I need some advice on buying gifts for our hosts in Europe. I want to find something that is genuinely Canadian that would be appreciated by our hosts, but that isn't too big (not much room) or outrageously expensive (or perishable)

Any ideas would be appreciated!!

When I toured Europe in a marching band (many, many years ago) I took over a photograph book of the Canadian Rockies and my hosts seemed to really like that. Also, you might consider some native art (e.g. small Inuit carving) or some maple syrup and/or maple sugar candy.

I am always wary of bringing food items. It is bad enough to have your own food items confiscated but if it is a gift, you are stuck empty handed!

I think the idea of Inuit art is great. What about a little inukshuk? A stylized inukshuk is the logo of the Vancouver Olympics so it would become a great conversation piece in their social circle.

Chrispet, I have gained the impression from a couple of your posts that you live in or near Calgary. If that is so, I have found the store attached to the Glenbow Museum to be a good source of gifts for people overseas. One can find something small that packs well, that is not outrageously expensive, and that is very Canadian.

If you do not live in or near Calgary, but if you have access to a museum in another city, the same holds true. I usually find stores that are attached to museums to be good sources of gifts.

In addition to gifts for hosts, which are a little nicer and a little more expensive, I also pack a few really small, inexpensive things, like cowboy bandanas. I keep them on hand and give them to strangers who do unexpectedly kind things for me along the way.

Many people in Western Europe speak English, but many people in Central and Eastern Europe don't. I gave a bandana to a woman in Serbia who did me a favour. I told her I was from CANADA, and the bandana was something that a COWBOY would use. I could tell she didn't have the foggiest idea what I was talking about. So I took the bandana and tied it across my face. Then I planted my feet apart on the ground, leaned forward and made motions that simulated being on a galloping horse. She pointed at me, nodded, laughed, and said something I couldn't understand, but I could tell she had gotten it. Then I took the bandana off, gave it to her, and she smiled and said something that obviouly was the equivalent of, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."

That is one of the things that I think is fun about travelling -- connecting with people along the way.

What about a calendar of Canadian scenes?

Great story Judy!
I too find that museum stores have a wide variety of items in different price ranges that are perfect for taking as gifts.....or bringing home.

Thanks Judy, I am in Calgary. I hadn't thought of the Glenbow, I had thought of trying the Tower, and since they are pretty close I can try both. And the story was great. It just re-affirms why I want to do this!!!

Hi Chrispet,
It's not a Calgary gift, but Seagull Pewter is made in Canada (Nova Scotia, I think) and there are so many beautiful items. Many of them are quite small and light so they'd be easily transportable -- items like candle snuffers, pate knives, jewellery, etc. They're lovely household items -- more than just 'souvenirs'.

Sorry to say but nix the Seagull Pewter idea. It is now owned by a company that produces most of it in Malaysia. I know this is terribly disappointing but the company had financial trouble a few years ago and sold out.

I did go to a pewter shop/craftshop when we were in NS last summer (possibly in Mahone Bay) -- but maybe it wasn't Seagull. There were actually craftmen making the items there. I'll try to find a website.

Maybe it was Amos Pewter I was at. The items were lovely and I see from the website that you can shop online.

http://www.amospewter.com/index.html

irecommend -- do they (Seagull) produce any of it in Canada still?

I operated a gift store for 9 years and we carried a lot of Seagull Pewter for the first six years. The Canadian operators went bankrupt and it was sold to Royal Selangor. The items we recieved this Christmas ALL said made in Malaysia. It was disappointing and we stopped carrying it. I dont know what is at the Pugwash operation or whether it is now just there as an outlet.

What about Icewine? You can purchase small bottles (50mls - $7.00) for a single serving or 200ml - 375ml (from $25-$80). Canada is known worldwide for icewine. If they appreciate wine, this is a unique treat that they may not have tried.

smoked salmon..