kawh

i would go with something that's born-in-nyc.
zabars coffee or such... dean and deluca spice rubs... that sort of thing.??

sparkchaser

Germans love their coffee, some locally roasted beans would be a great idea.

Tulips

A Belgian friend of mine was given some Peanut Butter Cups (Reeces?) by an American. Everyone in their office thought these were totally disgusting. They don't like peanut butter here, and have plenty of good chocolate. It was not a good present to take to Belgium.

So be careful with food presents!

For me, I'd be happy with something from Williams Sonoma, I love that store; some Halloween candy for the kids, or some decorating or baking things. But that's just me, because I like baking and a lot of that stuff is not available here.

sparkchaser

It's possible that the negative reaction was because of the sub-par chocolate and not the peanut butter.

But yeah, food presents can be hit or miss.

I brought back a bag of twizzlers for my corkers and all of the Germans and Czech hated them. The South Africans I worked with liked them. The salt water taffy, however, was a huge hit.

WeisserTee

"A Belgian friend of mine was given some Peanut Butter Cups (Reeces?) by an American. Everyone in their office thought these were totally disgusting."

Switzerland is also no slouch when it comes to chocolate, but they are very popular in this part of the country and not just with expats. The "Lollipops" candy stores sell a lot of them. I brought back a large bag of Reese's from my last trip to the U.S., put them out in the department kitchen and they were gone in two hours (and I'm the only American in my office building).

MissPrism

Calendars, key-rings, coasters, mouse mats, tea towels, stationery, cloth shopping bags all with local scenes or logos. iPhone cover, Kindle cover . Memory stick? You can get some quite quirky ones
I'd definitely avoid food gifts unless specifically requested.

sparkchaser

There are quirky USB sticks in Europe too. And the prices aren't too bad. Ditto for any kind of phone/eReader covers.

MissPrism

Indeed, but I was suggesting items with a New York theme

sparkchaser

Sorry. I misread your period as a period.

MmePerdu

When I stay with people in Europe I take them out to dinner. I cannot imagine anyone being thrilled about most of the things mentioned, especially chocolate anything from the US. Bringing a gift to someone you hardly know is almost guaranteed to disappoint, whereas lunch or dinner in THEIR favorite restaurant cannot go wrong.

IMDonehere

A Belgian friend of mine was given some Peanut Butter Cups (Reeces?) by an American. Everyone in their office thought these were totally disgusting.
_______
It is a stupid gift in any country.

It is like a Brit giving an American a bottle of Marmite with the greatest of expectations.

Odin

I like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups that are from the US. They taste different to the ones you buy in the UK.

MmePerdu

Therein lies the catch. It's all so subjective.

NewbE

<It's all so subjective.>
Exactly, and the OP does not know his/her hosts well, which, to my mind, means that s/he can't really go wrong. Choose thoughtfully based on your own tastes and your ability to transport the items, because it's the thought that counts.

MmePerdu

Lunch or dinner out is also a "thought that counts" and they're sure to even like it. The rest is a shot in the dark and I disagree with "can't go wrong", unless landing in the trash doesn't count.

kerouac

Frankly, a meal invitation is among the most appreciated gifts in France. But if these are really people that you hardly know, it is better to give no gift at all rather than something they might hate. If worse comes to worst, a locally bought bottle of champagne or cognac is always appreciated, even by non-drinkers because they can pass it along or serve it in turn when they receive guests who like it.

MmePerdu

Thank you, k., a bad gift isn't appreciated unless a good laugh for years afterward counts.

bvlenci

I think some cloth shopping bags from New York museums would be great. They take up almost no space and weigh almost nothing. Everyone can use them, and it's better than a shopping bag with the logo of your local grocer. The last time I was in London, I got some cloth shopping bags from the V&A. I also have some from other museums in Europe.

I live in Italy, and it's something I've bought as gifts for friends and relatives in other countries.

A relative in the US once bought place mats (not with tourist themes) as a gift for an Italian family, and they were much appreciated. Places mats are available here (they're called "tovagliette americane") but there isn't a great selection. I would imagine they'd be widely available in Berlin. A lot of craft magazines sold here are translated from German and "tovagliette americane" are a popular item in these magazines. I don't know if they're as available in Paris. It's another thing easy to carry and useful for busy young working couples.

Pepper_von_snoot

I was just in Fishes Eddy to buy wine glasses.



Germans LOVE Heidi Klum.



Thin

kerouac

Placemats in France go by the name "set de table."