gelatolover

My 20 year old daughter is leaving in four days for a four-week study abroad program in Madrid. Seeking ideas for some gifts for the host family. While my daughter was assigned to this host family by her university, unfortunately, we haven't been given any other details about them. Having done a search on the forums for host family gifts, I've read a lot of suggestions regarding books, crafts, etc. I think I would prefer to go with giving food gifts.

We're in an area where we don't have a Whole Foods or a Williams Sonoma or Trader Joe's. We do have a Fresh Market, a Schuck's, and a huge WalMart. ;-)

I've gathered a list of possible gifts and would like to hear your feedback if it's a nay or a yea!

Maple syrup
What about adding some pancake mix from the Fresh Market?

Nicer American-made chocolates. Any suggestions? I've bought several varieties of Vosges Haut Chocolates from the Fresh Market, and the store does have several other unique types of artisan chocolates. If you have other suggestions, I can try to order some online but will have to have it shipped overnight or 2-days - what with this heat and all.

Bourbon balls or Bourbon Chocolate Candy (we're 15 minutes from Kentucky)

I bought some jars of organic Apricot and Peach conserve from a recent trip to San Francisco and was wondering if this can be added to the gift list? http://www.froghollow.com/collection...ricot-conserve

How about a small bottle of Maker's Mark? I'm not a bourbon connoisseur and am playing safe with this brand.

My daughter is 20 y/o. Will she be breaking any law by "transporting" liquor?

Would love to hear your comments and other suggestions.

Thanks!

gelatolover

Sorry to butcher the name of my favorite local grocery store. It's Schnucks.

chapla

Nowadays you can buy just about anything when it comes to food from the States.I used to bring jelly beans but even those you can buy in the Corte Ingles store!
Chocolate will not be impressive-they have their own Valor and it's too hot to travel with it!Preserves are wonderful in Spain!
I would stick with a book,maybe of your State and maybe some hard candies.

jamikins

To be honest, I cant imagine them not appreciating any effort you make - all those ideas sound fine to me!

BigAleinstein

We have family in Spain and this always a problem. One SIL is going in a few weeks and is not sure what to bring. I think the gifts they liked the best were hand made jewelry. Our relatives are fussy eaters and they love what they love but are resistent to new foods, even the younger ones. I do not know if this national trait or a genetic condition.

Christina

I would NOT give them maple syrup and boxed pancake mix. A lot of people won't even like that, but cheap boxed packaged mixes are not a very nice hostess gift. I'm American and I wouldn't even eat that and don't like maple syrup, either, it is acquired taste and of little use in normal life.

BigAleinstein

As noted in the other gift topic. Last year we brought maple syrup to our friends in Yorkshire. They liked it because it is expensive there and they do not get the same quality as here in the states.

gelatolover

chapla,
Didn't get the chance to read your response until after I had gone and placed an order for chocolates. Was browsing some of my favorite chocolate websites and noted the complimentary overnight shipping being offered by La Maison du Chocolat. Well! What a convenient excuse to enjoy a favorite! So I went ahead and ordered a signature gift box assortment for the host family (never mind that it's French and not US made) and some cognac truffles and other goodies for us here at home. (As an aside, it's a shame that they still won't ship their delicious macarons, but the rep told me that they are now considering it because of the apparent demand for those treats). My daughter is flying directly to Madrid and I'll make sure she hands the hosts the chocolates as soon as she is able to open her suitcase. I sure hope the hosts like chocolate…...

And yes, I will go and part with my precious jars of organic apricot and peach conserves to add to the hostess gift bag.

jamikins,
Thanks - that is very reassuring to hear.

I am having second thoughts about the Bourbon because I am not sure if they even enjoy these liquid refreshments. So I guess the bourbon balls are iffy now? Sigh….

BigA,
Am a bit apprehensive to give hand-made jewelry, not knowing the host and having no idea about her style. There is a fine gallery in town that showcase very high quality hand-made jewelry, pottery, artisan glass, and other artwork from all over the US (and actually, the world). It's my go-to place for gifts but only if I truly know the recipient. I can pop over there today and maybe get a lovely sterling silver bracelet or pendant for the hostess.

Christina,
Noted your comment about the maple syrup/pancakes. While I occasionally make home-made pancakes, I've enjoyed some good packaged brands from Williams Sonoma and the Fresh Market that were almost as good as home-made. After I read your comment about maple syrup/acquired taste - now I guess that is being removed from the list as well. Just as well, perhaps, since these are quite bulky and heavy anyway. Would you care to suggest a couple of items I can add to the goodie package?

I would love to hear some more suggestions…..

BKP

Although I'm sure Christina is quite intelligent she can only share her opinion. Why would you let one stranger's opinion change your mind? If you want to bring maple syrup and pancake mix you should. If you were planning on a Williams Sonoma mix that is a bit different than a bag of bisquik! While the ingredients for pancakes are readily available most Europeans are more familiar with thin crepe style pancakes than with big fluffy American ones. You can buy "maple syrup" but it really is very different from what is available in the states.

But whatever you bring like jamikins said, it's the thought that counts!

chapla

I hope your daughter is prepared for the summer heat in Madrid!Do like the locals and keep crossing the street to walk on the shady side and drink plenty of water!

BigAleinstein

If your daughter is really lucky they will take her to some time to a beach to escape the heat like many other madrileños. Santander and San Sebastian/Donostia are popular.

gelatolover

BKP: Thanks. As soon as DD finishes packing, will check how much space/weight we can add and add these to the goodie bag since I have these items in my pantry anyway - heh, unopened, of course

Chapla - Your concern is valid because she is quite prone to heat stroke. I was worried about the heat factor when we gave DD our approval to go ahead with this trip. She'll be packing along her much-loved Thermos Intak BPA-Free water bottle that has been her daily companion for her entire junior year. Now keeping my fingers crossed that she'll stay hydrated and exercise common sense.

BigA - this is a topic that surfaced over dinner last night. Since she only has school from Mondays thru Thursdays, that leaves big chunks of weekends available for her to go about and explore. We've taken our kids to Spain for our Christmas vacation 2011 and have been to Madrid, Granada and Seville. Since she's never been to Barcelona, that is on her weekend list. She has a school mate who will be there for the same summer session and has mentioned to her that he will be going to London for the weekend, but is staying with family. He had mentioned that he can ask if she can stay with his relatives. I would prefer for my daughter to go on these journeys with at least one person, and I'm strongly inclined to have her pursue London because of this friend. (ooops, will have to designate one box of "our" La Maison chocolates for the London host family, IF she will be going with her friend to London).

She is rooming with a female school-mate, but unfortunately, this young lady had just recently taken short trips to France and Italy and does not want to consider going back with my daughter.

This is digressing from the thread, but we could use some ideas for one of her weekend ramblings. I'll make sure to mention to her BigA's beach suggestions. While she is already certain to go to Barcelona, and maybe one more other local excursion (i.e., within Spain), she is quite keen on using up her hard-earned savings to explore a country or two (not that it's going to be an in-depth exploration, with just short 3-day visits). I can't even get her a guidebook or two, or help her plan anything because unfortunately, it seems that these college kids prefer to "wing it" and go their merry way, unlike us old folks who peruse threads like these with such an intensity, afraid to miss one more tidbit, advice, or tip that could make or break a trip.

BigAleinstein

The host family will be will aware of Santander and Donostia and if they do not have reservations this late it will be tough. There is a beach that few Americans visit called Malpica outside of Santiago de Compostela, elegant it is not but just right for students.

I have flown Vueling on a number of occasions and as students they will learn of it soon. It is a cheapo airline complete with all the surcharges and inconvencies.

Their hosts can also direct them to trips to the many worthwhile towns around Madrid-Segovia, Avila, Salamanca, Cuenca.

Like I said just tell them look on-line at Time Out Madrid and Barcelona.