We will be staying with cousins in Stockholm for a few days before going off on our own, and I would like to bring a special hostess gift or two. Would someone Swedish (or living there) please suggest some ideas? Decades ago Europeans wanted luxurious American towels, but I'm guessing that's an anachronism now.
THANKS very much!
I can’t imagine anyone in Sweden unless they are really down on their luck needs a towel (and the weight in your luggage). How about a nice, small local print that they could frame? Something from home that weighs nothing.
And don’t even think about bringing American chocolate (Butyric acid).
And don’t even think about bringing American chocolate (Butyric acid).
Trelawney, the only American chocolate that contains Butyric acid is the cheap, mass-produced kind like Hershey's. You can find a lot of really good chocolate in the United States that is produced in small batches and does not have that.
That said, anne, I'm not sure that I would bring even good chocolate, especially since it's so readily available in Europe. Is there anything in your hometown that you might consider bringing? Some small item that is maybe indicative of New York State or Syracuse? Maybe check some local shops for something hand-made that might be unique and beautiful. That's probably what I would do.
Just a thought. When I visited relatives in England, I brought some small gifts for their kids. Then, after coming home I sent them a more expensive house gift after seeing their interests. That is, the wife collected brass decorative items, and I sent something I thought she would like to add to her collection.
Not towel per se but I think a dish towel, maybe with artisan/local print. Something they can use, easy to bring on carry-on. In the past, I gifted a couple dish towels and a light set of cork coasters with classic California theme.
In the US, I usually just pay for lunch one day as a Thank You for hosting me, but that can get pricey in Scandinavia.
How well do you know your cousins?
One persons thoughtful gift is another persons clutter:-)
For that reason I usually take something that can be easily consumed. Maybe something unique to your area?
I agree with the other comments: something local, preferable edible. Maple syrup? Or something made with it like fudge or artisan chocolates if you don't want to bring liquids/glass. I don't know what Syracuse is known for. Just guessing. But maple syrup isn't produced in Sweden (according to Google).
Do your cousins drink alcohol? A nice bottle of California wine or bourbon would be a good gift for someone who drinks.
I lived in Stockholm for 2+ years. When you visit someone’s home for dinner, the traditional gifts are flowers, a nice box of chocolate, or wine. If you buy flowers, you typically remove the wrapping before presenting them.
Trevlig resa!
The suggestion to treat your cousins to a meal at a restaurant is also a good one.
I would not suggest maple syrup because I don’t think most Swedes would use it. You can find maple syrup (lönnsirap) in most of the larger grocery stores in Stockholm. Usually it is from Canada.
Yep, some good ideas above. Laura's list is spot on. Even if they don't drink alcohol, they would probably appreciate and use it for guests as it's much more expensive in Scandinavia, but then you have to think about how you pack it. You can also pick up flowers once you're in Sweden, perhaps a day after your arrival?
Funny, I lived in Switzerland and consider Swedish chocolate to be superior! Have a wonderful visit!
Do you have any family photos that they would appreciate? Like cousins when you were kids, aunts and uncles? A legendary relative? Something to invoke a nice memory and family bond? I would go the family route and think of something that would create a bond across the pond.
