Do they have any special interests? For example, if they fish, then I'd get them a good coffee table book on flyfishing (or surf fishing, or what have you) in the U.S. and copies of the latest field and stream magazines.
Are they working in the high tech, then you could perhaps buy them a few months' subscription to the Safari online technical library (you read the books online, rather than having them sent to your house, plus it has the advantage that you can read only the parts that interest you). My husband uses it almost every day.
http://safari.awprofessional.com/

Do they like working with wood? Perhaps a coffee table book on Shaker furniture and woodworking.

Are they cooks or gardeners? Again, there are plenty of books that might interest them. But try to find one that has recipes in metric measurements and not just imperial.

Are they golfers or skiers? A world of gift ideas there. For example, a golf shirt--but only from Cutter and Buck (www.cutterbuck.com).

ssh - I'll take your snow globe but as for yer bourbon - ferget it

What would I like - take me out to dinner. Tell me that is your plan when you arrive so it doesn't seem like a last minute decision.
Other than that - find out enough about me that you can make a good choice.
California wine? Might as well bring me a Hershey bar.

Not only have your suggestions been helpful but most delightful. I think I'm heading towards wine for one and dinners for the other two nad maybe some wild rice thrown in. It's tough. I don't know a thing about them except they are far distant, helpful people.

Betty

I have moved from NY to the south and quite often stay with old friends. For gifts I like to bring food items such as hushpuppy mix or something similar from the south. This goes over real big. Calendars or small picture books of our area, local artwork or signed books from local authors are all well received. I would assume friends from Europe would appreciate these types of items as well.