We are going to visit (for the second time) our Dutch relatives--a mom and dad (in their 50's) and two girls--14 and 16. Last time we brought Florida things and Jelly Bellies (which everyone loved!). This time we're staying with them for four days before we start our Italy tour, and we want to bring some nicer things as gifts, maybe $50 to $100 for each. We're bringing more Jelly Bellies and maybe Harry & David popcorn products for all of them, but really want some things they may like and aren't able to get in Holland. My daughter thought the girls might like some Brighton jewelry or maybe even a small designer handbag, but I worry if it will be their taste. I'm not sure of clothes sizes. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Posted by
Land of La
8680 posts
Have ALL of you had a picture taken together? Have you made an album of your visit with them you could give them? Or even an album of your family, your home, the area where you live, your pets, the schools your children attend, etc so they get a real idea of how you live in the States. Or how about going to your local Target or Aaron Bros store (if you have them) where there's a variety of picture frames in all sizes. Buy some and let them put whatever photos they'd like in them.
Posted by
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
331 posts
Hi Barbara, My Dutch cousin just went back to Holland after a 2 week visit with us. His kids (13+16)sent him shopping here with a list of stuff they wanted from Abercrombie + Fitch (t-shirts,swimtrunks) and Victorias Secret (Bikini + shorts) . I would say those stores and Jelly Bellies and you will be set.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
504 posts
Follow up to Claudia's suggestion. When we went to Sweden last summer for a family reunion we made up blank greeting cards with pictures from the Pacific Northwest on them. We made a few packs of 10 cards each and gave them as gifts to our hosts. They loved them.
When we returned home we made photo books from the pictures of our visit and mailed them to the hosts. We used My Publisher, though there are other sites too, so I don't want to just suggest them (We were very happy with them and used them for wedding photo books too!). They were so happy to receive these books and have shared them with all the family there. We also made one for us and my wife's parents as this was a dream for him to have the reunion. Have a fun visit!
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
On my first trip there, I discovered that they don't really have chocolate chip cookies there. So the next time, I brought cookie fixings, and omg they fell in love. The next trip, I wound up bring about 10 bags of chips for them. Was a lot of fun to make and eat the cookies too. One of my best memories. (European flour is a bit different, but you can find substitution recipes online.)