I'm going to England and Norway soon. I remember reading something about taking a little gift to your B&B hosts, but I'm not sure where I read that. I will be meeting some family for the first time in Norway and may stay with family while there. I'd like to bring a little gift from the US.
What kinds of things do you think would be a nice token? Should I bring something for the B&B hosts, too?
It will need to be small as I'm not checking any luggage on the way there. Any suggestions?
The true American gift: Baseball glove and a variety of balls.
Well, if I didn't want to take any clothing, that would we a fabulous idea! ;)
For the B&B hosts, kindness and graciousness is suffice. For your Norwegian family, cook your favorite American meal for them, if they accept. Or take the family out to dinner. Don't forget, you can always send something nice as a thank you after you return home.
I can't comment for US but when I visit Italy I take something uniquely Australian. Used to be wine which was so easy but now with the restrictions I have to look for alternatives. Last time I took some hand made small oil dishes made of glass with a penguin on one and a platypus on the other. Small, easy to carry and although they don't really sound it, quite tasteful. They were also beautifully wrapped and had an explanation of the animal. Have also taken coffee mugs with native flowers on them and small books on Melbourne with lots of pics. Have always been well received.
I like to bring edibles so that there isn't anything to dust or save for a garage sale, plus it won't break in my luggage. Is there a Sacramento-based coffee company or candy maker that packages their goods, say, with a picture of the Capitol building? Or maybe some nicely packaged dried fruit? (My recollection is that Sacramento is in an agricultural region.) Or possibly a more generically California based goodie--perhaps Ghirardelli chocolate?
Even though they are somewhat heavy, I take 4 oz jars of huckleberry jam because the fruit is native to the Northwest----wrap each in bubble wrap and a ziplock, but someone on the GW suggested using the small disposable plastic containers (Glad, I think). so I'm going to try this in 2 wks when we leave for a month in Italy. If I don't have anything breakable to bring home (fat chance!!), these stack and dirty socks or undies can always be smushed unto them.
Go to your mall to the Disney Store. Disney is such an American icon and you can probably get something small like a key chain or even a Disney pin.
I wouldn't take anything related to baseball. Europeans don't play that kind of sport.
I would take some t-shirts with names of American cities on, or with some nice unusual buildings on.
or as somebody else said some jam.
Most of us live somewhere that has a speciality item unique to your town, city, or State( or Province)
For instance I would take some Maple Syrup candy an some Smoked Salmon( which we can purchase hermectically sealed).
I agree with poster who said to forget about bring dust collectors, or tacky souvenirs. I also thing unless there are children there( in which case it might be a decent idea) bringing sports equipment, besides being bulky, is kind of useless. Most 60 olds don't want a baseball bat now do they! LOL
.What is your area famous for? The sea, the wine, a food or candy??
KimmyD, I think Fancy Vermont Maple Syrup is a good gift and appreciated by most europeans ... perhaps a couple of quart cans ...
P.
I really like some of these ideas, but I'm concerned about the safety regulations. Wouldn't jam or syrup be considered a liquid or gel like substance?
Perhaps the handmade soap or even small candle. I'm pretty sure I can get that locally made. I think I'd like a gift like that - and it's something consumable which I really like.
If you are paying to stay, a hostess gift wouldn't be expected. A token of something very lightweight and inexpensive would be ok. I like to give small kitchen towels as travel gifts from abroad. Some sort of picture or calendar maybe? I'm with you on the traveling-light thing and wouldn't even consider weighing myself down with cans of anything. I think I would try to find some flowers in the town of the hostess (your relative) and bring those to her. I have stayed at B&Bs quite a few times and have never given a gift.
Ooooh, I like the towel idea. A friend of mine brought me one from her trip to Australia with Aussie pics all over it. I still think of her every time I use it. And, they're light wt. and don't take up too much room.
Now, to find some little Sac or CA towels...
Thank you!
local souvineers in form of Key chain or magnets are nice and small... careful with liquids like jam and syrup unless you check a bag. They are a bit heavy - so hopeful;ly you give the jars away fast! take home ligonberry or cloudberry jam from Norway!
I noticed in Germany and all ovr europe - the small ceramic plates with pictures of the famous areas are popular. Maybe you can find similar in your area (or even coffee mugs as someons else mentioned - they will think of you each time they use it!)
You are not allowed to take maple syrup in your carry-on.It's too big. You can read about the liquid regulations on tsa.com
Also gel candles are prohibited in carry-on.
Yes, that is correct. I now need to start looking for the little tea towels, hand made soap, small soy candles or some other local small, light wt. things.
I'm from Texas, which I love, and it seems to thrill everyone I meet in Europe. Maybe some of these ideas will work with the California twist.
Clutch-back pins that can be worn on the lapel or hats. I take several styles: Texas bluebonnets (and other Texas wildflowers), state shape, "Don't Mess with Texas" motto (VERY popular), etc.
Anything with the Texas shape or map was good. In fact, Texas-shaped postcards were a hit ... especially when I would put a star on our city while I was talking to whoever I'd give it too. It was a nice visual.
Bandannas with Texas designs. Bumper stickers and other stickers and decals are popular too, especially the Don't Mess with Texas. Ceramic coasters with Texas designs. Pens, pencils and patches with Texas and western designs. T-shirts and decorated flip flops if you know the sizes.
People were genuinely excited to get these Texas-centric things.
Okay, so where do you buy these kinds of things? The airport on your way out? Seems like they'd be more expensive that way.
I'm not usually looking for California stuff, so I don't know where the tourists would be buying it around here.
any ideas?
My daughter and I always get lots of local 'gifties' at Walmart.
Texas key chains, bandanas, postcards etc.
Even when we travel out of state (CO,MS,FL, AZ) every walmart seems to have a little area of local merchandise.
Thanks. I'll try there. :)
I really don't think gifts are necessary, unless they're small, edible and "very of Sacramento, Calif"...A small photo album of where you live and the family at home, just to show , not give would be good....Seriously, no one will want a California key-chain....but may a dish towel with Governor Arnold would be fun......Other than that, just buy flowers for the hostess during your stay. That's the most thoughtful gesture.
Hi Kimmy, I'd agree with Regina. Just bring something edible. In Scandinavia, chocolates are always welcome. Assuming you are flying from England to Norway, just buy some chocolates for your Norwegian family members at the airport in England before you fly.
For the B&B, I'm assuming that you are paying for the B&B. If so, no gift is needed.
