German presents?

Question

i'm going on an exchange program this summer, and i need to bring my host family some presents thanking them for having me, but i don't know what to get them. i live in salem oregon, and my host family lives in lansberg just out side of munich. anyone have any ideas for me

Answer 1

I agree that something representing where you are from would be the best.  If you can find nice prints or artist drawings of your area and have that framed - that's a great idea and easy to pack and protect between clothes in your suitcase.  

If the host family has kids, you might want to take them Tshirt or sweatshirts of your local university (good for males and females).  Baseball caps are not really worn (that and wearing your Nike's, et. al,  are how everyone can tell an Ameriocan). but one from the local team or the Mariners might be nice for the males.  Clothing is always easy to pack.

Food products that are native to your area (even better if they have Salem, OR on them) would be nice too, but shouldn't be the only thing you bring. Make sure whatever food items you take along is packaged and is not fresh fruits, vegetables, fish or meat.  I would even be a bit careful about taking smoked or dried meats as gifts as your host family might be vegan or have religious restrictions.  A great bottle of US made liquor would also be good. Realize you might be underage, but If you're parents agree then something like Kentucky bourbon or maybe some local wine.  I'm thinking of something like Makers Mark, Wild Turkey, Southern Comfort, etc.  

Anheuser-Busch or Coors Collector Beer Steins would be nice too.

Hope some of these are either worth using for you or give you ideas for gifts.

Have a great trip!

Helga

There are several flower shops at the Munich airport and, if you have time after arrival and before going to your host family's home, you might want to stop at a flower shop at the airport and pick up some flowers.  Guess that won't work if the host family is picking you up though.

Answer 2

get them gifts that represent your area and your lifestyle.  You and your home are different and they will love anything that is important to you.

Answer 3

American foods can be a fun present. Everybody likes to sample foreign things. A basket with some candy bars (not snickers or mars they are readily available in Germany), chips, peanut butter, cookies (Oreos are very American). A variety of small packages would be great because they won't like everything. It is more about the sampling.

Answer 4

Go to the model shops and get them some air fix models of ww2 Spitfires  and some mustang air craft And some Americam ww2 tanks .make sure the stickers are in the box too .

Answer 5

Something with your hometown on it (glassware; towels; t-shirts for kids) is good..or books or maps about your area..or a typical local specialty (NOT cheese/meat or fruit/veg..baked goods are ok...or alcohol)

Answer 6

Well that depends on how much do you know about them. For the mother of the family you can't go wrong with a vase(Chrystal) or a beautiful towel (like a beach towel with an image that's significant in America, like the flag) its a nice way to share the culture..The father though is a bit complex, if he is  a smoker, a nice ashtray or a zippo lighter will be nice, or if you know his sz, maybe a shirt or a sweater. If they have kids, you can never go wrong with a barbie doll for a girl and a nice high tech remote control car for the boy. If the kids are grown maybe something along the lines of souvenir presents, like a mini statue of liberty, a teddy bear holding a US flag, its memorable and inexpensive and they are bound to like it because its thoughtful. Also, as a personal experience, most people collect fridge magnets you might want to get a few of those, just to show you care. ;)

Have fun in Germany!

Answer 7

Something uniquely American. I like the answer of answerer no#2.  Just do not bring hazelnuts...we have plenty of hazelnuts in Germany.

I like the idea of a great Coffee Table book of some of the Natural Beauty of the US.

Bringing a gift is very common.

Answer 8

Bring them something uniquely American.  Do you have maple syrup in Oregon?  Smoked Salmon?  Hazlenuts (they are a favorite).  Coffee Table books of some of the Natural Beauty of the US.  I brought CDs, also - Gospel was a favorite of one host, and my church had done a classical CD the year before.  It was great.  If you are looking for a bigger gift, an american style quilt might be an idea

Bringing a gift is important.

Answer 9

Bring something from your area or just general Americana. I'd go easy on the war-related stuff someone suggested. not sure model fighter planes are everybody's cup of tea. Better keep things general so they won't offend anyone. Maple syrup also seems like an excellent idea, it's ridiculously expensive over here.

Answer 10

Hi. I am an Oregonian living in Germany! Maybe bring something from the Made in Oregon stores. Some Marion-berry syrup or some U of O t-shirts from G.I. Joe's, they are all plastered with Oregon. Some American chips or cookies, hot chocolate (they have some here but our stuff is always different). Maybe some mustard from Hickory Farms. Mmmm, salt water taffy from the coast, or an Oregon picture book. An American flag beach towel?

FYI: Remember, you are not allowed to bring any meat products into or out of the country, this includes beef jerkey and smoked fish.

Let me know if you need some help! Have fun!

Answer 11

We Germans appreciate presents with though and heart. Be careful, though, when it comes to religious items. We are not as hard-core as most Americans when it comes to that. Stick to items typical for the U.S. and in particular the area you're from.

I live in Texas, so I would take items such as ceramic boots, Texas flags, models of the Alamo, etc.

Candy is great, but it weighs down your luggage. Some food items are not allowed to be brought in to any foreign country for health reasons. So better be careful with that.

Good luck and enjoy a great country. Keep your mind open and don't get upset over the fact that we Germans are very direct, not political correct like here.