So, i'm traviling to France, what American items should i give as gifts to my host family?

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psougui_99

I am French, my brother in law is American. when he comes, I do not expect any fine stuff but just those thinks you have there that we are supposed to hate but that we do really love.

For example, your pop-corn ready to be microwaved. This is great. I tried it with friends who just looked at it as something disgusting, at first. But asked me for more.

I love your pop tarts ! they are funny (be carefull, we do not eat very much cinamon) for children and parents as well.

Otherwise you can find many items in brookstone. For example, my sister offered me coasters for Christmas. They are just great (when you put a glass on it, the liquid turns to red, ble, green a-s-o). http://www.brookstone.com/store/thumbnail.asp?wid=16&cid=1602&sid=160201&search_type=subcategory&prod_index=13

you can also bring baseball cap : for us this is typically american. and most of caps you find in France are very low quality

We consider Americans as simple, we often forget that simple also means practical. And this is a great quality. Do not try to bluff them.

The ultimate gift is the jelly belly box. We do not know this in France.

Ninette

hard question... ;-)
because I don't think that we miss something you have there ...
Maybe you can offer a bottle of Californian wine for the father.
For the little girl , whatever , because she is small
but for the teenager, maybe something "Ã la mode" in order that she can make her friends jealous in the high school :-p
And for the mum, something to decorate the house...
Or ask them for their passions !

lingua06437

You will come to find that the French love regions. They are fascinated about what is unique to a specific region and how it may differ in quality or content from a similar object from another region. (Ever wonder why they have so many cheeses and wines with such long varied historys?)

Get something that is charicteristic of your State or region and give it to them. IE if you are in New England give them some maple syrup, if you are in Florida, oranges or if you are in Washington - apples. Explain to them why this object is unique to your area and why it is better than similar products from other areas. They'll love you!

Good luck!

abuela Nany

One thing I have always missed in Europe is concord grape jelly (it may sound silly, but that is one of the "only in America" things!). And the Reese's peanut butter cup is a typically american sweet, also not found outside the US. (Like caramel corn at holloween!)
Sports things are nice, but rather then a football or other ball, which you can find in most sport shops over here, why not try for a typical baseball cap with the name of your local team on it for the dad, or a t-shirt from your favourite team. (Get an extra-large, better too big than too tight).
The fifteen year old might like a CD with some of the VERY latest music... Or something "fashion" with a patriotic theme. Or a silver charm bracelet with patriotic baubles.
An eight year old girl is easy...Barbie dolls are expensive in Europe, get her one with a typically american outfit (maybe a cowgirl, or even a patriotic one (if that exists, I'm not really up to date on dolls anymore, my kids are in their 30's). Or a silver chain with a patriotic charm.
As to the mom, something handcrafted in your area for her kitchen would probably be appreciated, (towels or an apron for example).
Then again, it could depend on what part of the States you are from. A miniature souvenir of a local monument, like the Empire State building in New York, or a Statue of Liberty, or The Liberty Bell in Philly.
Also a book or DVD with a documentary on the US would surely interest them, especially if it is about or includes something on the state where you live...
If you run short of ideas, there is always the souvenir shop in the airport where you embark on your way to France!
Again I would say it also depends on where in France your host family lives.... Parisians are generally trÃ¨s chic. People living in small provincial towns are usually more simple, and easier to please...
P.S. Nowadays most things are so international that you can find them everywhere, especially clothes and such.
The â‚¬uro has raised in value a lot, you will find Europe is expensive now, as the euro-dollar exchange is about 1â‚¬ = $1.50.
I hope you will enjoy your stay in France. It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Keep your eyes, mind and heart open...That way you will return home with wonderful memories of your visit. :-)

penner

Nice handmade portraits or paintings made from photos are always a good gift idea. You can find more such ideas at http://www.paintyourlife.com
They make all types of personalized and unique portraits on oil, pencil, charcoal or on canvas.
This company also has a studio for oil paintings reproductions. In case you are looking for an affordable gift urgently, you can take a look at their 'stock on sale'. Visit http://www.oil-paintings-reproductions.c...

colargol

Some food I think

patrice

a stetson, as JR had got one in "Dallas", the TV serie !!!

mistersnurdley

Some of the chocolates we have like hershey's and reese's. Regional items are great like little debbie's or tastycakes. You could bring them symbolic items like baseballs, footballs, or cars for father or some item that is sold particularly in America like D&B or Coach? bags for the missus and young ladies. (I'm a little ignorant of all those things.) You could bring a book with American history or about American culture.

sarcelles972

psougui_99 got it right.
I will also add Marshmallow fluff, cheesecake mix, cheese in a can (cheez-it), jell-o pudding powder (butterscotch, white chocolate...), peanut butter, Dove chocolate.
(I would avoid Hershey's chocolates since they taste like wax.)

A photograph book about your city or state.

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