host family gift ideas!
Aug 10th, 2009, 12:36 PM
#1
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host family gift ideas!
I'm leaving to study in Copenhagen, Denmark for 4 months, and I'm staying with a host family. There is a mom, a dad, and 3 boys: ages 6, 10, and 16. Looking for ideas of what to bring them from the states.
Hints: I live in Maryland, close to Baltimore. The thing is, Baltimore is known for crabs, and it's not like I can bring a bunch of crabs on the airplane. The mom told me she wanted me to bring brownie mix, but I want to bring more than just that. Ideas please?
Thanks so much!
Hints: I live in Maryland, close to Baltimore. The thing is, Baltimore is known for crabs, and it's not like I can bring a bunch of crabs on the airplane. The mom told me she wanted me to bring brownie mix, but I want to bring more than just that. Ideas please?
Thanks so much!
Aug 10th, 2009, 01:45 PM
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Wow a brownie mix - that's random but it is an easy do. We visited a family in Spain and it was difficult to figure out what gifts to take. Once we were there tho, the father very proudly showed me his bar esp. some of his U.S. spirits. I'm not much of a hard liquor gal but what about something like Wild Turkey or premium spirits? Hopefully your host will not be a teetotaler!
Aug 10th, 2009, 02:00 PM
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For the boys, consider baseball caps with team logos, even though they probably won't wear them. I guess you should get them the Baltimore orioles caps, but some europeans really like NY Yankees baseball caps.
Aug 27th, 2009, 05:25 AM
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I think packing alcohol in your luggage is not a great idea.
I also think that when people say what they want, you should give them want they want! If you want to give more, how about a variety of brownie mixes -- Duncan Hines, Pillsbury, the high-end stuff they sell in Whole Foods -- and when you get back, you can send more of the one they loved best.
Maybe you could also bring them some Maryland pecans. Think if you brought a DVD about the wild ponies of Assateague the youngest boys might find it interesting?
I also think that when people say what they want, you should give them want they want! If you want to give more, how about a variety of brownie mixes -- Duncan Hines, Pillsbury, the high-end stuff they sell in Whole Foods -- and when you get back, you can send more of the one they loved best.
Maybe you could also bring them some Maryland pecans. Think if you brought a DVD about the wild ponies of Assateague the youngest boys might find it interesting?
Aug 27th, 2009, 05:30 AM
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Hi! My boys have both been exchange students- one to France and one to Hungary- and we have hosted several students as well...so I know a little something about host family gifts. And last year we hosted a lovely girl from Denmark- although not near Copenhagen. I think she said they had brownies. Here is what I would suggest you do....bring a cheap set of American measuring cups and spoons- and some recipes (or you could look them up online or have your mom email them- it is always fun to have a meal (depending on your cooking skills and availability of products- no cool whip, jello, etc) or treat from the other country. I have also sent my boys with "Baker's Chocolate" (that is the name brand-in the baking aisle). The outside/inside of the box has a very easy brownie recipe with everyday ingredients (flour, eggs, sugar, etc) for one bowl brownies. This would take less space than a box- and would make several batches. Also take a recipe for chocolate chip cookies and some chocolate chips.
Our student from Denmark's brother was BIG into cars and racing. She sent him NASCAR stuff- She sent her mom Brighton Jewelry. Her dad, something that said Florida (really from University of Florida- but he wouldn't know the difference).
Other ideas- most Europeans love wine and would really appreciate a good American Wine- just pack it well in your suitcase. Maybe for the boys something that says "Maryland" (They won't get the connection with the University of Maryland). Also a small football would be a novelty
Books with mostly pictures of the USA or of your area are also nice- we have always loved getting the books from the students that we have hosted.
Hope this has helped. Have a great exchange!!
Our student from Denmark's brother was BIG into cars and racing. She sent him NASCAR stuff- She sent her mom Brighton Jewelry. Her dad, something that said Florida (really from University of Florida- but he wouldn't know the difference).
Other ideas- most Europeans love wine and would really appreciate a good American Wine- just pack it well in your suitcase. Maybe for the boys something that says "Maryland" (They won't get the connection with the University of Maryland). Also a small football would be a novelty
Books with mostly pictures of the USA or of your area are also nice- we have always loved getting the books from the students that we have hosted.
Hope this has helped. Have a great exchange!!
Aug 27th, 2009, 05:45 AM
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First of all, have a wonderful 4 months!
Of course you can't take crabs, but aren't there funny Tshirts, paperweights, or similar things with crabs on them? You don't want to go too cheap or dip into off-color humor, of course, but people can understand what a mascot is when it pops up on something else.
I completely agree with the idea of baseball caps, think what team to take might have more to do with whether the kids in question like to stand out from the crowd or not. Of course, you're not only from Baltimore--your town or neighborhood have their own mascots, and some US stars and stripes might be just right if you're going in the summer. You could also take other stuff related to your life and family--spirit items from your school, a play first aid kit if your family's in a medical profession (just a random example).
As for the mom's request--you don't want to ignore her wish, but I can see that a box of baking mix seems a bit paltry. Maida Heater's book of chocolate desserts includes an entire chapter of brownie recipes. You could get the book, measuring cups and spoons and a baking pan for mom, plus a cute kid cooking set for the little one (Bed, Bath and Beyond used to have them for $5, but you'd probably want to take out the plastic apron)
There's a novel my sister loved about the horses--something like "Chenateague"--if the older kids are learning English, they (or at least their parents) might appreciate the fun practice.
Most of all, take your sunshine-iest side and be interested in their lives while you're there. My host family in Switzerland got a kick out of the Tshirts and stuff I took along, but what's kept our relationship alive for 25 years since then is the love I got (still get!) from my host mom, and my relationships with my 'siblings'.
Of course you can't take crabs, but aren't there funny Tshirts, paperweights, or similar things with crabs on them? You don't want to go too cheap or dip into off-color humor, of course, but people can understand what a mascot is when it pops up on something else.
I completely agree with the idea of baseball caps, think what team to take might have more to do with whether the kids in question like to stand out from the crowd or not. Of course, you're not only from Baltimore--your town or neighborhood have their own mascots, and some US stars and stripes might be just right if you're going in the summer. You could also take other stuff related to your life and family--spirit items from your school, a play first aid kit if your family's in a medical profession (just a random example).
As for the mom's request--you don't want to ignore her wish, but I can see that a box of baking mix seems a bit paltry. Maida Heater's book of chocolate desserts includes an entire chapter of brownie recipes. You could get the book, measuring cups and spoons and a baking pan for mom, plus a cute kid cooking set for the little one (Bed, Bath and Beyond used to have them for $5, but you'd probably want to take out the plastic apron)
There's a novel my sister loved about the horses--something like "Chenateague"--if the older kids are learning English, they (or at least their parents) might appreciate the fun practice.
Most of all, take your sunshine-iest side and be interested in their lives while you're there. My host family in Switzerland got a kick out of the Tshirts and stuff I took along, but what's kept our relationship alive for 25 years since then is the love I got (still get!) from my host mom, and my relationships with my 'siblings'.
Aug 27th, 2009, 05:56 AM
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Our relative from Finland loved pumpkin pie and they don't have that in Finland. So we sent 2 cans of pumpkin, measuring cups, measuring spoons and the recipe.
I have thought about sending a variety of nuts. Do they have peanuts, walnuts etc in Europe. I know they don't have Tabasco sauce in some areas and we have had to send that.
Cake mixes are always a hit. Used to take Hershey candy but now it is made in Mexico so think Ghiradelli chocolate would be good. How about Jelly Bellys?
I have thought about sending a variety of nuts. Do they have peanuts, walnuts etc in Europe. I know they don't have Tabasco sauce in some areas and we have had to send that.
Cake mixes are always a hit. Used to take Hershey candy but now it is made in Mexico so think Ghiradelli chocolate would be good. How about Jelly Bellys?
Aug 27th, 2009, 06:09 AM
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I have to say that if I asked someone to bring me cake mix from the US and they brought me a recipe book and utensils, I might not be as thrilled as I would with the cake mix. Brownie recipes are available online.
Bratsandbeer,
Walnut trees abound in Europe (where I live, there is a wonderful pasta sauce made with walnuts, milk and a bit of bread pounded in a mortar). Peanuts are readily available, although they are imported. Pecans are not so common. They are an American specialty.
Bratsandbeer,
Walnut trees abound in Europe (where I live, there is a wonderful pasta sauce made with walnuts, milk and a bit of bread pounded in a mortar). Peanuts are readily available, although they are imported. Pecans are not so common. They are an American specialty.
Aug 27th, 2009, 06:11 AM
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PS: I don't know about Jelly Bellys, but Gummi bears are from Germany and most Europeans are quite familiar with jelly candies -- and mothers there are no more happy about the dentist bills they cause than they are in America.
Aug 27th, 2009, 06:32 AM
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I'd like to second the idea of photo books of local areas. My son lived in Baltimore for a long time, and among other possibilities would be a coffee table type book on the Chesapeake Bay, or about Annapolis, or just one on Baltimore itself. I imagine there are many such elegant photo essay books.
Have a wonderful exchange.
Have a wonderful exchange.
Aug 27th, 2009, 07:53 AM
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recipes and measuring equipment might be more of a pain for the recipient who asked for mix, indeed, but once a mix is gone it's gone. My suggestion was not to take "just" the mix, by which I meant to say the stuff for making more later could be added on.
Last time I went home the the US a friend here in Germany asked me to bring brownie mix and a book that would've had ridiculous shipping charges. I did both, and later gave her the brownie section of that cookbook with measuring spoons and a baking set for her kid. Either she's a good actress or the diy was a hit.
Last time I went home the the US a friend here in Germany asked me to bring brownie mix and a book that would've had ridiculous shipping charges. I did both, and later gave her the brownie section of that cookbook with measuring spoons and a baking set for her kid. Either she's a good actress or the diy was a hit.
Aug 27th, 2009, 08:38 AM
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The DVD about the ponies of Chincoteague sounds good, but it will be the wrong signal to play in Europe unless your hosts have DVD player that plays both. (many people do) The books about the ponies are also good. I loved those when I was younger. Disney stuff is available everywhere. The Crab t-shirts sound like fun. Brownie mix and also the cups and spoons and a Maryland cook book are great. I am pretty sure that Denmark has good semi-sweet chocolate and also jello. Coffee table books or calendars of your area are also a lovely idea.
If the Danish brownie mix in the stores tastes anything like the stuff they try to pass off as brownie mix in Germany, it is no wonder she would like you to bring some!
If the Danish brownie mix in the stores tastes anything like the stuff they try to pass off as brownie mix in Germany, it is no wonder she would like you to bring some!
