team balls (like the one seen here), they appear to sell for around $200-250 each -- but do not include a leather-bound case from the prime minister.

Image: Ebay.com

A Framed, Autographed Photo of the Queen of Denmark and Her Husband