Hello! We are traveling to attend a family reunion in Germany this summer. My husband and I will be the only ones attending from his branch of the family. So it is basically us and a group of people we have never met. Most of the rest of the atendees are German and we don't want to make any etiquette mistakes. We will be staying in hotels and not with any of the family nor will any of the dinners be at a family member's house. Would it be a good idea to take a small gift to our contact? or is it not needed? We have only conversed via email and facebook and have never met him before so I am stuck at what to bring. Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17361 posts
Why don't you make a little photo book, using Blurb or one of the other websites where you can do this? Put in photos of your family, your husband's parents and sibling, and other members of the family who are not able to attend, together with some photos of your neighborhood or other things, including photos of the old family home of the first immigrants from Germany, if you know where it is. It takes a little time but it is a fun project, and the small books cost less than $25.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
That is such a brilliant idea Lola! Other than take someone out to dinner, that is the best gift suggestion I've ever heard.
Posted by
San Francisco
14929 posts
Hi, Flowers are also appropriate to bring (ein Mitbringsel). That is always aprreciated. In what city/town is this event taking place?
Posted by
OP
Columbus, USA
345 posts
I wish I had thought of that when we were in Toledo last. Such a fantastic idea. Perhaps I will do a book when we get back with the pictures that I took while there and ask my inlaws for the origionals to scan...We leave in a week so I don't have time now:( Thank you SO much for the suggestion!!!! :)
Posted by
OP
Columbus, USA
345 posts
Fred, thank you also for the suggestion. The reunion is in Tuebingen.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17361 posts
Thank you for the praise, Susan. I made a number of books for family last Christmas and it was really fun. (Used both Blurb and apple Books, and have a slilght preference for the former). I think distant family in Germany would really enjoy seeing photos of their "American cousins," and making a book makes it a little more special than just bringing photos.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17361 posts
Actually, getting some family photos from them,,andntakingmsomemof you all at the reunion,,then making the book afterwards is the best idea of all. Now I am curious if you are in Columbus, Ohio? My husband is from that area and his ancestors are Swiss. Apparently they all either emigrated or at least left the home area (near Bern), as there is no one left around there for us to have a reunion with. So I am envious of you and your family reunion. MI hope you have a great time.
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
Hello Susan. I think, in Europe most people bring a gift to a host. You could bring a bottle (750 mL) of a good red wine, such as Pinot Noir made at western Oregon. I believe that you could find that wine at Columbus (Ohio ?). If you want my suggestions of Oregon winery names for good Pinot Noir, send a Private Message to me.