Does anyone have any suggestions as to a REALLY nice hostess gift for a family in Germany? They have been?

Question

gracious enough to invite my daughter to spend a month with them this summer. (Their daughter is an exchange student here in America, and the girls have become best friends.) I would like to send a nice gift to thank them for having her for such an extended visit. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I have traveled in the US a lot, and am German. Always when I  planned the trip or came back, people would tell me how awful the food is in the US (even though they had never ben there) and ask me: "Oh, geez, how can you go there for such a long time? There's nothing but burgers and fries and there's no food culture at all!" Even my parents told me that. I don't know where I took my belief from that that wasn't the case, but coming to the US, I found this so absolutely to not be the case that I now love to cook "American" for friends, which they usually love. Even my parents have nothing bad to say about "American cousine" now, after having spent just three weeks of their lives in the US.

So, a cookbook with some American recipes, nice pictures and maybe a set of measuring cups would be a good idea. (Germans mostly weigh stuff out, so recipes with "2 cups of this, an ounce of that" are kind of confusing if you work with them for the first time.) That way, they can remember your daughters stay with them for a long time, or, when she's with them, comfort her with something familiar from the cookbook, if she gets homesick. They might even cook a meal together and create another great memory for everyone.

And, always something that my family loved: I "cushioned" all the packages and stuff I sent home to Germany with packs of Hersheys "Hugs" and "Kisses". And Almond M&Ms' (just for my Dad, though). I don't think you will send so much stuff while your daughter is there, but I'm sure a pack of each and an explanation from your daughter will ease all of them into at least a great coffee time when she arrives.

It's a great opportunity for your daughter! I really hope she will enjoy every minute of it.

EDIT:

AND I thought of something else, reading the bumper-sticker answer. I bought a bumper sticker saying "Do NOT wash - this vehicle is undergoing a scientific dirt test".

I get great reactions out of that. (THe owner of my usual garage shyly called and asked if he could take it off (I taped it to the inside, since I wasn't sure how long I would keep the car, and somehow never changed it) and photocopy it the first time they saw it. His employees all asked for a copy of it, too. ;))

It's a clichee that Germans spend their Saturdays cleaning their car. Well, I sure don't! ;))

Answer 2

A coffee table book that displays scenic places in the U.S.  Just a thought...

Answer 3

a really nice set of goblets. germans are classy and restrained. something for the kids too, if they have em. brownie mix is usually a hit, they dont havebrownies

Answer 4

Since Globalization of the world & also Germany I also would suggest that you try and find something local.

If you are from Texas send a Cowboy hat and some BBQ Sauce or like one answerer said if you are from Vermont send some real Maple Sirup. With it you could send a nice coffeetable book of the USA.

It's so hard to send a gift along, especially now that we have almost the same stuff in Germany as you do in US.

Answer 5

I like all those great ideas from the other posters . I've done the same thing.....BBQ sauce is really cool.........because Germans love to "grillen"  but,  I had another idea..... I took several real beautiful pieces of Navajo Indian necklaces....its easy to put in a  carry-on.....(doesn't weigh to much)! my family loves anything Cowboy or American Indian to display in there homes!! Silver pieces and turquoise jewelry! ( doest have to be real) but must look good and genuine..

for some strange reason they always ask me for bumper sticker, you know the little sticker you get while traveling to attractions....like Route66 ....Monkey Jungle..... Miami Beach stuff....I live in Miami, Florida

Answer 6

In my personal experience with living in Germany and traveling there for 18 years they appreciate things that would be unique to your state or home town.

Example I am in Vermont and we are known for our cheese and maple syrup. So I brought Maple Syrup being even more rare. Most loved it and it made a great gift they could enjoy together several times.

So anything like that I am sure would be well accepted. That is just one thought of way to go.

Answer 7

Hi Lori

I am from Germany and my boyfriend is from MN and studies in Ohio. And I really like the candybars he always send to me (I love Reeses). Also a nice gift would be Starbucks coffee or some shot glasses from where u come from. Or just something typically from where u live.

Greetings from Germany

Answer 8

Some great ideas.  My German relatives love our National Parks.  A coffee table book relating to the parks would be nice.  I like the recipe book idea - along with the measuring equipment.  Your daughter should take her friend jeans and whatever is current - I'm too old to know what that is.  Chocolate, no, theirs is better.