I would love suggestions for suitable gifts for our Canadian hosts. What would Canadians like from Australia? Australian wine comes to mind but we will be travelling extensively (including a cruise) before the visit so that would be very awkward. Please help.

I'm not sure how old your hosts are, but if it were me, I'd love a little furry koala bear. But then I love teddy bears.. so nothing would make me happier.

Our friends from Australia have brought us the following:

For children - Australian storybooks like Storm Boy, toy koalas/kangaroos (the tiny ones whose hands are clips), Australia flag pins, mock road signs (Koalas next 2km, etc.)

For adults? Australian tea/biscuits, calendars with Australian landscapes, Aboriginal artwork pieces (weavings, towels, ashtrays, baskets, t-shirts, etc).

I guess an authentic Aboriginal boomerang's out of the question.

How about a CD of Ted Egan music?

Another idea - a DVD of your favourite Aussie comedy/movie that is unheard of outside of Oz.

How could I forget.. Tim Tams!! I know a few people who would do just about anything for a Tim Tam.

If it was me, Hugh Jackman or his twin brother!

Australian chocolates - Cherry Ripe, for example, is completely unheard of here.

Skip the Vegemite - nobody would know what to eat it with

Thanks all, that is all very helpful. I already knew better than to try the vegemite. All but Australians find it disgusting. I've since thought of scenic DVD's of Oz from Australian Geographic stores.

Just bring some sunshine

Hello Cessnock, if you have a woman to bring a gift to I would suggest a scarf with an Aboriginal design. I was given one from an Australian couple who are friends and I love it so much and always get compliments when I wear it. Scarves are so easy to pack in your luggage also which is good.