Going to China in October and will be visiting a couple of schools, elementary most likely. What would be good, packable gifts to bring to the children? Have read on these postings that individual M&M bags are adored. Agree? Any other items recommended?

And if we visit in a Chinese family's home, what would be appropriate there?

RG, I don't know if this helps. We visited Beijing in July and we brought "typically" american candy to give in party bags as gifts. From what I remember, among other things were cracker jacks, reeses PB cups, cotton candy, bite size snickers and milkey ways. The families seemed to really appreciate the idea. We also thought that the gift of sweets are an inrternational message of warmth and thanks. Hope this helps.

Cheese peanut butter crackers in the individual packages. Crayola crayons, gel pens, post it notes, hello kitty items, pencil sharpeners, glittery pencils, those little paint sets, cornnuts, etc.

Great ideas, keep'em coming...I am making a list.

PEZ toys with the candy- get a bunch of these as I'm sure they will be a big hit with the elementary kids- get different characters.