Gift suggestion for German relatives

I would suggest Native American items, perhaps a small basket or something like a calendar with nature scenes from Texas.

Any specialty from your home state. "Texas" or "Dallas" T-shirts. Cowboy or Native American stuff. A coffee table type picture-book of Texas. Anything with sweeping vistas of the wide-open spaces out West. Truth be told, it truly is "the thought that counts" and not so much the nature of the gift(s). One added tip about gift giving in Europe: You get extra points for presentation (i.e.- if it looks like some personal time and care went into wrapping it nicely.)

Something "Texan". We brought German friends a bottle of Crown Royal and maple syrup from Canada. Stereotypical, but so what. Perhaps a Tex-Mex cookbook, Texan Christmas ornaments, footage from the Redskins beating the Cowboys next week...

I would bring them something "western" as many Germans are fascintated with the American west. How about some "texas gold" in a small bottle hanging on a gold chain? We try to bring typical Canadian items as well, such as: Pacific or Atlantic salmon, maple liqueur, even nice table cloths with understated maple leaf motif. My wife would love to shop for you, am sure, but I'm not going to suggest it!

Jo's right on, however, why not Applets and/or Cotlets? It's an Oregon product and I can guarantee that it's not available in the DL. Also, suggest you pick up some flowers when you go to their home, and, be on time!

I agree that something "western" or Native American would be nice. What about a Navaho (or other tribe) blanket. It could be used as a sofa throw or afghan. Or a nice piece of native-woven cloth to use as a tablecloth or some placemats. A watercolor painting of something in your area would also be nice. Almost any "crafty"/art item would be a nice gift. It doesn't have to be large.

We had the same quandary when we visited with family in Denmark. We did take them some jazz cd's over, but found out later that the traditional gift in Denmark is a couple bottles of wine and a bottle of aquavit, which we sent them after we returned home. I would recommend finding out what the traditonal host/ hostess gift is in Germany and take that along with whatever gift you bring from home.

Applets and Cotlets come from Cashmere, Washington (I grew up in Seattle).

Thank you all for the ideas! We live in Dallas, OREGON, not Texas, but I totally get the idea. I will look for some Made In Oregon items to take that will lay flat in the suitcase and take some wrapping to fix the gift up while there. Taking flowers also is a great idea. We really appreciate them opening up their home to us and want to show that. Happy Travels!

When I was in Germany this spring, the hotel owner was drinking a particular brand of Hazelnut coffee one afternoon. I asked him about it, as it is the same brand of coffee I drink everyday. He explained that they couldn't get that coffee in Germany and that he bought it during latest trip to California. I'm not sure if it's the brand they couldn't get or the Hazelnut itself. But, when I got home, I bought a can of the Hazelnut and sent it to him. He was overjoyed receiving it. I say all that to say this, even if you can't find the perfect gift to take with you, you may get an idea while there of the perfect give to send upon your return. Have a great time!

From Dallas Oregon an appropriate gift would be Pacific Northwest smoked salmon, the kind that is vacuum-packed (needs no refrigeration until opened) and comes in a gift box with Native American designs. They are nice and flat and pack easily And maybe a jar of marionberry or Olalliebarry jam. I'd include a good bottle of Oregon pinot noir, but that's just me.

I'll echo the suggestions for smoked salmon and Native crafts (dreamcatchers, jewlery). Those are the items I take to Germany repeatedly because I get asked for them.

And of course the jam and wine won't work if you are only doing carry-on luggage. But the smoked salmon can go in your carry-on. I've taken it to both Japan and to Germany as a gift and it was well-received by my hosts in both countries.

Thanks again everyone! We bought some of the smoked salmon, hazelnuts and a nice photo book of Oregon. Wish we could take the wine but no space plus restrictions. The ideas were all great, love this helpline -nice people and helpful advice! :0)