Lu B.

I would most appreciate your help. I have a friend who I am visiting in Denmark in March. I want to bring her something for she and her husband, 3 teenagers (two girls, one boy)and one youngster, age 11 (boy). When she came to visit me she brought wonderful Danish gifts...Royal Copenhagen, amber pieces. When I ask what she would like, she says "typical American"! I certainly am American, but I do not know what is typical! I don't want T-shirts, I want to give keepsakes (not too too expensive). I would love your ideas. Thank you!

Don

For Mom and Dad, I'd take a nice bottle of California wine. Maybe a '96 Beringer Coastal Chardonnay (about $15 here, much more there!) or a <BR>'96 Napa Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon (about $11 here). Or how about a Smithfield ham? <BR> <BR>For the kids, sports stuff (like a fitted Chicago Bulls cap) or Disney stuff might work--teens are so finicky, you never know. I help run summer camps for teens in Europe and know that cartoon characters are generally popular with teens there (not as "childish" as we might think in the States). <BR> <BR>Another idea for the family: a nice framed poster of American art, like maybe one of Georgia O'keeffe's flowers or a Hopper print (not a numbered print, unless you want to spend really big bucks!). Hopper is quite popular with the Copenhagers I know. <BR>

Caroline

Lu B., <BR> <BR>Hi. I'm a college student and I will be traveling to the UK in less than a month, and I have that same exact dilemma - what to buy for my host family. However, if your friend wants something that's "typical American," then perhaps you might consider buying her something that is "indigenous" to your neck of the woods of the U.S. For example, I'm from Washington state, which is famous for its apples. So, maybe a small, decorated basket of apples would suffice. Have you considered even going to the book store and buying a picture book of your home state? That's another idea. <BR> <BR>Good Luck!

Linda

I find that electronic organizers are good gifts as they are expensive in Europe. For boys, hockey jerseys; girls, cds.

Aurora

We, too, have longtime friends in Denmark. My wife discovered that cosmetics -- because of huge excise taxes -- are very expensive. Luckily, she and our friend's wife use the same colors. Revlon scored a huge hit with her. For him, we found that CDs are much more expensive there and that they are absolutely nuts about Dixieland jazz and old-time blues.

Diane

When my daughter was a gymnast, we hosted a team from Germany. Then our girls went over there. The most popular gifts among teenage girls were CDs and make-up. They also loved Seventeen and Glamour magazines (to practice their English -- which was 300% better than our girls' German) And a big hit with the younger kids was bubblegum tape. (Yes, the gross, cheap stuff available at the 7-11.) University of (whatever state you are from) would be a good t-shirt or sweatshirt choice.

Diane

Almost left off the "adult" choices: <BR>Maybe a sampler of Cajun spices and sauces from Louisiana, or a Pennsylvania Dutch quilt, American Indian turquoise (I'm trying to think comparables to Royal Copenhagen!)A coffee table book of the region you're from (you don't mention). We sent a beautiful book about the Chesapeake Bay along with our daughter and she brought back an equally lovely book about Ulm, Germany.

Lu B.

Thanks, please keep these great ideas coming! I really appreciate them. I am a quilter, so when she visited me I sent her home with 3 quilts! And, turquoise is one of the gifts I thought of bringing to my friend and her two daughters. I love all the ideas. I have used this website for travel research, but have never visited this forum before. It is wonderful. Thanks to all, I'm sure others travelling abroad are taking notes here too! Lu

Maira

Lu B.: I have friends in Poland (Lublin) and Germany (Wegberg) and they are always very gracious and appreciative of any present, no matter how simple it seemed to us. I would prepare a Gift Basket with the following items: <BR> <BR>- Christmas ornament. My friend from Germany loves the bright glass ornaments (they have more than enough of wooden ornaments!). I mailed her some last X-mas and they made it! She still raves about them! <BR> <BR>- Fridge magnet with a scene of your hometown. <BR> <BR>- A calendar with scenes of your state. <BR> <BR>-Little gifts from your region/states /city, i.e. Maple syrup from Vermont, praline candies from Louisiana, Apple pancake mix from New York, Starbuck's coffee, hot salsa from New Mexico, barbecue sauce from a local restaurant, etc, etc.....(some of this stuff you may be able to find at the supermarket!) <BR> <BR>- Some maps and a photography book of the region. <BR> <BR>- Does the family have a pet? My friend from Poland went abosolutely crazy over a $5.00 catnip toy I got for her cat! <BR> <BR>- ...and finally double-frame a picture of your family along with an invitation for them to visit!

Beth

I would think a regional cookbook from wherever you are might be fun. I know I bring them back as souvenirs when I visit some place. Coupled with regional ingredients would make a nice give. Like a Louisiana cookbook, and some cajun spices. Or a New England cookbook with some maple syrup.

Aurora

Do NOT give video tapes; European system is different and incompatible with the U.S. system.

kam

Any American craft artist---I bring a lot of signed glass pieces from Northern California glass studios. Clinique makeup or moisturizer is a hit--there's a shade of lipstick called "Black Honey" that seems to suit everyone and looks different on each person. CD's for the teens---find an American teen and pick their brain. Sports Tshirts or Sweatshirts for the boys. And, we never visit anyone without buying our two allowable liters of Scotch (I know, it's not American but very much appreciated!) A handheld game might be good for the 11 year old, or a book about your home town. I have taken books about the 49 gold rush, the Golden Gate bridge construction and a collection of music and words for American folk songs to kids of various ages. Lenox china is American if you want to repeat the Royal Copenhagen theme. I'm sure there's lots of other ideas. Friends in Europe really appreciate something from your home town. <BR>