Hello everyone!
This summer I am staying with some acquaintances and would like give little something as a gift for their hospitality.

In Germany, it is a middle-aged couple. In France, I will be splitting the time between two families- each with about 6 children whose ages range between preteen to mid twenties.

I have a limited amount of space because i will not be checking any bags; the gifts need to be small.
(preferably something that is unique to the US or even better, from the Philadelphia or South Jersey area.)

I would greatly appreciate the advice, thanks!

I have stayed with family ( not close family) in France and friends in UK, I always make a point of taking them out to dinner, since I am getting free accomadations I am still coming out ahead, and the hosts seeem to enjoy a dinner out as most people do. I just point blank say I would like to take them out to dinner and could they choose a place, they have never chosen somewhere really expensive( would you if you had friends staying with you)
I think it would be hard to find something that appeals to 6 different kids, varying ages and sexes, so perhaps just a coffee table book from where you are from? Is there a local candy your area is known for( for Canadians we would likely think of maple syrup candy, or for grown ups smoked salmon, but thats here,, you know your area better) .

Don't know about germany but in France flowers are always acceptable and nice.

I agree with the idea of taking people out to dinner. Explain that luggage space is restricted and people won't mind. If I was hosting, I'd rather have a good meal than something I might not like from somewhere I've never been. There are very few things you can't buy in Europe now if you want them.

I was going to say flowers as well, and taking them out to dinner is a great idea.

Remember, they'll have photographs of your stay to keep as mementos, and if you send them a nice handwritten thank-you note afterwards it can serve as a nice keepsake as well.

hmm, i don't know if i can afford taking 3 families out to eat, but thanks!

Is there any American candy that is not found/difficult to find in Europe?

In US Hershey Kisses are available in a huge variety of flavors that are not readily available in other parts of the world.

I also like the Nips boxes as they are small enough to carry overseas. In addition Tootsie Rolls are favorite of many abroad.

When you buy candy, make sure the package says "Made in US."
For smaller kids I like to carry Slinkies and Yo Yos as you can find those also in a huge variety and kids always like a new toy. One time I took hand puppets----Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Tweety and even Big Bird.

Although taking folks out to dinner is great idea, I think many people like to get a something from another land.

I don't know why any European would want to eat American candy. On the few occasions I have brought a gift to Europeans, it's been a picture book about the area I live in in the USA - nothing huge and heavy, but a small coffee-table-type informative, colorful book describing where I live.

StCirq,, children enjoy candy,, you do remember childhood don't you,, ? lol
Secondly my candy suggestion was based in it being something different, and in my case Maplesugar Candy is very Canadian, and very unusual. I don't know what would be similar from where op is from though.

The dinner idea is based on the free accomadation savings, but I guess op needs the the free accomadation to make their trip budget work.Understandable. I figure about 100 euros per night in savings staying free with someone, so if I stay with someone for 3 nights, even if I spend 200 euros on dinner I figure I have come out ahead.

Yes, i am poor, this trip is mostly being paid for(as a high school graduation present). I wouldn't be able to afford the trip otherwise. So taking 3 families out to dinner is out of the question, although it is a great idea. I think i'll go with a little book and some candy for each. Hopefully they'll fit in my suitcase.

I know that some of you have already offered some candy brands, but is there any kind of American candy that Europeans especially rave about that you've heard?

The best gift a young person in your position can give is to be a great guest. Like --, or act like you like -- everything, be neat, be pleasant, be appreciative.

If you must take something there maybe for the couple a beautiful calendar with USA nature or famous landmarks. For the family yes tootsie candy not because it is so great but because it is one kind you don't really find in Europe. I have taken one of those bags of mixed assortment with tootsie rolls, tootsie pops, tootsie drops, etc. and it has been a big hit.

It doesn't really matter what it is, it's the thought that counts. Others might say tea towels, CDs, bookmarks, little flashlights shaped like the liberty bell, or whatnot. . . it's just whatever you find fun and affordable.

Taking Hershey Kisses, which is cheap drugstore candy, would be very embarrassing. These "kids" are mostly grownups or pretty old. Besides, it isn't good to give children candy or anything, you have no idea if their parents would even approve.

Hi PR - I like your thoughtfulness for your guests . with that attitude I'm sure you'll have no problem fitting in with your hosts, and like laurie says, if in doubt, smile!

as for a gift, if it were me, the calendar of beautiful places in your country or area would be very acceptable. it will be something to remind them of you for the next year, and reasonably light for you to carry.

if taking them out for a meal is too much, and i well understand that, how about offering to cook something for them? a typical dish from your region would go down well, I should think.

Perhaps salt water taffy for the kids? It's roiginally from Atlantic City.

Well missed about the "kids" being older, I wouldn't bring the adult children anything,, but the "preteens" are certainly not too old for candy, since that is younger then 13.. not old at all.

People will not like Hersheys chocolates. They are used to a very different taste. I once bought a pack of H. Kisses and found it to taste repulsive. I offered them to 3 other people, all 3 went to the bathroom to spit! Chocolates don't taste like that.

In most of Europe they are trying to phase out plastic shopping bags. One of our American friends brought a lot of nice cotton shopping bags with her and gave them to all the friends she visited. Hers had American birds on them.
What about fold-out postcards with local scenes?
They are quite small and don't cost much.
I'd echo the remarks about American chocolates. The main reason I didn't end up like a captive balloon when I was over there was that I couldn't stomach the chocolate and biscuits (cookies).

Where can these little coffee table picture books be found?

How about a book on photography from around the world? One of the best things about traveling is that it gives you a sense of how small the world is, rather than how different we all are. Check out this book in particular:
http://www.delightem.com/wish_list_items/732

You might also consider a cook book from a regional chef that shows off the cuisine from your local area. That is one of the best things about staying with family/friends/locals in another country is experiencing their food. Return the favor by cooking them dinner and giving them a recipe book from where you live.

Have fun!
The Delightem Team
www.delightem.com