Suggestions for Small Gifts to Bring to France

The lady bountiful giving tokens to the minions thing is not that popular in France. If you are visiting someone in particular e.g. a host family or a friend, then getting some unique edible that travels well (culturally and physically) is a nice gesture, but little trinkets for the help -- not cool. In the internet age, there are few things that are not easily available to people pretty much anywhere.

Actually I was planning on just bringing something for my hosts at places I am staying through Airbnb. Lesson from my mom about not showing up empty handed at someone's door. Dried fruit was suggested, so I will go with that. I just view it as a friendly and thoughtful gesture, not something condescending like "we are rich Americans and the rest of the world has nothing nice" attitude.

Dee, you actually have a commercial arrangement with your airbnb hosts. Gifts are not necessary or even expected.

You are right. Appreciate the input. Thank you.

Nonetheless, you will be a guest-of sorts-in someone's home, and will likely gain from their input and improve your experience because of it. It's a very nice gesture, good on you.

Being from California why not a bottle of Chateau Montelena Chardonnay or a Stag's Leap Cabernet?http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgment_of_Paris_(wine)

Maple syrup

I try to take something specific to our area. First, I have to explain that we are the "Washington" by California and not the Capitol. So, I try to bring postcards of our area and Almond Roca is produced locally. The former can be used for a note of thanks or a conversation starter and the latter comes in a variety of packaging.

I do exactly as Patty. I'll take along about 5-7 post cards of the Puget Sound or Mt. Rainier and packages of our local candy (Almond Roca) for a three week trip and give them to folks we meet along the way. It has always been well received and I see it more as a small goodwill gesture. Once in Portugal a woman stopped and helped us with directions, gave us some restaurant recommendations and what not. She had two kids who had waited bored but patiently. I asked her if I could give them something-- they were delighted

@Patty and Renee in Washington: I love Almond Roca and never realized that they are made in your state. Yes, this is exactly what I had in mind: to bring something from home to give as a friendly and good will gesture should I meet or been helped by someone along the way. The postcards are a good idea too - to start a conversation/break the ice and perhaps to write a thank you note. One of the nice things about traveling is making connections with other people - whether with locals or other tourists - it makes the world a bit smaller and friendlier. Thank you for your input.

I also wrote out in advance of the trip, in the country's language, a little message about how this was my hometown, thanks, etc

Gifts from Americans to French hosts, of California wines, have not, in the past, alwayd been received with gratitude.
The French appear to be "selective" about their wine over California competitors.

This thread is the antithesis of the" is anybody else a Grinch about buying presents ??" thread.

I am quite surprised at some of the replies here, which seem to assume some sort of condescension in giving small gifts to hosts. When we travelled to Austria a few years ago, we brought a collection of Olympic pins from the 2010 games to give out wherever we felt it might be fun and appreciated. Turns out, the pins were very collectible, and were received with a great deal of enthusiasm. Quite often, it prompted people to show off a variety of other little gifts that they had received from people. One lovely gentleman, the proprietor of a guesthouse in Melk, actually had a large collection of pins from various countries, and made a special place for ours on his hat!. I don't know the French have a different attitude towards this kind of thing, but I would certainly hope that a small gift, presented in the spirit of kindness would be graciously received.

We are traveling to Paris in October on a Grand Circle River Cruise. Part of the tour includes a home visit and it is suggested that we bring a small gift, preferably from home. I think it's a nice gesture and not something condescending. I like your idea of almonds since, we too, are from southern California.