Tulips

I know plenty of people who would not be happy if you brought sugary sweets for their kids. I wouldn't dare bring candy for my nephews, my SIL would not be amused.
And having just returned from California, I suspect that some American parents are the same.

Why not t-shirts or toys?

suze

Maybe a collection of things local to your area? Maybe assorted candies, trinkets (mini flashlights, pins, pens, etc.), baseball hats, sport team stuff, tshirts.

I do agree you need to privately check with the parents first before presenting a bunch of candy to their kids. That's right in any situation.

Jay_G

Checking before giving sweets to children?

What next? Refusing to pass the bear a roll of toilet paper as he starts ambling towards the woods with a copy of The Times folded to the crossword section under his arm?

sparkchaser

I make it a point to shower children I visit with sweets and toys but make it known that it is up the parental units to decide upon the schedule with which the goodies will be handed out.

suze

That's fine sparkchaser, unless the parents don't want the kids to have it at all. Then you've put them in a terrible spot.

I'm surprised the 'don't give candy to kids w/out permission' seems like news to some people posting here.

sparkchaser

I guess I don't have any sticks in the mud with regards to that. I come through once every 12-24 months to grace them with my presence and they aren't going to be adorable little petri dishes forever.

sparkchaser

I don't think I have any parents that ask that I not give candy. Maybe the parents confiscate it for themselves? I know I would.

littlejane

Second the suggestion of maple syrup - good for the kids as well as the adults as they will love it for pancakes in the mornings. Would bring any "sucky sweets" or "chewy sweets" but steer clear of chocolate as british kids find the north american chocolate too bitter.

sparkchaser

Two words: necco wafers. Europe, you're welcome.

PalenQ

but as for US candy I wouldn't bother. There is as good and better available anywhere in the UK.>

better maple syrup candy?

NewbE

<'don't give candy to kids w/out permission' >

Please be serious.

We're talking about walking in the front door with packages--"Hi! These are for little Hermione and Beowulf!"--not sneaking up to them on the playground and going "Psst, kid, want some candy?"

If the parents don't want the kids to have the candy, next move is theirs.

PalenQ

Beef jerky or for Canucks Moose jerky could be a real treat for kids - when my French son was young it was a real treat they did not have in France and all his friends loved a taste too.

Now I see it in American airports so is still a popular American thing redolent of the Wild West.

Odin

Unfortunately meat products from outside EU are not allowed to be brought into the UK or France.

Melnq8

Well, personally, I adore those soft candies made from pure maple in the shape of maple leaves and if you were to bring me some, we'd be friends for life! They also travel well.

Photo here:

http://onthefourthfloor.com/2013/07/...ada-day-3.html

sparkchaser

I've seen jerky in the UK. Biltong too. Mmmmm...biltong.

Heimdall

The jerky and biltong found in the UK are produced inside the EU. My daughter's South African BF makes his own biltong in London. Once you've tasted biltong you will turn your nose up at jerky.

Not quite the same, but Peperami used to be a popular snack in pubs.

sparkchaser

I had a friend from South Africa bring me some legit biltong via a <redacted> pilot. It was glorious.

Heimdall

Ask him to bring you some ostrich biltong next time - makes a change from beef.

sparkchaser

He gave me beef, ostrich, and some kind of antelope/deer type thing.

It was all glorious.

bilboburgler

and, of course, all illegal