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- Australia & the Pacific (https://www.fodors.com/community/australia-and-the-pacific/)

- - Hostess Gifts (https://www.fodors.com/community/australia-and-the-pacific/hostess-gifts-278853/)

For those of you who are Australian... what shall I pack in my suitcase for our host (whom I have never met!) Specifically, the proprietor of a Bed and Breakfast who has been very helpful with our travel plans. Anything that is available here in California that is not available in Oz? I remember when my husband went 10 years ago that Reebok tennis shoes were the rage and in Australia, very expensive. Any ideas are appreciated! Thanks. Lynette

i don't think the host was that helpful. Only kidding lynette I am sure she is very nice. Talk to you soon

Lynette, I went to Melbourne last year 5 days after the WTC trady. I had already sent a box of gifts ahead. The box sitting there for 2 more weeks tormented my hosts kids. Anyway little did I know that the dozen FLAG kerchiefs I had purchased were going to be a hit. Could have been all in the timing but they were snatched up quickly. I'm leaving in 15 days to go back again and have sent 2 dozen more on ahead of me. Sandi

Great... I have a nice supply that I keep for election parties and July 4th celebrations... I'll tuck a few in my suitcase! Anyone else?

This will sound silly but everytime I go to the States or Canada I bring home a large tin of Crisco Vegetable shortening to make my pastry with - it is the absolute best thing ever invented and is a no fail, doesn't matter what you do with the pastry, pastry shortening that is available. I have bought it in Australia about 2 years ago but it went off the shelves as quickly as it came on.........shame. Just thought you may like to know that one, not that you would want to lug a tub of that with you.

Hi Lynette In Australia we see lots of American movies and TV so we are aware of the American lifestyle. One thing that my nieces and nephews liked from America were the American chocolates (candies) we hear about but are not widely available here like Reeces Peeces, Hershey bars, Oreo cookies etc. Excuse my spelling of the American chocolates please. These things have recently become available in limited supplies at supermarkets but are still not mainstream. These are fun for kids. For the adults it may seem like coals to Newcastle but some Napa Valley wine could do the trick.

You're the best! I appreciate your suggestions and am so hyper about this trip that every little thing, each detail, makes me even more excited! (Pathetic isn't it?) :)

Be careful about bringing food into Australia - ignore the Chrisco suggestion as customs may have a purple fit. Chocolates and sweets are usually OK but make sure you declare them. Like most airports these days, better to declare than look silly later on. How about a book on USA or even some magazines or newspapers. With the exchange rates, American magazines are really expensive here.

Hi Lynette! I've never actually taken a "hostess" gift per se...when a friend of mine bought a B&B in the South Island of NZ, I was given a shopping list of things to bring (Ziplock bags, gallon size; and those mini-Ritz cracker thingies with the cheese and peanut butter for her kids). However, I do always pack what I term "thank you prezzies" for people who go above and beyond the call of duty on my trips. I try to find small or flat, packable things that don't take up too much room. Pot holders, Russell Stover mini-chocolate boxes; key chains, cool balls (yes, I know, you're wondering what the HECK those are)! They have a website, which is I believe, www.coolballs.com. Those Jack in the Box type things you stick on your car antenna or a pen, basically. It's funny how excited people can get about a $2 momento! A good example - I recently got back from Tasmania. I wanted to experience the new ferry boat going from Melbourne to Launceston; we dropped off our rental car at the airport and proceeded to the ferry terminal by cab, thinking we'd drop off our bags and then go for a nice leisurely dinner before the ferry arrived. Since this was 6 hrs. before it was due to arrive, the terminal was empty except for one guy on duty at the ticket office. Well, due to the Bali terrorist incident, they had removed all the lockers! When I asked about putting our bags behind the counter they refused. After some additional conversation they offered to find the Security Guard on duty and he very nicely led us to the Ladies Room / Baby Changing station which had a lock on it to store our bags (did I mention it was also raining ? :) This guy was so helpful! So, after dinner, I dove into the bag, found the San Francisco surf board key chain and the cool ball soccer ball, put one in each hand, and said "thank you for all you've done, I have a choice of 2 prezzies for you"..and described them - he chose the surf board key chain. I walked back to our seats, and then watched with great amusement as he immediately put his keys on the new key chain and then showed it to his fellow co-workers! Great fun! Regards, Melodie Certified Aussie Specialist

Hi Lyn - thanks!!! I would probably be the only person in the world who would travel with a can of Crisco anyway so the issue won't arise for anyone else, I can be sure of that. But having had a B&B and having had some very lovely American visitors who always brought me something I know that whatever you take will be most appreciated. I always like to get Christmas decorations from other parts of the world. Last year when I was in LA I bought one of those little mini radio/casette type things which had tiny cassetts you inserted and which dangled off the item. Britney Speers was one of the singers I know that much because my G/son said that he didn't like her too much but she sure was pretty! I hope you know what I mean with these things - they are about 1 1/2 inches square and I have never seen them in Australia. Another thing that I saw in LA that I bought was a pair of small binoculars ( but quite powerful) for $19US. Things like that in Australia are much more expensive. This was from a specialist Sports store. Now I am assuming that your B&B lady won't want any of those things so I would just go with other people's ideas of magazines/wines/or even a couple of cans of BUD. You won't need to bring much 'cause the thought is what counts and I am sure she will appreciate anything. Even a little flag would be nice too so that she can put that in the dining room of the B&B. Or an American flag styled kitchen towel. And just so this doesn't sound terse - Hugs and kisses Liz xxx

Liz, You crack me up! Happy New Year! Lynette

Interesting removal of a couple of posts here!!

You noticed! I got a chuckle out of that! I've never been involved with a "post removal" before! I feel so wicked! LOL!

There has also been a total removal of one or two themes as well. See, there are people at Fodors who check things out from time to time which is probably a very good thing too. You realize though Lyn that we will require a full, and daily, account of your trip seeing you are this wicked ;o)

Yes, I will be happy to give a full accounting of my Australian experiences! I've gotten so much geat advice from the regulars on this board... and in several months I only remember seeing one or two trip reports. Such a shame! We're flying out May 28 from Los Angeles to Brisbane and I can't wait!