What gifts should I bring to German family members

Linda - you are on the right track ..... I, too, try to bring some typical "American" products as gifts when i visit my family in Germany. Realistically, Germans can buy most of the same things we have here, so it's "the thought that counts," plus just make sure you consider how much weight you are adding to your luggage when you choose items as gifts ( i ruled out ceramic vases - too heavy).

Here are some of the things i have brought on past trips: Hershey's chocolates / Wilbur Buds / M&M's / textiles, like table runners, napkins, placemats ... great because they are lightweight and pack easily / I hunt craft shows for American-made holiday ornaments / small Lenox china pieces - decorative serving bowls, dishes, etc. Beware of bringing any lead crystal items - they will need to unpack it @ security / window sun-catchers / picture books of America's National Parks / peanut butter - it is available in Germany, but is much more expensive than here, My cousin loves it, and always requests it.

These are all great ideas. Who would have thought of table runners. Thank you so much.

Our family in Germany loves See's candy! This last trip (in April), I brought everyone packets of California poppy seeds that were a BIG hit -- they all have gardens! Also one time we brought gift packs of assorted dried fruit from California (Hadley's), which everyone loved.

Gute Reise!
:)

Wow. Poppy seeds. Always the best help from my Rick Steve's travelers. Thank you.

Many Germans really like Native American things or anything about the West to include cowboys, so that is what I would think about as a gift. A small rug, pottery, basket, jewellery. Or a coffee table book with photos of the National Parks, like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, or the Redwoods of California.

High quality Almonds are very easy to find here as are Poppy seeds. Both are baked with extensively. Chocolate over here is also wonderful, so I am not sure that those would be so welcomed, especially since it is family you do not know very well? My experience with giving food items to German family members has been less than positive, hence my shying away from it.

Anything that symbolizes your state and is hand made and of quality will be more likely to be received with pleasure.

I agree with Jo. The only food item I bring now is cranberry juice for my father - the reason I can't do carry-on luggage. Even maple syrup is cheaper in Germany than it's here. Oh, and candy blox for any kids I'm going to meet (candy that's shaped like Lego!).

Native American items are usually very welcome. I've been asked several times to bring a dream catcher.

I have family in Italy. I brought them the true American gift(s): A variety of baseballs, bats, and gloves. They live in a small town in Modena. They were the hit of their friends. We even played a game.