Can I bring food as a hostess gift?

We try to bring smoked salmon as gifts for folks in Europe (which since it's preserved is okay to travel with) and its always appreciated.

You can bring chocolate and nuts, but you may find something like a local football team t-shirt is a bigger hit. I always avoid giving Italians food, unless I bought it in Italy, they just don't appreciate it. Spoiled by choice perhaps. When bringing gifts back from the states we always give brand name t-shirts or sweatshirts, or baseball hats, all bought from places like TJMaxx for a fraction of what they would cost in Italy.

I'm sorry but I have to disagree with Claire.

My husband and I visit friends and family in Italy at least once a year and always bring local or very American food items which are greatly appreciated and enjoyed. Hershey's chocolate or any locally made candies/chocolate, Oreo cookies, local hot sauces, etc.. Yes, Italians have very refined and spoiled palates but there's something very novel to them about food items from America. On the other hand, Italians are very, very particular about their clothing, shoes, jewelry and while they do love America and Americans many are a little more hesitant to wear clothing that shouts "America", a) because of American politics and b) because of the bad reputation that Americans have for their way of dress.

Sending sunshine,
Becky

The things they generally restrict are fresh produce and meats. I don't think chocolates, even homemade ones, would be any problem at all.

The nuts, perhaps. The whole thing is about keeping foreign pests out of the country. If they're just nuts you've picked from a local tree, that's probably in the same category as fresh vegetables. If the nuts are commercially packaged, or cooked into the candy, they're probably fine to take into the country.

Regarding taking food to Italy, I've read that when Italians travel outside Italy they usually look for Italian restaurants when they're hungry. Generally, they really aren't interested in eating "foreign" foods. At least, that's what I've read.

i have had relatives from italy visit and they love to take back hershey choclate bars. the kids love any logo t-shirts. connie

Chrissie I think your locally made chocoates and nuts idea is a great one, local is always nice. I do not think they fall into the " giving food or wine" catergory , which can be tricky in gifting. Customs only restricts fresh fruit, vegatables and meats. Candy, baked goods, dryed goods etc are fine. It is as stated to prevent the spread of certain things, pests and diseases( on plants and in animals) .

I wonder, do you think bringing gifts to a B&B is nessesary,, I have never thought of doing that,,,are these people friends of yours? I have never thought of gifting people I am paying to stay with, but I guess everyone likes gifts. Or, maybe I am totally off track here, is it the custom to do this at B&Bs ,I have never stayed in one( yet!)

To answer Pat's question, it is not necessary, but we have been in touch with the prorietors of this agriturismo/B&B for 9 months, and we thought it would be a nice gesture. I find that a little thoughtfulness goes a long way! Thanks to all for the feedback to my question.