DD is going overseas and I need help figuring out a gift for the host family

[punkin]

I have no idea what to get. I know nothing about these people (it's through a program). The suggestion was to get something "local" from where you live and the only thing that came to mind was "Old Bay" seasoning. That's a pretty lame gift. I need some ideas (for about $25) of either Maryland specific or US specific things I can send. It seems everything nowadays is made in China anyway and is available world-wide.

 

[MercoBear]

Just an example for you, my choir used to give out little hand-made Moravian candles that had an insert with a little story about the founding of the town that they were made in. We lived in the next town over.

We have received postcards from our host families with pictures of the town where we stayed, and I thought that was a nice way to remember them.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Many years ago when I was an exchange student (Germany), we were advised to bring peanut butter. I'm thinking that may be more "available" in Europe now, though.

We brought maple syrup and candies (I know not nec. local in MD, but the northeast?) when we visited a family in India. That was a huge hit, though they syrup necessitated explaining pancakes- which are something totally different in India!

We also brought a picture book of our state- you think yours is "pretty boring" til you think the landscape, building, etc in another country could be altogether different.

 

[Hannathy]

What country are they going to? That may help with suggestions.

 

[hsmamato2]

what country? that makes a difference, find things in a locally made shop and make a gift basket, postcards, soaps, foods,etc. keychains with logos...etc etc.

 

[tzolkin]

Many years ago when I was an exchange student (Germany), we were advised to bring peanut butter. I'm thinking that may be more "available" in Europe now, though.

It's funny that you mention this. We are currently a host family to a girl from Germany-- she'll be leaving in a few weeks after being here for almost a year

She had never had peanut butter before and she has taken a PBJ to school for lunch every single day this year. She absolutely loves anything with PB-- especially ice cream and chocolate. We were teasing that we were going to have to send her back with a whole suitcase of PB, but she had her mom check and they do now carry it at their local grocery stores.


As for the gifts, did they give you any info about the family? We had to submit a detailed profile and photos and our "German daughter" selected gifts from there. She brought DH & I books that related to our interests (I got a German cookbook and DH got a book about modern/industrial architecture in Germany), the kids each got water bottles with German cartoon characters (they use them all the time for hiking and car trips), and she also brought a beer stein (which is what we all think when we hear "Germany" ) and coffee that had a picture of a fair that takes place in her city. Oh, she also brought candy

 

[punkin]

I will not have any info on the "family" until about a week before DD leaves so I need something generic. She will be going to Russia (if that makes a difference) and only staying for 2 months.

 

[pyrxtc]

maybe something from DC but not government related. Something that scream U.S. I have had two exchange students and one brought some handmade coin bags and some religious pictures of Mary. The other brought a gorgeous hand embroidered tablecloth that we still use on special occasions. I'm sure there are lots of little things that you could get locally but because they are right in front of you all the time, you don't notice.

 

[mickeygaga]

When my daughter visited Japan, they loved anything that actually had the made in USA logo on it. They also loved candy-lots and lots of candy. Blueberry POP tarts were a big hit too ..who knew. I hope she has a wonderful time.

 

[Eastern]

I think I would send various food items. I like the pop tart suggestion, maybe some candy, pringles, coffee, etc. They will think all we eat is junk food lol.

 

[3mickeymom]

Disney is very American. Hershey Chocolate was a big hit with our German relatives. They loved Hershey Chocolate, M & M's, kisses etc. They can get them in Germany but there are more local varieties that they had more often. They stocked up on Levis. Maybe some T-shirts from an American designer like Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger or a surf/skate label if they have teens or kids.

 

[punkin]

When my daughter visited Japan, they loved anything that actually had the made in USA logo on it. They also loved candy-lots and lots of candy. Blueberry POP tarts were a big hit too ..who knew. I hope she has a wonderful time.

That's what I have been looking for, but I'm telling you, all the souvenirs in DC are made somewhere in Asia.

Do they even have toasters in Russia for pop-tarts?

I think I may go into DC tomorrow and look around the mall. How much more US can you get than a snow-globe of the White House (made in China, of course. )

 

[elaine amj]

For the past 3 yrs I have had an exchange student from Japan stay with my family for 2 weeks. We usually get scarves, cloth napkins, and assorted souvenirs.

The ones we have appreciated the most have been toys for the kids. One yr a student brought a little die cast mini of their family minivan - a hit with my kids. Some of the scarves, etc are not necessarily to my taste. I do remember when I travelled as a student, my mom equipped me with scarves and jewellery (trinkets). Dunno what my mom was thinking as those were hard to give as gifts - so individualized!

Old Bay seasoning is a good idea, a coffee table book about Maryland/U.S. would be a very nice gift. My students usually bring me pictures of their hometown and we love going through them. I would love a coffee table book One made me a fairly extensive scrapbook of herself and her life and that was fun. it included pics of her home, her family, her school uniform, what typical meals were, typical daily schedule, her hobbies, etc.

Local cookbooks, what about Founding Father - type souvenirs? For me, coming from a different country, I'm thoroughly fascinated with the Founding Fathers, pioneer life, etc. Think Little House on the Prairie LOL! White House /DC type souvenirs would also be cool.

What about a bundle of little American gifts including a small coffee table book, some local foods (when I think Maryland, I think crab - so even a crab stuffie or something like that).

 

[Hannathy]

I googled made in Maryland and this site (plus others) came up

http://www.marylanddelivered.com/

There seems to be some neat stuff here , like painted crab shells, and oyster shells. You may also get some ideas.

 

[dzorn]

I googled made in Maryland and this site (plus others) came up

http://www.marylanddelivered.com/

There seems to be some neat stuff here , like painted crab shells, and oyster shells. You may also get some ideas.

I did the same thing. It looks like they a have a variety of gift tins with different Maryland items in every price range.

Denise in MI

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I had a college pen pal from Russia (I was taking Russian at University) and she sent me a beautiful book about her city - so I sent her a calendar and book with really lovely pictures from Texas (we have lots of blue bonnet pictures, farmhouses, cows - she loved it). I have spent a summer in Russia - mind you this was 14 years ago and a lot has changed but there wasn't a lot of anything - and we were in St. Petersburg. I think anything you would bring would be greatly appreciated. Really most anything - especially local - coffee, cookies, candy.

Some thoughts - and generalizations - Russians in general really love and respect art, music, literature - I think a nice book would be greatly valued - or cd - photographs, lithographs or drawings - would be greatly valued. The Russians I knew really loved to have tea with crusty bread, gouda cheese, homemade jam - they really make great homemade jam in Russia - so maybe some nice tea cookies, or tea cups - with a local scene might be nice.

Snack foods are always good - they may have many of these - not sure what they have now - I think I bought Oreos in St. Petersburg believe it or not- I was so excited to find them - and they have pretty good chocolate. I think I brought a bag of Snickers miniatures with me.

I have spent the last seven years living in Turkey - and would often bring home Turkish made glassware, coffee cups, tea pot, Turkish foods olives, honey, jam, cookies, snack foods, spices, pillow covers, table clothes, mini carpets to my friends and family here. May be go to a craft show in your area and see what is around. I think something from a local craftsman would be great if you could find it but all in all I think whatever you bring will be wonderfully received.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

That's what I have been looking for, but I'm telling you, all the souvenirs in DC are made somewhere in Asia.

Do they even have toasters in Russia for pop-tarts?

I think I may go into DC tomorrow and look around the mall. How much more US can you get than a snow-globe of the White House (made in China, of course. )

I would not send a chachki.

My dil has family there and when she goes home, believe it or not, one of the things she brings home is our candy. They love the variety packages (like they sell during Halloween) that have little bars of snickers, mars, twix, etc. Also, jars of peanut butter or anything else that screams made in the USA.

 

[deegack]

When I went abroad I brought a coffee table book with pictures of long island, a ny Yankee hat, and something else(I can't remember ). It was a hit.

 

[punkin]

OK, the consensus seems to be "FOOD!" and coffee table books. I thank you all for the great input. I am going to try and go shopping for something tomorrow.

ETA: I forgot! A few months ago I bought a great looking little teapot and teacup set (it was on sale and I actually bought 2). It's not particularly American and it is over what I wanted to spend, but it is REALLY nice and in a pinch, I will send that. I bought the sets more to use as bridal shower gifts.

 

[scrapquitler]

I have no idea what to get. I know nothing about these people (it's through a program). The suggestion was to get something "local" from where you live and the only thing that came to mind was "Old Bay" seasoning. That's a pretty lame gift. I need some ideas (for about $25) of either Maryland specific or US specific things I can send. It seems everything nowadays is made in China anyway and is available world-wide.

Coffee table book with picture of your area.

A figurine of the state bird.

A candle from a local company.

A christmas ornament from "Maryland" or some touristy place in maryland


A sweatshirt of hat from a local college or university or professional sports team

A DVD about Maryland. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Discoveries-A...FJRE/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1337793085&sr=8-8