Gift ideas For New Zealand family
 

My family and I are travelling travelling to Dunedin and the South Island of NZ for a month. Along with the help of all you fellow fodorites, (Thank you), our host family in Dunedin has been extremely helpful to us. Does anyone have suggestions for a gift for them? Is there something that Kiwis have difficulty getting or appreciate from the U.S.. Thanks

It depends on the budget you have in mind. I think a Leatherman multi-tool thing would go over well.

http://www.leatherman.com/

Hi Joe,

I think whatever you bring them will be most appreciated! As far as something hard to get...my friend Lisa, from the US but who set up a B&B on the South Island requested Neosporin...apparently they don't have it there!

My first experience with Kiwi hospitality was on a business trip with other travel agents. I sprained not one, but BOTH ankles the first day of the trip (and I was not drunk, honest). We HAD to go to a host dinner at our first stop in Christchurch and boy, even with the ice, I was in pain. A helpful waitress (not even waiting on our table) tended to me, and one of the women on the trip had all sorts of stuff from her home state, Alaska. She gave her some potholders and the waitress was thrilled!

I learned alot from this experience, and now carry "momentos" from the US to give to deserving / helpful people on my trips......I find it doesn't really matter....people are so happy to have a gift from a different location!

I gave our taxi driver Russel Stover chocolates in the Whitsundays; "cool balls" (see the website..coolballs.com) to train employees in Cairns; key chains from San Francisco to a very helpful Security Guard at the pier terminal in Melbourne on the way to Tasmania..it's lots of fun!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

Melodie - what a great idea!

Joe - I've found that regional cookbooks from my home state (or any state for that matter) are a big hit with host families in other countries.

Measurements tend to be different, but it's easy enough to convert most recipes with a simple conversion chart, readily available on the Internet.

I don't know where you're from, but you might also consider a specialty item from your particular area. You know, things like coffee from Hawaii, pecans from Texas, etc.

Melodie:
Thanks for the insight. Thats a great idea, because we certainly will be travelling around and meeting many other people. We'll be there for a month.

May I suggest that, if you are planning to bring food items, you check first as to whether you are allowed to import them. Some items may be on a prohibited list.

Books about you home state - with pics, may be a good idea

Good point Margo, I completely forgot about that.

Books from your home state with pics are great - fridge magnets depicting your neck of the woods keep other guests amused and are appreciated by host - anything hand made - a guest crocheted me little jug covers and attached local shells and everyone loves them. Teatowels from your area sound a bit trite - but they do get used. Food (jams, chocs. nuts etc) is always good!