suggestions for host gift?

I just got back from a very fun trip, visiting my sister (whose hubby is stationed in Aviano) and using that as a home base for exploring northern Italy. My sister said it's really cool to bring wine from one region to the host in another region that's far away. So for the lady who rented a private room to us in Cinque Terre, I brought some Prosecco from the Prosecco country. You may be able to find some cool wine in Venice (the Prosecco country isn't far from Venice) to bring to your other hosts. (or at least in the CT, since it's so small there and I bet they don't have a big selection of wines from other regions, whereas Rome might. That way you're only having to lug one bottle of wine to your next stop, and not any other stops) Our Prosecco was only 5 Euro per bottle - what a deal!

I also brought American peanut butter to her, on the advice of the folks who post here at the RS site. The CT landlady didn't know what it was or what to do with it (haha!).

Also, I brought some goodies from Texas to share with some of my hosts, including a brochure from the state visitor's bureau that showed highlights of Texas cities. The people I gave it to thought it was cool to see where I came from. I also gave one hotel owner a Texas magnet that they placed on their magnet board in their bar.

I brought some of those little brass hat pins (with the Texas flag) to be able to give to someone, but I didn't meet anyone that I thought would like it.

I also brought Double Bubble and Jolly Ranchers to give to kids I met along the way (again, on the advice of the wonderful folks on this site). It was fun to offer "candy from America" to the kids!

Point is, I had several different little things from home to offer, based on the personalities (or amount of help received) of the people I met along the way. It was fun!

For ideas I always go to the dollar store and just walk the aisles until I fill my basket. You will find hundreds of inexpensive ideas. If you want to spend more on a gift, visit a variety store, or Walmart or Target.

On our first trip to Europe I wrote the families we were to visit and asked what they would like. That gave me more ideas than I had room for in my luggage.

We felt like our hosts / hostesses were introducing us to Italy, so we wanted to give them a taste of our home state, Virginia. We have a "Made in Virginia" store in downtown Fredericksburg which provided me with a lot of ideas. I got dogwood (our state tree) pins for the ladies and also got potholders filled with spices that put out a wonderful aroma when a hot item is placed on them. The potholders had a pineapple (the sign of "welcome") on them. The B&B people put them right to use. Other ideas might be books about your area (in our case, Civil War sights and the Shenandoahs), Christmas ornaments with something about your area or the U.S., etc.

Note that all of these items pack up easily - keep that at the forefont of your thinking.

Let me say, though, that your thoughtfulness will be remembered long after the actual gift. Our hostesses were truly touched - they are not used to being on the receiving end from their guests. We came back the following year and stayed at two of the same places, and our hostesses readily remembered us.

Definately make it something from your home area. Small books with lots of photos and little items like fridge magnets are really appreciated. As others have said, just the thought means a lot. You may think these things are a little lame but I assure you those on the receiving end do appreciate them.

Each year I visit a company we do business with and I used to take our local wine which was always well received. Since the liquid restrictions I have had to come up with other ideas. One time I took two little glass dishes one for olive oil and the other for vinegar with pengins stamped in them. My contact loved them as he had seen the penguins when he had visited me. For his assistant I took a small plate and mug with native wildflowers on them. She really liked it too and I noticed they were on her desk at work when we visited this year. For my contact's son I took one of our football teams scarf and beanie(cap)and to thank me he sent me a drawing. I also have to email the scores each Monday morning. None of these were expensive and were easy to carry. Perhaps not things I would buy to give to people here but perfect for those overseas.

Wow...these are really great ideas! This is really helping me get a feel for what to take.
Thank you one and all!
Kathie

As Canadians, we have always found Maple Syrup has been a popular "hostess gift" .With all the restrictions on liquids (not to mention the extra weight in the backpack) we opted for Maple Sugar Candies instead. They are the traditional Maple Leaf shape, really tasty, and easy to carry. They were Very Popular. What is your hometown famous for? or what is your regional specialty? Chocolates,candy,nuts? Those are the things that Everyone Likes.

Sort of like packing wines. My area is famous for big government but I'm afraid the Europeans would be underwhelmed with a big government souvenir from the US. LOL.

I carry-on only. I have brought post cards to show people where I'm from. Generally I just buy a bottle of wine or flowers on the way to visit a host.

CDs make great gifts - they are very, very expensive in Italy and American music is usually appreciated (of any sort, depending on your tastes)

PEANUT BUTTER , you have got to be kidding , I have heard of everything.

I have read some great ideas on this board, especially the ones that suggest a locally made or famous item.
I also think arriving with fresh flowers it good.
This past summer I stayed with relatives outside of Paris for a few days, I purchased some Laduree Macaroons in a gift box for them.Since they are my relatives I know there is nothing much from my home that they would actually like or want,, I had considered smoked salmon in a gift box but never got around to buying it.

I think fridge magnets if cute and represent where you live are a fun idea. I loved the idea of the pot holders with spices in them, heck , I 'd love some of those.

I think wine is a bad idea. Unless you buy it there. I don't care how good you think your wine is, plus, its hard and heavy to pack.

Personally I only give gifts to friends and relatives, I mean you are PAYING to stay in these places, so its not like they are giving you anything but are conducting their business. You didn't mention that you actually knew these people.?

Maybe something from Wright Patterson AFB? It's local. Avoid something too military or political, but they have a lot of cool stuff from early days of flight.

I'd avoid giving peanut butter, unless it is specifically requested. It is kind an acquired taste, here the equivalent would be Nutella, which though I was raised on PB&J, I must admit is a fantastic step up.
I've been shot down on this before but I'll say it again, when we bring stuff back to Italy, people go nuts over anything brand name, especially Timberland or Northface (even if they were most likely made in China). Those things cost a fortune over here, and can be found in the US at a fraction of the price.