Gift ideas for B&B host

I agree with Jo, since this is their business they don't expect gifts, but what they do appreciate is business, be it a return guest or new one brought in by a good review. And to be candid, if everyone brought them gifts they'd be overwhelmed with little items that look out of place in their home if they even displayed it. Money is what they desire so a nice tip would be appreciated. And if you stay at a B&B in Germany or a German speaking country and say you want to give them "a gift" they may be alarmed and try to avoid anything you give them! Avoid that word in German speaking countries.

I think any business owner would appreciate this offering: http://www.laputan.org/images/pictures/euro100.jpg Seriously, this would be looked on as strange at best and downright suspicious at worst. PS- "Gift" means "poison" in German.

I visited the Chamber of Commerce in my home town. I found little post cards, pencils, etc. that I used for presents. I also took a map of my state to show them where we lived. I forgot to take a small map of the United States to show where our state is located. As we were travelling around the local area, I found little jars of jam that I also used as presents. The B and B owners could use it for themselves or future guests. The items from my town were easy to pack and could be used by the owners in their business. I hope this works for you. have fun!

You shouldn't give B&B owners gifts. Do you do this in the US? This is their business, and giving gifts is a bit odd. What you can do, if the place met all your expectations, is to write them a review here on the Feedback section or more importantly, over on Trip Advisor. Excellent, but honest reviews are like money in the bank for small businesses, and that will be much more appreciated than any small gift that you might give them.

Lisa frankly it is a bit odd, these people are running a business, they are not your friends hosting you for free in their homes( where a gift would be most appropriate!) .
Do you give hotel desk clerk gifts? Suggest you keep your packing light and forget this quaint little idea .

When you stay at a B&B you have a commercial arrangement with the owners. They have not invited you into their home, you have sought them out, agreed to pay the rates quoted and confirmed the booking. Why give them a gift? So they will like you? They don't have to like you, they just have to provide the accommodation as promised. Don't embarrass yourselves by acting like Lady Bountiful.

If I have a travel book that I am finished with, I will leave that with my hosts as sort of a gift. I explain that I am finished with it. Many hotels and B&Bs have collections of books available to their guests. They can put your "gift" with the other books.

I agree with everyone else: if you want to give a gift they'll really appreciate, write a good review of the B&B on as many websites as you can (including a trip report here), and then send them an e-mail with the links. Given that everyone is using Internet reviews to decide where to stay, the owners will be much happier with this than with tchochkes (no matter how well intentioned).

I agree with posters above me: it's a professional service, properly paid. It would be actually awkward, I think, given the much weaker tipping culture on lodging services. If you want to be nice to a B&B that you liked, take your time after your trip to write good reviews on Booking or Trip Advisor. That is the best reward for an independent hotelier lacking a global marketing budget like chains. Then, you also write negative reviews of the places you didn't like, if any, and let fellow travelers know ;)

I think it is a wonderful idea. We brought San Francisco calendars and place mats to our hosts. Easy to pack and can be inexpensive.