Small Gifts to bring to Ireland

Big cheese hat. No need to take up luggage space-just wear it on the plane. If you don't have specific people you will meet there, just locals you would like to connect with, maybe take some postcards that show how pretty Wisconsin is. Maybe some paperback copies of "Little House in the Big Woods." Or, go to the Dells, get the tackiest souvenirs you can find, and have some fun seeing someone trying to be polite about it.

Beer mats.

What I have done in the past is take a small supply of US quarters with my state's design on the back. Foreign money is always interesting to people, and you can't get much cheaper than 25 cents as a little token for someone. If you are staying in B&Bs, though, there is no need (or expectation) for a hostess gift.

I would find a little something that's representative of your state or region, or of American culture in general. For example, I gave B&B hosts a cookbook of traditional Kentucky recipes and a small photo book of Kentucky farms. Hostesses may not expect it, but the cultural exchange is fun.

Love Nancy's idea about the quarters BUT I'd change it up a bit and take some Sacagawea Gold Dollar Coins. It's only money ;-0!

Thanks for all the ideas and keep them coming!

Dried chilli mixes are popular so is maple syrup but expensive and heavy

I would take either some locally made soap (but would depnd on if the person liked scents) or we have these lovely maple cream chocolates made locally. But I always like to take locally handmade items...

We have taken lapel pins of an apple blossom, being from Virginia, as well as potpouri hot pads and historical books from places like Colonial Williamsburg.

(Sorry, I should have said I 'have' taken these things...and they've been appreciated...we are 'couchsurfers' and always like to take a gift for the peole sharing their homes and time)

We are Servas members & hosts so Cal wine is always welcome. Calendars with local pix. Christmas oraments like cable car, moose, sea shell, Golden Gate bridge or SF Giants caps. If they have kids we take Snoopy & Charlie Brown. Take an easy recipe if you plan to cook for your hosts. We spent half a day trying to find rosemary in a French town. Friends from Ireland serveral years ago had never seen a garbage disposal, so be careful in their kitchens.
Betz

Thanks so much for all the great replies!

For kids, Life Savers original. I know my British penpal family in the 80s said Life Savers were better than their version called Polo fruits (?). I don't know if Ireland has Life Savers or not. They are easier to carry and don't break the US 3 oz liquid rule (otherwise, I'd suggest a regional BBQ for the entire family). Tiny sample jars of sauces or unique jellies are always good. Amish items for women, most definitely.

Find something that is only found in your state or made there. I always buy See's Candy Gourmet Lollypops since it's made here in California (and it wont melt like their chocolate). Also bring post cards (easy to pack). I go to the local Chamber of Commerce since they sell one that has a collage of local pictures. Also bring a few printouts of your state map with your city clearly marked - this will help when speaking about your hometown with others. Also double check with the Ireland Customs website if you are planning to bring in a food item - some items are prohibited. For example, we are really popular for our beef jerky - it was prohibited.