xxx

My vote is definitely a bottle of really good wine, probably from California but could be from another state (just make sure it is known for being a really good wine). Europeans and Germans do love good wine, and they are particularly proud of the ones from their own regions.

Babs

Thanks to all for your input! Boy, I sure enjoyed reading your posts and had a few hearty laughs along the way.<BR>We have two remaining gifts to purchase for two very nice casual type guys. We are Floridians and thought maybe they might enjoy Miami Dolphins baseball caps. This way, you get the Florida connection and something practical to wear. We actually live in Tampa Bay Buccaneer area, but I like the Dolphin theme better. What do you think?<BR>Thanks in Advance

Sharon

Hey Barb why not accompany your idea with a nice bottle of California wine. There are some good ones that do not cost very much. Have fun in Germany!

ttt

topping for Barb

Sadie

We had a similar problem. My son has been living in Germany for the last year and working for a computer company there. We visited him in May and wanted to bring gifts for his host family and co-workers. The biggest hits were:<BR><BR>Coffee mugs: Any thing with corporate logo or tourist attraction on it. We live near Kennedy Space Center and the NASA ensigna was popular. We filled the mugs with gourmet coffee packets or candy.<BR><BR>Hats: Our German hosts were not fans of American football, but anything with an NBA team on it was a hit! You might try the Miami Heat or Orlando Magic. Ron Jon's Surf Shop hats were also popular with younger host family members.<BR><BR>And the biggest surprise: Anything to do with grilling! My son's host mother wouldn't let him cook in her kitchen, but occasionally allowed him to fix them a meal on the outdoor grill. We sent him a variety of marinades and seasoning mixes throughout the year. They really seemed to like the basket we made up to give them when we arrived. It had a few hot sauces, some sweet and tangy BBQ sauces, and some rub mixes. <BR><BR>Hope this helps!

Fran

We are from Tampa Bay also, and we are on our way to visit our good friends (Germans) who live near Trier. They love the summer and group BBQ almost every week. They always request wing sauce and grilling sauces. Though heavy, Sam's has those sets with the Jack Daniel's grilling sauces. <BR>As for the ball caps, great idea as my friends love them and say they can't get them there. I ordered Margaritaville hats from Orlando's Margaritaville (margaritavilleorlando.com, navy, sandwich hat, $18.00). The world loves Buffet, you can't get more American, and you don't have to worry if they have sport or team preference. I also picked up a few from Old Navy for $5 (without the USA logo).<BR>I have never been keen on giving alcohol either but barware is great. Last year we took nice lead crystal decanters I found at Stein Mart that were very contemporary. They were made in Italy, but they loved them anyway. <BR>Because there is so much 'American' in Germany, giving something just because it is from here is not always a hit. I don't take alcohol just because I worry about damage. <BR>Have a great time - you will love it over there!!<BR>F

Maira

It is a bit confusing to me why alcohol is not a good idea to bring to German friends/business acquaintances. It is actually a more appropriate gift that some of the stuff proposed, which would be great ideas for relatives and such, but ill advised in the business relation context.<BR><BR>I was in a similar situation some time back and we decided on a couple of wine bottles (Riesling) from the NY Finger Lakes Region. There were a number of German inmigrants that started wineries in this region (great wineries along the Seneca Fall Wine Trial!). The NY-produced Riesling wine was very, very well received by our friends, who actually told us they had people over just to sample the wine, it was such a topic of conversation (specially since Riesling wine goes well with roast pork and grilled chicken, staples of the German diet). The price? $10/bottle. It can be ordered over the Internet (Glenora Winery is one recommended).