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President Obama's popularity at home might be on the decline, but he sure was pampered by foreign leaders who showered him with gifts that range from bizarre to the extraordinary.
In 2009, President Barack Obama received gifts from foreign governments with an estimated value of more than $250,000, according to a report released by the U.S. State Department listing gifts presented to federal employees by foreign governments.
President Obama's gifts from ranged from a $395.00 pencil from Jose Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission to a large gold medallion from Saudi King Abdullah. In total, Obama received 54 gifts from international leaders.
Saudi King Abdullah was the most generous giver, gifting Obama a large gold medallion, a large brass and glass clock and a marble base featuring miniature figurines of gold palm trees and camels worth an estimated $34,500. The King also gave first lady Michelle Obama a necklace made of 33 pearls worth $14,200 and a ruby and diamond jewelry set valued at $132,000.
Obama's children received jewelry worth $7,275 from the King, while senior White House staffers had to settle for a more modest gift pack consisting of silver cufflinks and watches.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev gave Obama a very modest gift -- a small wooden CD holder.
Other lavish gifts included a $20,000 silk embroidery of the Obama Family from Chinese President Hu Jintao, a $4,500 black Christian Dior handbag from French President Nicolas Sarkozy and, from the Pope, a decorative gold coin with the pontiff's profile and several books valued at $7,905.
Queen Elizabeth II's gifts were more modest, as the monarch presented Mr Obama with framed portraits of herself and her husband, Prince Philip, worth $775.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas offered the U.S. leader $521 in gifts, including the least expensive item listed by the State Department: a $75 bottle
By law, Obama doesn't keep gifts of significant value. Instead, most items are transferred to the National Archives.
Senior White House officials also were recipients of King Abdullah's largesse, with top aides like national security adviser James Jones, David Axelrod, Rahm Emmanuel, Valerie Jarrett and spokesman Robert Gibbs receiving watches, cufflinks, pens, earrings and bracelets valued at between $5,000 and $9,000.
Once the government receives a gift, it is required to list a reason for accepting it. The standard response: 'Non-acceptance would cause embarrassment to donor and U.S. Government.'
The report also notes that 12 bottles of wine and a bottle of olive oil given to Obama were 'handled pursuant to Secret Service policy.'
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President Obama's gifts from ranged from a $395.00 pencil from Jose Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission to a large gold medallion from Saudi King Abdullah. In total, Obama received 54 gifts from international leaders.
Saudi King Abdullah was the most generous giver, gifting Obama a large gold medallion, a large brass and glass clock and a marble base featuring miniature figurines of gold palm trees and camels worth an estimated $34,500. The King also gave first lady Michelle Obama a necklace made of 33 pearls worth $14,200 and a ruby and diamond jewelry set valued at $132,000.
Obama's children received jewelry worth $7,275 from the King, while senior White House staffers had to settle for a more modest gift pack consisting of silver cufflinks and watches.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev gave Obama a very modest gift -- a small wooden CD holder.
Other lavish gifts included a $20,000 silk embroidery of the Obama Family from Chinese President Hu Jintao, a $4,500 black Christian Dior handbag from French President Nicolas Sarkozy and, from the Pope, a decorative gold coin with the pontiff's profile and several books valued at $7,905.
Queen Elizabeth II's gifts were more modest, as the monarch presented Mr Obama with framed portraits of herself and her husband, Prince Philip, worth $775.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas offered the U.S. leader $521 in gifts, including the least expensive item listed by the State Department: a $75 bottle
By law, Obama doesn't keep gifts of significant value. Instead, most items are transferred to the National Archives.
Senior White House officials also were recipients of King Abdullah's largesse, with top aides like national security adviser James Jones, David Axelrod, Rahm Emmanuel, Valerie Jarrett and spokesman Robert Gibbs receiving watches, cufflinks, pens, earrings and bracelets valued at between $5,000 and $9,000.
Once the government receives a gift, it is required to list a reason for accepting it. The standard response: 'Non-acceptance would cause embarrassment to donor and U.S. Government.'
The report also notes that 12 bottles of wine and a bottle of olive oil given to Obama were 'handled pursuant to Secret Service policy.'
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