Gifts from USA

I asked what I should bring to someone and they said those wood gum massages that are not available here but they were expats, so I still say ASK.

Bring something that says NY on it. I once went to the kentucky derby and was staying with clients of my husbands that I had never met. Since I am from VA, I brought all VA items with me, a bottle of Va wine, a coffee mug with Virginia Tech college on it, a variety of virginia peanuts, etc..
You can do the same with items from NY. It can be as simple or as extravagent as you want. Ex, a christmas ornament of a famous NY place, a book with different pictures of NY, three coffee mugs from a famous NY place, etc..
Hope this helps.

I would forget the idea of coffee mugs. The French do not drink coffee the same way as North Americans.

I agree with Kerouac - no mugs. If there's some sort of fashion trend that's sweeping NY (you'll see it on 20-somethings on the street... maybe pins, hats, iPod covers, scarves, etc.), bring that.

Cool NY/Big Apple T-shirts might work, or NY bagels & cream cheese packed in dry ice (very kitschy - I brought this to a friend once via plane).

Or better yet, go to a great shop that only the east has... like Cooper Hewitt (http://www.cooperhewittshop.org/) or some funky shop in the Village populated by 20-somethings. 20-somethings don't bite... ask any of them in those shops what they'd like and they'll think you're great for asking.

p.s. 43go, what are you going to do with your username when you turn 44?

You could bring a New York state wine from Long Island, Hudson Valley or Finger Lakes regions.

thank you for the helpful replies.

and when I turn 44...um I think I will decide to remain 43. : )

43go!

I would bring a New York City trinket, like mini flash light, key chains or pens with the Empire State building or Statue of Liberty for each person. Then ask if they will let you treat them all for dinner one night, or buy a few bottles of wine for their apartments once you are arrive and see what they like.

But all of the New York City trinkets are made in China!

That's the spirit, 43go! My mom has been 35 for decades now, and somehow I think it actually works.