Canadian gifts to bring to Europe

I asked the same question a few months ago for our trip to Germany/Austria. Most people didn't like my idea and just said that your money was enough. I'm going to bring something just in case. Maybe you could bring postcards from where you live and leave a little thank you note on the back. You could get a travel guide book that has photos of the place you live or a local magazine. Happy travels!

If the families are truly "hosting" you, meaning you are not paying them for your lodging, then a gift can be appropriate... I would think some Canadian maple syrup would be a good gift, as this is not widely available in Europe. But as noted, if you pay for lodgings, a gift is not appropriate. Your money and a positive review on a website would be better appreciated.

One only brings gifts to friends, family or guest families. Will you be an exchange student or visiting extended family? If so, a gift is then proper. Maple sugar candy, First Nation art or handi-crafts, would be good ideas. Anything typical for Canada or Toronto itself Bringing gifts to places of businesses, like a B&B, would be a bit odd.

Sylvia being west coast we bring packaged sealed smoked salmon, we can purchase it in nice containers here as it is a tourist staple.Maple sugar candies are nice too.
We only bring gifts to actual friends or family , but I would never in a million years do it if just paying to stay in B&Bs.. its too personal . When being hosted by family and friends we ALWAYS make it a point to take them out to dinner its a small price to pay for free accomadation and meals for several days.. and they usually jump at the chance to be entertained one night instead of entertaining us all the time

maple syrup native crafts (windcatchers)
ice wine (Niagara) I started bringing ice wine last year and it was THE winner! I just get small 0.2 l bottles that are already packaged in a little box and somewhat protected. It's a liquid though so this idea doesn't work if you're travelling with carry-on only.

Thanks for all your replies. I will be staying with my step daughter in Iceland for 2 days and she plans on taking me for a tour of her country, so I definitely need to bring her something nice.
In Holland, I will be staying for a couple of days with my cousin and then the 2 of us will be heading to Greece for 2 weeks. At the end of our trip, its back to Holland to re-connect with family (but staying with my original cousin).

Maple syrup is a great idea. How about a calendar of your area? Or anything made locally like candles, soap, dishtowels, potholders...

I love the idea of Maple Syrup but I would really like to go Carry On. I think the Maple Candies and Maple cookies will be a big hit as well as Dream Catchers and the Boxed Smoked Salmon for my Icelandic step daughter. Unless they have Smoked Salmon in Iceland. Does anyone know if they do?

I've never been to Iceland so don't have first hand knowledge about the smoked salmon situation so I googled "Icelandic Smoked Salmon" and got loads of hits. The first one was this one which says Smoked salmon from Iceland is World-renowned delicacy. Popular as an appetizer or a starter dish, this traditional Icelandic product...

They almost certainly have smoked or cured salmon in Iceland but it would be very different from the Northwest style true smoked salmon, which is drier and smoked in whole pieces. European salmon is like lox, moist and served in thin slices. It may be cured in salt and not smoked at all. Also, it is generally made from farmed Atlantic salmon. Take some Native-American style smoked salmon made from wild sockeye or king salmon. They will love it.

I vote heartily for maple syrup even if it means you have to check a bag. Someone brought me two cans just as a gift
, not even as a house gift or thank you gift, just as a gift, and I loved it. Maple candy and cookies, which I've also received don't hold a candle to tins of syrup.

Hi, I am not sure when you are travelling, but Maple syrup usually starts running around the end of March. If you travel west from Toronto and go to Mountsberg Conservation Area in Cambellville, just south of the 401, They make the Maple syrup right there. If you are doing only carry-on, they also have the maple syrup candies, sugars, and other treats. Also a decent ion of other local crafts as well. Check the Halton Conservation Area website, and it will let you know when the Maple syprup festival is on. Would be nice to have it right from Ontario.
Have a wonderful time!

If you could figure out how to package up and bring some poutine or an old, crusty bagel from Tim Horton's, that would be a truly authentic treat. More seriously, if you don't mind spending a little bit of money, how about one of those famous wool throws from Hudson's Bay Company? A cheaper idea might be some Team Canada Olympic gear...tons of it at both The Bay and at Sears at Eaton Centre. How about a visit to St. Lawrence Market...I'm sure you could find something there. Keith mentioned hockey...what about something from the Hockey Hall of Fame? Just a few ideas.

even MORE great ideas. Thanks everyone!

Just an fyi, you can urchase ice wine or maple syrup at the duty-free in Toronto Int'l Airport or buy on-board when flying Air Canada. It would still be part of your carry-on to Iceland.

Ice wine would be the best IMHO. If you can get it duty free sobyou can carry it on, that would be great.

Marlene and Bets,
Thanks so much for the tip. I hadn't even thought of the duty free!!

Too bad you can't bring them some poutine...

Hi. ice wine is a fantastic idea as a gift and im sure that the recipients would be delighted. and yes i have seen it in various size bottles at Toronto airport.
i must admit though after reading the odd comment about Tim Hortons it would have to be a canadian maple doughnut for me ....yummy.